Customer Reviews

Best of the Early Years

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A fine, representative collection of this Senegalese superstar's work from 1988-94. The opening tracks are gorgeous -- loping, sensuous jams with the classic West African guitar sound of the 1970s, and even a few dips into the Afro-Pop sound of Fela Kuti. The second half of this disc, though, lingers on lush, overwrought pop production styles that I personally find kind of a turn-off, but other world music fans may adore. For an even-handed look at his Maal's early career, this is a very good introduction. The liner notes can also help steer you towards individual albums that may be to your liking.

Baaba Maal's name is standard among West African musicians and he's forged a name for himself in a powerful fusion of traditional and contemporary African-based sounds; but where are his roots?

 They lie right here, in the BEST OF THE EARLY YEARS collection: simply a 'must have' for any avid Baaba Maal listener who would appreciate his 1980s and 90s efforts, from his first album Wango to the 1992 Lam Touro and beyond.