Customer Reviews

Boonoonoonoos

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"Boonoonoonoos" is a masterpiece of an album! Despite being quite different to Boney M.'s previous disco-orientated albums it's pure beauty and a departure in experimenting new musical styles. The title medley opens with the mysterious and dreamy "Boonoonoonoos" with the finest ever blend of Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett's vocals before it transform to the happy tongue-'n-cheek "Train To Skaville" jam (first time that male member Bobby Farrell actually appeared on record) and into the organplay of the "I Shall Sing" chant. Mastermind Frank Farian takes Boney M. into Giorgio Moroder-territory with "Silly Confusion" travelling in the universe on silver wings and time machines for 7 min. Then "Ride To Agadir" opens with a mighty acapella and then breaking into a gorgeous musical voyage with the London Symphonic Orchestra. While the dazy "African Moon" closes side 1, side 2 opens massively with an untypical rock approach sung by Marcia Barrett - "We Kill The World" - and then transforming into a slow ABBA-esque part "Don't Kill The World" joined by a children's choir. "Homeland Africa" follows with a truly haunting chorus and some sad, dreamy, longing vocals. "Malaika" - an African traditional - is a very good song (although it's an edit version included on the CD) with Liz Mitchell's impeccable lead vocal. The album closes with "Goodbye My Friend" with a troubadour-like verse, an almost tribal chant chorus and a drum play part like a funeral march. The album is not a party player, it's not an easily accessible album but it's a marvellous beauty to listen to.

I can't believe I finally got my favorite CD. Off course, at the time I had it, it was on LP. This was in the early 1980s while I was still living in Nigeria. Boney M was so popular!. When I came to the States I left my album and couldn't get it back. This CD, with tracks like African Moon, Ride to Agadir and Breakaway, is my all time favorite. I was disappointed when I came to the States and found out that these guys were not well known. Thanks to internet technology, I now have this CD and will definetly buy more of their their music. I highly reocmmend this CD to anyone that loves music that is heartwarming, melodious, easy to listen with a variation of disco. I wish the Goup well in whatever they are doing these days.. If anyone has information about the group's current activity, please share.

Though Boney M. is largely unknown in this country, everyone I know who has listened to their music falls in love with it. Combining ethnic folk songs, classic American pop and soul, and island rhythms, Boney M. consistently makes interesting albums. Boonoonoonoos is one of their greatest accomplishments. The Caribbean influences hinted at in earlier works are fully embraced. Producer Frank Farian, known also for No Mercy ("Where Do You Go") and the now-infamous Milli Vanilli, has a great ear for melody and superb production values. He also has the money and taste to use the best musicians and vocalists in Europe. There is not a clunker in this lineup and some songs, such as "African Moon," rank with the best I've ever heard. Buy anything by Boney M. you can find and afford, and start with this album if you can.

i completely agree with the previous review; when this album was released in 1981 it was a commercial failure and boney m. were history, however it is a very good album; like abba's 'the visitors', the original formation's swansong is the group's most mature and engaged collection to date; almost every song here features mature lyrics which are either socially or historically aware; only 'sad movies' is a throwaway and somewhat out of place, the rest is beautifully performed; a personal favourite is 'jimmy'

Excellent lyrics, voice, sequence and the dove-tailing into "I shall sing" is superb.

Having this cd in my music collection at this moment in time, fills my heart with great joy, especially after several years of relentless search for it. I grew up in a household where the songs of 'Boney M' were constantly played and danced to, in Nigeria. I was, to say the least, very shocked and disappointed when I realized that this group was very unpopular in the United States. Hmm! I bet most of my American friends have not heard such beautiful songs as 'Malaika' 'Sad Movies' and my most favorite 'Consuela Bias'in their entire lives before. Thanks to the internet for hooking me up with this evergreen piece of music.