Customer Reviews

Egypt

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is quite a departure from his mbalaax and Peter Gabriel oriented world music pop. Instead, Youssou infuses this CD with the flavours, the scents the rhythms of Egyptian traditional and orchestral music, creating a captivating percolation of North African textures that transport the listener through the sand storms of the northern Sahara to arrive in the oasesin sight of the pyramids. The music is thus more hypnotic and angular than his pop stuff, and it is refreshing not to hear an American or British voice breaking through. This is all this amazing Senegalese working with a sympathetic clique of like minded percusiionists, string and flute players and guitarists.
It is a Nonesuch recording, so the integrity of the natural sound is presented so purely that it is an aural wonder to listen to, and marks a significant departure from anything else he has done. The songs are a combination of prayers, "Allah,", Epictatan morality injunctions "Mahdiyu Laye," historical encomiums "Baay Niasse", and wise entreaties designed to bring you to a place of peace "Touba - Daru Salaam". They are in each case a reflection of Senegal's Sufi tradition, and Youssou treats them with respect and passion. He quotes the Sengalese patriot Mamadou Dia: "Love, in Islam, is not intellectual, but visceral." and that is so much to how the subtlety in this collection is delivered. Youssou handled the production in Dakar and in Cairo, and the sympatico he evokes among the usicians works so seamlessly, they are as one throught each track. I think you'll find this CD is one of his most satisfying ever.

On this beautiful CD, Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour both returns to his roots and brings in new influences, looking to the east for inspiration. Featuring a full classical Arab orchestra directed by Egyptian conductor Fathy Salama alongside traditional Senegalese musicians, this CD was born from recording studios in Cairo and Dakar. Classical Arab instruments like the 'oud, violin, tabla and ney meld seemlessly with African percussion, the kora and Youssou N'Dour's marvellous vocals in the Wolof language. The resulting fusion is a masterpiece of world music, and carries a strong Sufi resonance from both countries. After all, despite the geographic distance, Senegal shares a great deal of Muslim heritage with Egypt and the other Arab states, so this CD shouldn't be too surprising.

Listening to the CD, one can feel the passion and intensity that Youssou N'Dour and the other musicians feel for God. I don't want to make it out as if this CD is only for followers of Islam. Anyone can appreciate the beauty and wonder of this music; it speaks to your very soul of love and compassion. Songs like "Shukran Bamba", "Tijaniyya" "Touba - Daru Salaam" and "Allah" are easy to appreciate even if you don't speak Wolof. The booklet includes translations of the lyrics so that English-speakers can appreciate the poetry and creativity of the songs. I was very excited when this CD was released (and Thione Seck's similar "Orientisme" in which he collaborated with artists from Senegal, Egypt and India), but had put off buying it for too long. I'm glad I finally got around to buying this CD, and I hope that other lovers of African music (and classical Arabic music) go and check this out. This is a wonderful cross-cultural experience, and well worth hearing.

Mr. N'Dour has, for years, been one of world music's leading ambassadors, and Egypt will continue expanding our musical boundaries in the west. As a typical US citizen, I can't understand the lyrics here. But his passion, performance and the score convey the urgency and soulfulness of the songs.

I get the message.

The safe thing for Mr. N'Dour would have been to stylistically return to his breakout CD of a decade ago, The Guide, arguably one of the best releases ever. But to his credit as a genuine artist, he has matured and evolved into a new area. Art is not static, especially in music. And if that measure of value is applied here, then this definietly qualifies as a CD worthy of repeated listening.

This CD is excellent. The music is moving and the lyrics, read in translation, with their passionate praise of various people in Senegal and Africa, are wonderfully affirming.

This is my first encounter with Youssou N'Dour, but from the first song I knew I'd found something good. The music is uplifting, playful, and beautiful. The singing is pleasant, easy on the ear.
The multiple instruments makes for a rich performance. It's almost like a mix of African and Mediterranean sounds -- a mix I like well.

There are only 8 songs, but they run 4-5 minutes, so it's not too short, and it's the type of music you could play over and over again.
The songs I enjoy most: Shukran Bamba, Bamba The Poet, Touba - Daru Salaam

Should you like World music at all, or the style of the 'Pure Moods' series, I think you will enjoy this CD.

N'Dour's latest release EGYPT is different yet again: EGYPT retains N'Dour's homage to Egypt and the heartland of Sufism, blends in his Senegal sound with Middle East influences, and showcases these influences more than many of his other albums.

This album's arab-african sound is immediately catchy...and almost singable, even without knowing the language. This album is upbeat and beautiful, and is a great cutural piece in a climate where things Arabic or Islamic are stigmatized as threatening.

Youssou N'Dour is to Senegal what Fela Kuti was to Nigeria. Moreover, he moves far beyond the borders of Senegal and Africa having embraced World Music and recorded with Paul Simon and others.

Egypt features him with a full Egyptian orchestra and as always the result is invigorating, enlightening and enjoyable. While I doubt you will understand the lyrics, the music speaks for itself and the message is rewarding.

My only complaint is the 41 minute running time for this CD. I don't believe these were the only tracks recorded. If you want traditional Senegalese music then pass on this album. If you want to experience a hybrid musical experience then buy this album. If you are unsure then buy a low-priced used version. It is worth a $5.00 investment.

I did like this album when i bought it. Infact I would have definetly given it a higher rating then - but now, after listening to it a few times, I realize the album really begins to weigh too much on you and the songs grow stale. They are great songs, and they should be appreciated, but really listen to it in moderation.