Immigres

Youssou N'Dour | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 1, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Earthworks [Virgin]
• ASIN: B00000DDD2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,771 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #42 in Music > World Music > Africa > Senegal & Gambia
  • #84 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Africa

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is the album that first brought Youssou N'Dour international attention and it's easy to see why. Apart from the gorgeous title track, his prayer for (and plea to) his Senegalese countrymen abroad, there's plenty of his arresting mbalax rhythms here, marvelously danceable with the tama drum working across the juddering beat. But it's that inimitable, eerily high voice that shines throughout. After hearing this disc, superstar Peter Gabriel became N'Dour's mentor, helping to launch him to global fame. But, in many ways, this remains far more rootsy and satisfying than much of the work he's done since; it's made for his native market without compromise. So there's a true earthiness to a track like "Taaw" with its excellent guitar work by Jimi Mbaye, and throughout N'Dour's band, Super Etoile, really get to stretch out. A seminal piece of N'Dour. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celebration, June 12, 2000

By 

Patricia A. Rice "parcay" (Cayman Islands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Immigres (Audio CD)

Whenever I listen to Youssou N'Dour's music, which is often, I feel a celebratory joy, and the music on IMMIGRES is no exception. Although the CD contains only four tracks, the total length is about thirty-five exciting minutes of pure, smooth, natural N'Dour.

According to the case insert, N'Dour released IMMIGRES in France in 1984, when he was first noticed in Europe. This particular CD, however, is copyrighted by Virgin Records, 1988. Despite this early publication, the reproduction quality is high-caliber and consistent, sharp and clean.

Three of the four tracks are upbeat; the tempo of "Pitche Mi," written by Kabou Gueye, is more moderate and soothing. The final "Badou," which appears on at least one other N'Dour CD, most strongly "feels" like the artist, with his easily recognizable blend of voice and instruments, rhythm and rhyme.

As with all Youssou N'Dour productions that I have had the pleasure of enjoying, IMMIGRES flows well within itself as well as with his other works. Despite many of the themes and lyrics, his music is a celebration of life to be shared.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intricate and Beautiful, January 7, 2006

By 

Rich Latta (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Immigres (Audio CD)

I just want to say this is some of the happiest, most uplifting music I've ever heard. The best African music can really brighten up your day when it's this good. I suffer from depression and my mood has improved since I got into afro-pop.

This is much more rootsy and authentically African than some of Youssou's more recent "pop" releases. The rhythms are big and beautiful and there are many singers along for the ride that create a big chorus sound. I don't know what they're singing about - for me it's all about the sweet feeling of joy flowing through me.

5.0 out of 5 stars Youssou N'Dour...Immigres, February 9, 2011

By 

rick mangun (new lenox, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Immigres (Audio CD)

Immigres (1984)was rated at 24 of 50 albums that changed music in the last 50 years...The charismatic N'Dour, Senegal's top star, changed the West's perception of African musicians, just as he had revolutionized Senegalese music. Nothing sounded like the fusion on Immigres, with its lopsided rhythms, whooping talking drums and discordant horns, topped by N'Dour's supple, powerful vocals. Immigres also redefined the role of West African griot, addressing migration and African identity.

Without this ... N'Dour wouldn't have met Peter Gabriel, there'd have been no African presence at Live 8. In fact, "world music" would not exist as a section in Western collections.

Youssou's later music was affected by his work with Peter Gabriel...(compare the two collections below)


In addition listen to: Etoile De Dakar- Once Upon A Time In Senegal(The Birth Of Mbalax)1979-1981, 7 Seconds: The Best Of Youssou N'Dour (2004)