Customer Reviews

Logozo

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This is the 4th album of the petite Beninois singer and it transcends the category "world music" since all the fast numbers could fit snugly in the dance music genre, thanks mainly to the slick production of Joe Galdo who also twiddled the knobs for Gloria Estefan's Miami Sound Machine. The result is a vibrant clubland mix of reggae, funk and African Beat with rattling, percolating percussion above which her highly distinctive voice soars and swirls. Most of the tracks were co-composed by Kidjo and her husband, the bassist Jean Hebrail. "Batonga", the opener is a foot-tapping dance track whilst the tender ballad "Logozo" gives her voice the chance to shine in all its glory. Accompanied by acoustic guitar, her voice also impresses highly on Miriam Makeba's "Malaika." A remix of the title track of her 1985 album "Ewa Ka Djo" is another floor-filler, as are the reggae-tinged "Kaleta"(lovely synth melody) and the complex "Eledjire" with its Nigerian polyrhythms. Angelique sings in French, Yoruba, Fon, Mina and Swahili and is assisted by Branford Marsalis and Manu Dibango on sax and Ray Lema on background vocals. Forget about techno, dance to this!

I have been following Angelique Kidjo since the release of this album. I have all her albums and still like this one the best. The energy in this release is incredible. Angelique's powerful vocals are something which set her apart from most other signers. She is touring the US this year (2001) - I'm planning to catch her at the Hollywood Bowl in mid August. She is a great performer so try to see her while on tour.

i saw angelique perform when i was in the ivory coast in 1992...she was fantastic and i have enjoyed this album immensely. it is a blast of catchy pop tunes along with folk-sy melodies. i highly recommend it to all who are looking for a strong female vocalist with a groove and an attitude.

Batonga was the first international song that got me hooked to all international music...because of this song I have since expanding my foreign music collection a lot...Logozo is very soothing and all songs give you feeling of present-day Africa.

A nice blend of African grooves, pop and a taste of house with Fon and Yoruba lyrics. This should set a trend???