Ne La Thiass

Cheikh Lo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 1997)
• Original Release Date: July 1, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B000005J52
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,239 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #49 in Music > World Music > Africa > Senegal & Gambia

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Youssou N'Dour represents the sophisticated urban edge of Senegal, electric and energetic, then Cheikh Lô is the more organic, spiritual side. Né La Thiass (which was produced by N'Dour) is a remarkable album, dreamy without ever floating away, its debts to Latin rhythms and Senegalese mbalax evident but subtle. Mostly this is the record of Lô, the writer and singer, the warmth of his voice shining through on every track--most particularly the title cut and the gorgeous "Guiss Guiss." It's music of the heart and an emotional reflection of Lô's commitment to his Massamba and Islam. The drums are the grounding rhythm while the melodies and voice soar. This album is strong enough evidence to confidently say that a new African star is born. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful music, August 14, 2002

By 

Barbara J. Chaplin (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ne La Thiass (Audio CD)

At the moment this is my favorite cd. The first few times I listened to it, I thought it was ok, but maybe a little bland. However, all I can say now is that it grows on you! I love it so much now that I have found myself wondering why anyone even bothers listening to anything else.
The music is almost mystical, almost trance-inducing. Certainly don't buy this cd if you want rock or dance music, but its intricate rhythms, beautiful singing, and superb guitar and drum playing make it well worth buying for anyone else. The songs have layers: each time you listen to one, you hear new things. The lyrics also have multiple possible meanings. Is the song Set, for example, about cleanliness, as the liner notes claim,... or about man's relationship to god? It's about all three, and probably others, as well.
When I first listened to this cd, I was struck, as was another reviewer, by its Cuban sound. However, since Western popular music, from blues all the way through jazz, gospel, rock, and hip hop, ultimately comes from west Africa, I think it is more appropriate to say that Cuban music sounds like it.
Anyway, its a wonderful cd.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STIRRING AND BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, June 25, 2001

By 

Larry L. Looney (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ne La Thiass (Audio CD)

The first thing I noticed about this disc was how gentle the music seemed compared with the usual African offerings on NPR -- it's definitely African, it rolls and flows in the way that only music from that continent can do -- but there are no pounding dance rhythms here, no in-your-face horn sections. There's no heavy drum kit either, but there is an earful of some of the most expressive, captivating percussion you'll ever hear. There are electric instruments, but the arrangements are tastefully understated to the point that the overall impression is of an acoustic African music at work.

And then there is the voice -- Cheikh Lo is possessed of a remarkable instrument. He never shouts or screams, but there is such power contained in his vocals that I had to go back again and again to experience it when I first discovered this remarkable disc. Even without first reading the (thoughtfully provided) English translations of these songs, I was struck by the soulfulness and spirituality they embody. Cheikh Lo sings of love, of his faith (he's a Baye Fall of the Mourides Islamic sect), of the lives and tribulations of his homeland, Senegal. His passions are honest and his conscience is deep -- 'Set' addresses itself to the need for cleanliness in the environment, so necessary for good health. The spiritual songs speak with a longing that is universal -- we can feel it in our hearts, no matter what faith we profess.

The music on this disc is powerful. It will move your spirit as well as your feet -- and you will not feel afterward as if you have been bullied, but that Cheikh Lo has been moved sufficiently by love to impart his message to you.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peace on the Heartbeat, October 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ne La Thiass (Audio CD)

How lucky are we that Youssou Ndour gave a great artist like Cheikh Lo the space to record this rare jewel in his Studio in Dakar. Cheikh Lo is singing with such inspiration and the gifted musicians ,weaving a beautiful carpet in the beat of the heart ,add something so natural and deeply moving to his spiritual voice ! This music lifts you up and cools you down at the same time and even if you are not a Baye Fall,you can feel a love for this faith through the way Mr. Lo sings about it.

Please Cheikh Lo....dont let us wait too long for your next CD !!! @:-)