Customer Reviews

Oremi + We Are One

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I saw Kidjo's stage show a few years back here in Emerald City at one of my favorite watering holes/live show venues....the rhythm, the ancestral motif, the techno/hip-hop flavoring, the seductive backgound singers and dancers, Kidjo's ball-of-fire performance....I fell deeply in love with her. Who wouldn't, I ask ya? She's been out for a little while and this album "Oremi", as one of the other reviewers stated, is one that melds the US hip-hop to the African music/World Beat music (I am not sure of the proper term for it, so if you're a description purist, forgive me.) that she generally does...I purchased the CD "Logozo" some years back and lemme tellya, she really shouldn't worry about capturing that US R&B audience--"Logozo" was bumpin'and thumpin' and though it was sung all in her language, I really don't need a translator to feel what she means, dig? This CD "Oremi" quite does the same thing. It is so strong that it will make you a Kidjo fan forever.

I adore Kidjo, recorded and in concert. Her previous CD's are among my favorite music of all time - vibrant, unique, melding diverse cultural rhythms and themes while still keeping her essential West African flair. This album, however, seems a too-obvious ploy to capture a Western audience. There are numerous songs in English, which is not bad in itself, except the lyrics are painfully trite. Much of what was elegant jazzy and bluesy strains on her previous work has been replaced by a funk sound that seems to have come straight out of a bad 80's black sitcom; much of the distinct West Africa quality is lacking as well. Do get her earlier work - Fifa, Aye, Logozo, for they are truly brilliant. This, however, is Kidjo light, less filling and less satisfying. Interestingly, this is the only Kidjo album with a monochrome cover. Even her photo - contrite, in Western dress and with her radically shaved head covered, telegraphs surrender. Maybe she's trying to tell us something. I recently copied all my Kidjo CD's to iTunes; well, almost all. I left this one on the shelf.

I got turned on to Oremi and after hearing it, hunted until I found FIFA and AYE (thank you Amazon.com). The music and beats are infectious and it really doesn't bother me that I can't understand a thing she's saying. Because with a voice that beautiful, it's all about the music. The lyrics I do understand (like Open Your Eyes) are worthy of being sung again and again. Also, compared to the lyrics of a lot of the songs on the radio, I don't mind my 5 yr old daughter singing her way phonetically through this gem of an album. Kelly Price, Branford Marsallis and Cassandra Wilson were pleasant surprises on an already completely satisfying CD.

excellent album to widen your musical horizons without worrying about buying something you'll dislike when you take a close listen. not only has this album withstood that test, but i've been walking around with the music in my head for the past week!! heck, my boss *and* our secretary *both* borrowed the CD because they liked the sound, and will probably buy copies of their own!

Running through the busy airport in Minneapolis, trying not to miss my plane, passed a "nature" store and was engulfed by the vibes protuding from the music being played within. Did an immediate turn-around (would have rather missed the flight than not knowing the artist) and asked a salesperson what music they were playing and if they sold copies of the cd. The lady said, "Yes", and handed me Angelique's "Oremi". Have been in love with her music and all of her cd's ever since. Hoping there are many, many, many more to come!

I wish there were a way to recommend Ms. Kidjo without people already knowing of her and looking for this site. I had no idea who she was, and I saw her perform in a music studio in NY and fell HEAD OVER HEELS in love with her music. I now have every one of her CDs, but I think this latest one is her best. If you don't mind not understanding lyrics (most of hers are in Fon and Wolof), she is remarkably easy to listen to and like. Her songs are, in turns, sexy, sad, passionate, melancholic...she has a magical, insanely powerful voice that she puts to ingenious use. Short of flying to Paris (where she is evidently quite a phenomenon), I recommend that anyone interested do whatever you can to get your hands on some of her work. Happy listening!

Everything about this record is transcendent, and the added tracks make it a listening banquet. Meanwhile, her version of "Voodoo Child" should be used in a new film soundtrack so it can yet earn the Grammy it truly deserves. Jimi Hendrix is smiling down on Angelique, and feeling proud, I'm sure.

Angelique music is the best. A singer that has won my heart and desire to own all she has done. What a voice she has. I find Angelique music so restfull. You will never regret having any of her CD,s as she is the best.

I was at a concert in Portland Oregon (The String Cheese Incident)for NYE, and during the set break - this funky version of Voodoo Child came on. I was blown away and continued to listen to this CD. I ran to the soundboard and asked "Whats the deal w/ this music - Im melting? " The rest is history.

I got this cd as a birthday present,having never heard her before, and now it's the ONLY thing I want to listen to in the car!! This is one of those cd's without a bad track. I could go on and on, but.... just get this!!