Customer Reviews

Papa

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

 

 

Heard this playing in a Unicef gift shop and had to have it. Got it home and have listened to it straight for 3 days now. Interesting to read other reviews, seeing those that say this is his worst, others saying it is his best. All I know is I am very excited to have discovered this artist, as his music and lyrics stir my heart. I enjoy the photographs in the CD jacket very much and hearing Grace Jones' voice blended into the songs was a surprise and a delight.

The latest album by Salif Keita, one of the great singers of Mali, is a revelation - particularly to me. Previously I had read of his stature in West Africa (see the Rough Guide to World Music), but hadn't caught up with the music itself. This album demonstrates that the best beats in the world come from Mali. I defy anyone listening to this disk to keep their feet from tapping, and their hips from twisting for longer than a few seconds. But the groove is not all there is on this immaculate album that hasn't been out of my player for days now. There are delicate instrumental arrangements from, among others, Toumani Diabate; enough western influence to keep most blues or rock fans happy (check out the wild guitar solo on the final track); and real sensitivity on the title track, written in memory of his father. All that and Grace Jones, too. If you like any African blues-influenced music you'll love this. Even if you don't, do yourself a favour and listen to this wonderous record.

This is a great CD! I picked it up at the Orly (Paris) Airport in June and haven't stopped listening to it since. The best thing is you don't have to understand French to enjoy this one. I'm now looking for another title by the same artist.

Salif Keita is one of the most prolific and gifted West African musicians out there...bar none. However, I think this album does him a little injustice. The soulful lament is still there but the seeming traditional musical element has been replaced by an overwhelming westernized production feel. When I listen to this album I don't get THAT feeling that endeared me to the FOLON disc.

Just go out and buy it! It's heart pumping, world beat thumping music. It can't possibly disappoint anyone with a working aorta and/or other valve! "It's got a dance beat, you can't lose it, whatever way you choose it!! Refined in the fire World Beat disc. Just put it on and play it and tell me I'm wrong!! This is a monster disc!@!
BEK

THis is definitely one of Mr. Keita's better works. In fact, it may be exceeded only by his last album, Folon. There are a couple of jams here and "Papa" the title track is stirring. There are just a couple places where things get bland. But overall, it is Salif at his dramatic best.

I picked this CD up yesterday, and I am amazed at the consistent brilliance of all the numbers. Salif Keita's voice is the best and really stirred me to feel heartache. I wish he produces more brilliant material like this.

"Papa" achieves the confluence of east and west that Keita has sought for years. Credit co-producer Vernon Reid for knowing just when to insert a wild guitar solo or backup chicks singing english and when to shut up and let Salif wail. While not as propulsive as some Afropop, this one is hook-filled and straightforward enought to win over even reluctant American listeners. World music, indeed.

Salif Keita has bounced back in a new mega sound and new crossover to claim his crown as one of the best music messengers across the globe. The lyrics are honest and penetrate deep into the core of your heart, and his voice so sweet like that of mother singing a lullaby to her child. I think in Papa, Keita has made his father, Sina Keita, proud whereever he is and surely he will rest in peace as his son sings a lament for him.

I love Salif Keita's music. I have all of his albums. But, this one is his worst recording since his first album (lead singer of the Rail Band of Bamako). I hope this is not a decline in his musical talent.