Customer Reviews

Premium Gold

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have not actually heard this particular album, but am familiar with all the tracks on it. This is a great collection of Johnny Clegg's work post Juluka and would be the perfect starting point for an introduction to the man and his music. Clegg sucessfully blends South African "township" music with "white" rock and creates a powerful and vibrant sound which encapsulates the mystique and vastness of Africa (Great Heart) and at other times the "Cry Freedom" voice of victims of apartheid, Asimbonaga being a great stadium anthem with a hugely powerful political message. This is better than the Putumayo collection, and less "rootsy" then his work with Juluka. If you can ever catch him live, it's well worth it. You'll soon see why he's affectionately known as the White Zulu.

I first heard Johnny Clegg's song "Dela" while watching George of the Jungle, and it was such a happy delightful song that I replayed it umpteen times. Later when a friend introduced me to Johnny Clegg's albums, I was enchanted. I consider his songs my happy songs, even though many of them are about very deep and sad themes. I found particularly thought provoking his song "One Man, One Vote" which was banned in S. Africa because of its anti-apartheid theme. "Third World Child" is also thought-provoking -- "They said -- you should speak a little bit of English, maybe practice birth control, stay away from controversial politics, so to save my third world soul." Somehow the lyrics strike a chord in anyone with an awareness of life in the two-thirds world. My favorite Johnny Clegg songs will always be "I Call Your Name" and "Dela", Dela being a Zulu word meaning "complete recognition of my heart's home," great term for sharing with that significant other in your life. The album ends with a provocative song "Your time will come" in which in the middle of the song speaking voices say, "I saw the Berlin Wall fall, I saw Mandela walk free . . ." and the song takes over, "Dream on, dream on." Hopeful lyrics in our day and age. This album takes my favorites of Johnny Clegg & combines them on one album. Every song here is terrific. I'd give it 10 stars if I could! :)

I first heard of Johnny Clegg and Savuka years ago when my friend saw them open for the Grateful Dead. I bought the c.d. at his suggestion, and this is one of my favorites. We took it along with us when we backpacked through South Africa three years ago, and were not the only ones listening to it.

It symbolizes all that makes up South Africa's tumultuous beauty - gorgeous rhythms, volatile politics, beautiful people, kaleidoscopic scenery and amazing beaches. For anyone who wants to get in touch with South Africa's energy, this is highly recommended.

I have a couple hundred CDs of all types, and this album is my favorite. There is not even a single average track here. Simply a wonderful album.

I LOVE EVERY SONG ON THIS CD! IT fits every mood, and it's great music!

If you are just getting into Johnny Clegg and his music, this is the album to start with!! This album contains most of my favorites, with the exception of "Jericho", "Deliwe", and the poignant "Kwela Man". Johnny Clegg has a special magic in his singing, a special way of presenting his music, that I've never heard from any other singer. The rhythm and syncopation of his work is unique, and if I could choose only one album to listen to the rest of my life, this one would be it.

Long a fan of Johnny Clegg, I was reminded of his music after renting George of the Jungle for my 5-year old daughter. She loved the song Dela, so I dug out my "copy of a Canadian copy" cassette from at least 15 years ago. Have since purchased this CD (close, but not the same songs as the cassette) so I can revel in it again. My daughter loves the rhythms and African lyrics, dances with abandon and sings "one man, one vote" at the top of her lungs. Joyous, intelligent, righteous music all the way around. You can't go wrong!

This CD gives me goosebumps when I listen to it. Breathtaking harmonies and melodies catch you before you even listen to the lyrics. Fans of world music will find an amazing blending of styles and music types from this one extraordinary group of musicians. I have been a big fan of world music for a long time, but if you are new to it, give this CD a chance - it is wonderful!

I was having a REALLY bad day when my order from Amazon containing this CD arrived. I can barely put into words how listening to this music makes my heart swell and the cares of my world slip away.