Customer Reviews

Set

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a big fan of Youssou N'Dour, and I think this is still his best CD. All of the songs are enjoyable; there are no "throwaways" on this one! The songs range from the quiet string-backed "Xale," to the frenetic "Alboury," and all of them serve up Youssou's soaring voice at its best. Most of the lyrics are in Wolof, but quite a few are in English, and are well done. My favorites include "Set," "Feenene," and especially, "Toxiques."

One more great thing about this CD: it sounds great! If you have a good sound system, especially with great bass response (with a subwoofer for example,) you'll love the sound of this CD. In fact, I think its a great CD to bring with you when shopping for any level of sound system.

I was hooked on Youssou's music since I listened to this album. I was amazed at his vocal abilities and that his voice is perfect for the music. I love the way drums are used in the songs especially the talking drum (Tama) which appears frequently. He creates a wonderful variety of songs. Each of the song is distinct from others in rhythm and theme. Slow songs relaxes me after some fervent dancing with tracks like "Set" which is the best dance music I have ever heard. It is unlike anything that's around in the west. The drums moves the body! 13 tracks and 49 minutes.

Youssou's voice is incredible, whether he sings fast or slow. You can recognise his voice after one word of singing; he's unique! Rhythm is great, good dance music. I also appreciate his other cd's very much, especially "Immigrés".

I agree with the reviewer's comment; this is a Youssou N'Dour album without so much of the "sweetening" added for so-called "Westerners," even though the latter are great albums for their purpose. On the other hand, those who appreciate Youssou's "Set" should definitely check out the Lemzo Diamono Group's CD, "Marimbalax" (see my review) or one of the classic albums by the legendary Senegalese band "Xalam." Welcome to urban Africa!

you are only going to get one album by Youssou, this should be it. But, thats like eating one potato chip...

Twelve years ago, i started to listen to Youssou. I do not regret to choose him as my favorite singer. I have all his album and Set is one that i really like. No singer can compare his voice to Youssou's. The album contains songs that will make you happy all day. If it's your first time to know Youssou, go buy the album and i guarantee that you will become one of his fan.

This is one of the best albums of the 90's bar none. It catches YND just before he was set upon by western moneygrubbers, like Spike Lee, resulting in the mediocre "Eyes Open". It beats most other African music in its variety and sophistication. This album alone makes YND one of the great world music artists alive today.

I'd already heard the "Wommat" album before, but this one is really overwhelming. The sutil arrangements in some songs makes you feel blue, close to some thin air that wraps you. And the complex, textured instrumentation of the remaining songs touches directly your body. Rythm is the word for Youssou N'Dour. Rythm of the spirit.

I recently heard Youssou N'dour on an NPR broadcast of a recorded live performace at Carnegie Hall. I was like wow. This man and his band are great. Great vocals, and great percusssion, and just super. So imagine my disappointment with this album, which completely lacks the qualities which drew me to the N'dour sound. My chief complaint is that the tracks are highly synthesized, lacking naturalness. He has orchestral segments (again synthesized) that are in disharmony with the Senegalese sound. The music is almost always on high volume and often at high speed. And I'm sorry to say there are moments when N'dours voice grates. What this guy needs to do is capture that Carnegie performance on disc. If you're in search of a more natural Sengalese sound with smooth vocals, try Cheik Lo's "Ne La Thiass" (produced by N'dour). I rate "Ne La Thiass" 4.5 out of 5 stars.

you are only going to get one album by Youssou, this should be it. But, thats like eating one potato chip...