Customer Reviews

Synchro System

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

 

 

I really like this record, but it's not one that I recommend unless you already have a good Juju ear. After his "Juju Music" record, record company folks thought that if he just cleaned it up a little, cut some of the longer jams, he could be the new Bob Marley. What came out of that was a string of lesser albums, like this one. However, I like the use of synth, which is pretty uncommon on Nigerian Juju records. I know, it makes it less pure, but it's used well. The songs are a little too tight, and there isn't the sound of joy like on so many other of King Sunny's or Chief Commander Ebenezer Obe's best work. So, don't jump on this record unless either a) you've got a good Juju collection and want to hear King Sunny's attempt at westernizing, or b)you didn't like other Juju records because they seem to loose to you.

On this excellent album, no less than 22 musicians assist the Nigerian superstar. Percussion plays a central role in juju music and here, the vast array of instruments include talking drums, agogo, shekere, motimo, maracas, guitars, keyboards and congos.

The album opens with Synchro Feelings, a mellow piece with a skittering beat and layered choruses and is followed by Mo Ti Mo which has impressive instrumental and tempo variation. The tuneful Maajo is one of my favorites because of its strong melody and the lovely call and response vocals.

The title track Synchro System is a lengthy number with soulful lead vocals whilst E Saiye Re has an insistent dance rhythm and delicious infusions of Hawaiian guitar. This guitar is even more pronounced on Tolongo, a simple but catchy song and on the spacey E Wele that is also embellished with impressive keyboards. The album concludes with Synchro Reprise, a type of dub version of the title track that is also perfect for the dancefloor.

With its delicate percussive textures, engaging vocals and the skilful playing of the musicians, the album creates a tapestry of joyful moods. Perhaps not as immediate as his masterpiece Juju Music, this is also a great album that will reward the listener with repeated plays.

A friend of mine went to Africa on vacation in '91 and came back with a cassette tape of this. He gave it to me, and since that day my life has always been the same.

Seenchro Seestem!

I don't care what people say about this album, comparing it to Juju Music, etc. It grooves and moves and remains a classic.

Well King Sunny Ade is definately one smooth bad bruv. Synchro Systems was a shock to me when I first heard the title track on the local community radio station. So I jumped on the internet and tried to order but at that time all that was available was "Ju Ju Music"(which is good in its own respect). So I ordered that first. Its a similar sound but not as much of the electonic effects on the keyboards/samplers or whatever they had going that gave it a signature little extra touch, that to me sets it apart from other afro pop stuff I've run across here and there. King Sunny Ade's singing is like someone very chilled out just telling a story or having a easy conversation w/the music & chorus singers. And it is so layered that you can put it on if your in a light mood or if you want something pounding. The grooves somehow sound very contemporary, and the fact that it was made in 1983 means it is timeless and therefore a classic masterpiece in my opinion. I highly recomend this to anyone and everybody, especially fans of African music like Congtronics or Eithiopics and fans of 80's era rock like the Talking Heads or the Selector. I cant wait to get into more music by this artist if it is of this quality.

The music talks to your soul and makes you want to dance--what more do you want?

I listen to his audio cassettes. I love him very much. Any time i hear his musique , my sorrow disapear and i start dancing immediately. I also wish to meet him physicaly to shake his hand and embrass him. embrass me.