The Voice

Vusi Mahlasela | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ato Records
• ASIN: B00009YXH1
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,870 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Those who have heard the Amandla! soundtrack will no doubt remember South African singer Vusi Mahlasela. His passionate, octave-leaping voice on "When You Come Back" sets a tone for the album, which adeptly documents the political and social music surrounding Nelson Mandela and the movement he led. In fact, Mahlasela actually sang at Mandela's inauguration, having been a veteran of many ANC rallies as well as a popular music figure. Signed by Dave Matthews to Ato, Mahlasela first domestic release collects 14 songs from his five South African albums. Some of The Voice's songs have a glossy world music sheen that isn't far from Peter Gabriel's recent work, but the album is balanced by songs in the more traditional and acoustic vein. Highlights include the bluesy "Red Song," which tells the story of three friends taking up arms for apartheid, the moody "Troubadour," and "Fountain," where Mahlasela’s vocal gymnastics will thrill fans of Youssou N'Dour. This is a must for fans of African pop music. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!, August 11, 2003

By 

H. E. C. Nevill (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Voice (Audio CD)

In his debut US release, Vusi has given us a selection of some truly uplifting and beautiful music. As a veteran of the Apartheid resistance movement, Vusi developed a style of song that at once cried out in anger and, simultaneously, gave hope and courage to the oppressed. Since the election of Nelson Mandela, he has penned songs that urge all the people of South Africa to put the past behind them and get working on the challenging task of rebuiling the "Rainbow Nation," as well as songs that give voice to a nation still struggling with the crises of poverty and inequality. Listening to his music, however, you are struck more by his sense of optimism, hope, and love, than any political message. His guitar playing and entrancing voice are enough to keep you playing this CD again and again. Although there are a few unfortunate omissions from this collection (Kuyobanjani Na?, Khunkhuwane, and Kwa-Zulu among some personal favourites), this is a perfect CD to turn you on to an artist that everyone should know. Kudos to Dave Matthews and the team at ATO for bringing Vusi to American ears!

(P.S. If you like this, keep an ear out for Vusi's friend and collaborator, Louis Mhlanga. They released a wonderful CD together, "Live at the Bassline," which I highly recommend.)

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easygoing Music for a Hard World, April 9, 2004

By 

Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Voice (Audio CD)

If you love Paul Simon, James Taylor and neighboring performers, you'll naturally enjoy this lovely, slightly overproduced album. Fifteen songs and nearly a full hour of songs that radiate peace, optimism, rebellion and quiet grief. Mahlasela is such a natural, fluid guitarist, I wish the producers had not added as much back-up as they did, even though the highly produced approach works at times. The highlight of the album is the heart-wrenching song, "When You Come Back" from the Sundance -winning film, AMANDLA! but I can't really say there's a clunker on the album. The music is quietly joyous and ambient, and the artist's voice is one of the finest ever to have emerged from South African popular music. A pure pleasure recommended without any serious reservations.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Voice, September 23, 2004

By 

J. Romero (Allentown, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Voice (Audio CD)

During summer 2004, I saw Vusi perform in New Jersey in front of an audience who had little to no previous knowledge of him, his music or South African music in general. But it only took the 1st strum of his guitar and utterance of his voice to let the audience know that we were in for a treat! By mid-session, he captured the hearts of the audience, and at the end of the performance, no one wanted it to end!! This cd is the same, even if you don't know him or his music, it is pure joy from beginning to end, and then the listener is drawn to hit the repeat button to play the deeply meaningful words set to delightful melodies over and over. He has an amazing way to tell about difficult and bitter days in South Africa with such sweet melodies that seem to mend the wounds of years gone by.