Customer Reviews

Warm Heart of Africa

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an amazing album. I've been listening to this and the band's previously released free mixtape almost continuously for the past week. Esau, the singer from Malawi who is the center of the show here, has one of the most beautiful and warm voices I've ever heard. Infectiously happy, irresistible dance grooves, expansive and invigorating music. I played one track for my brother the other day, after he was skeptical of my superlative praise, and he just melted in the headphones. "The Very Best" is a truly appropriate name in this case, because they really live up to it.

Most of the songs are in Esau's native language, and I don't understand a word, but it doesn't matter at all, the feeling that comes across is everything. [Update: I just took a moment to read the digital liner notes with lyrics for each song translated into English, and my appreciation of this album has grown tremendously. It has become clear to me just how passionate and courageous these songs are in their meaning. It is clear that they come from the deepest place in the human heart.] Definitely the best music I've heard all year. Don't hesitate. The album is worth every cent. Actually, I'll now say that I would've happily payed double the purchase price for this. It's one of those things... I think it's been about five years since an album of music this refreshing entered my life. Support these guys! I'll be praying they're around to keep making music this good and better for a good long while.

Highest recommendation!

After falling in love with their mixtape last year, I'm pleased to announce The Very Best's proper debut album is worth every penny. As the title suggests, the album comes off as very friendly and light-hearted. Now, you must understand that this is all a leap of faith for me since a good majority of the lyrics are in a language that I don't understand. I'm making my assessment - for better or worse - based on the music.

There are two guest appearances on the album. The first is Vampire Weekend's lead singer, and the second is M.I.A. Both are very good. However I'm the real gems on this album are Nsokoto and Julia. Nsokoto actually took a few listens to sink in, and it's typically these songs which stay with me the longest. There's a lot bubbling beneath the surface of it. Julia is just plain fun -- it'll be stuck in your head for days.

In all, this album is very, very accessible. It might work best blasting in your car as you speed down the highway, but it's also something you can listen to through your headphones and relax in your reclining chair.

Also, I should add that I don't write many reviews for Amazon, but I'd like to do more in the future. I'm purposefully not saying too much about the music because I feel that these things are so subjective. However, if anyone wants to discuss particular songs in depth, please engage me in the comments section.

This is one of those albums I play over and over and never tire of. I frequently pick up the booklet and am learning to sing along because the words and music are such a great fit ; it's like a dance for your mouth. With soaring harmonies, uplifting major chords, and rhythms that bounce and play, the musical structure of a lot of modern African pop makes me feel like I just transported onto a mountaintop overlooking a spectacular landscape. This album has that quality, augmented by a World-Indie approach to craftsmanship that makes it instantly digestible. All in all, this album is a powerful vitamin for my head and my heart.

i gotta say, my niece works at forever 21 and they usually have great music on the store so one day my niece came home searching for a song she heard on f21 that she found on shazam, it was kada manja, from then on we listened to it religiously, it became a calming moment for us so it was no surprise that i looked for it on amazon. when i received it i immediately played it on my laptop and fell in love with their concept, such great talent. this is a very recomendable album that is if you still like to buy the actual album like me and feel it on your hands

I won't write as much as everyone else but if you like West African music you will LOVE this CD. Even if you don't really know West African music you will STILL love this CD. It's so upbeat and always puts me in the best mood.

I just have to tell you that this album is amazing and so are the sounds and the vocals. It keeps your hips moving and although it is in a different language I LOVE IT, it's really beautiful. I saw them in concert in Chicago two days ago. The singer was good and he had a hype man and two dancers which kept everyone interested and made everyone connect to the music. I could not stop dancing and even got a chance to dance on stage with them. LOVE IT! Please get this album :-)

I just wanted to send a quick review - I love this CD. I am always looking for culturally diverse music and this one is fantastic! It makes me want to get up and dance! And in a funny way - it's very soothing and makes me smile. I'll be looking for more from The Very Best. :)