Nicht von Dieser Welt [IMPORT]

Xavier Naidoo

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000JB3R
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #74,174 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Named National Newcomer of the Year by the German Phono Academy. Soul Singer Charted on the German Charts in 2000.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soulful sounds from Germany, June 18, 2002

By	Lelar Norton (Stuttgart Germany) - See all my reviews

I first visited Germany in 1999 and I heard his album "Nicht Von Dieser Welt". I bought the album and I have not been disappointed. I have since returned now 3 more times and each time I come here, he has a new single. I don't know the name of his latest album, but I purchased it last week and it wonderful. He even has some English titles on this new album. I was not aware that he had a LIVE album, but I am sure to look for it. I really hope that he will record an English album. It would be a disgrace that the US would not be able to hear this soulful, magnificent voice. He is truly amazing. He also performed at a free concert and again, this guy can really sing. I don't speak a word of German, but I would love to know what he is saying, but that doesn't really matter; you will fall in love with his music anyway.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars German soul! This is not America., May 23, 2000

By	Andrew M. Schirmer "violist/student" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of the most rewarding experiences about collecting music is listening to each country duplicate "soul" music. The UK did it with Simply Red. Germany is attempting with Xavier Naidoo and the disc at hand, "Nicht Von Dieser Welt."

Xavier is blessed with a wonderful voice. The man can sing! However, there is something to be said about HOW he uses his voice. He deserves credit for making German (that wonderfully gutteral language) into something truly beautiful. But never once does he seem to sing anything longer than a half-note. Does the man have pipes? Yes, he can belt it out, but a lot of the phrasing sounds like a showoff trying to sing the national anthem. Wobbling through thirds, octaves, and who else knows what.

But make no mistake, it is a beautiful album and songs like "Seid Ihr Mit Mir?", "20,000 Meilen," "Flugzeuge Im Bauch (an excellent soulful cover of Oli P.'s hit that same year)," and the title track. There is also a wonderful rendition of Bowie/Methany's "This Is Not America" which not only serves as an update, but a reminder--this is Deutsche soul. This is not America.

Traditionally flawless 3P production is--flawless. While Xavier never ventures into rap (achtung!), there are guest appearances by fellow labelmates Illmatic and Sabrina Setlur. Unfortunately, their prescence only succeeds in marring the soothing, soulful atmosphere set by Xavier and the band (particularly on "Eigentlich Gut," the rappers are out of place and annoying). And yes, at times the heavy drum machine seems more appropriate for the Cash Money Millionaires than this wonderful singer.

Make no mistake--despite imperfections, this really is a wonderful CD and a fascinating excursion into German soul. (! )

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Einfach Ausgezeichnet, April 17, 2003

By	Fred McGhee "fredmcghee" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the album that put Xaiver Naidoo on the map in Germany, Europe, and smatterings of other places on the planet.

It has been six years since the release of this record, and things have obviously changed in Xavier's life (not the least of which is his relationship with his production team led by Moses Pelham).

You do NOT need to speak German to appreciate this music, but it definitely helps. This is especially true of his double album follow-up to this release "Alles Fuer den Herrn" which is a truly exceptional work. The reason is that the things that Xavier says are important. But it depends who you ask.

There is a considerable amount of religious imagery in Xavier's music, both overt and covert. This can turn off quite a few people, especially in a place like Germany, but it is an accurate reflection of Xavier's Afro-American musical roots. I've even had discussions with (white) Germans who do not consider Xavier's music "German" because of the way he looks and the way he sings. Go figure. Xavier just continues to sing about it.

Great record by a guy who surely at some point will conquer America.