Black Ivory Soul

Angelique Kidjo

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 2002)
• Original Release Date: March 19, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00006348E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,220 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #7 in

  Music > World Music > Africa > Benin

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Angélique Kidjo's previous albums have been decidedly patchy affairs, with tracks ranging from the sublime to the abysmal. With Black Ivory Soul, however, Kidjo strikes a lovely and generally consistent note. Exploring the connections between her native Benin and Brazil's Bahia region, she makes beautiful music flavored by two continents on songs such as "Tumba," with its crisp but subtle percussion driving a lilting melody, or "Afrika," where the cascading notes of the kora help bridge the Atlantic. Co-writing with talents like Carlinhos Brown and Vinícius Cantuária has helped; they've toned down the R&B influence than ran through Oremi and replaced it with something more individual. Kidjo sounds strongest when she's very rootsy, as on her cover of Gilberto Gil's "Refavela," which stands in stark contrast to the bland "Iwoya," a duet with Dave Matthews that sounds like nothing more than a calculated shot at radio airplay. Even the odd track out, a version of "Ces Petits Riens" by Serge Gainsbourg, works because of its spare delight. In following her muse and her history, Kidjo has produced her best work to date. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I COULD NOT LOVE THIS ALBUM MORE!, July 3, 2002

By	Taunia (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

As a jazz and latin vocalist, I am embarassed to admit I had not heard of Anjelique until I read a review of this album in People Magazine. I went online and listened to a few clips and decided to purchase it - and I can honestly say it is probably the best CD purchase I have ever made.

Anjelique's vocals are haungtingly beautiful, but not in a traditional manner. Her voice has an edge to it, a poingancy that's missing from so many vocalists today. Most of the tracks are a blend of Afro-latin and highly infectious. My favorite track is "Tumba," a merengue flavored piece that is so full of energy, you can't help but dance when listening.

I am now a huge fan and I look forward to hearing more of Anjelique's music!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This gal deserves a larger audience & recognition, February 19, 2003

By	Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Angelique Kidjo is one phenomenal singer and one fabulous person as she reveals herself here. This is a woman who won't sing a song that she's not fully into, and this shines forth from "Babia" on through the full CD.

There's blending here, the music of her native Benin merging with South American samba, modern Afro beats, and even some French. All in all, this results in a very powerful but controlled vocal sound. There is a feeling for the spiritual but also for the sheer joy of living in much of what she sings.

Discover Angelique Kidjo, and this is one of the best CDs to discover her on. You'll be glad you did.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Angelique Does It Again!, April 6, 2002

By	Kim (CA) - See all my reviews

Each of Angelique's albums has its own personality, and this one is no exception. She has even said that her albums are like children to her. I find this album to be very listener-friendly. I find myself transported to Bahia, though I've never been there. "Iemanja" makes me think of a moonlit night stroll on the beach. I especially love the ballads, but "Tumba," which is "dedicated to the public," is sure to get you on your feet. I have seen Angelique live 4 times since 1998 and met her 2 weeks ago. I will say that after hearing the music live, the album has a few weak points, not as pumped up as it is performed live. But I would definitely recommend picking this up for your Kidjo collection. If you have never heard her music, I would also suggest you pick up Keep on Moving as an intro to her.