Search - Ladysmith Black Mambazo :: Warner Bros Collection

All Around Amazing

Daniel R. Martin | Grand Haven, MI United States | 11/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a phenomenal CD - containing, as the title suggests, the best of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo performances available on Warner Brothers Records. As such, the CD includes some songs that are not available on the group's own albums. For multi-cultural enthusiasts, this CD is a great way to introduce young children to unique music of an African culture. For others, it's just cool to say Ladysmith Black Mambazo when your friends ask what you're listening to.The fairly unique sound of the voices of Joseph Shabala and his group are uplifting and inspiring. This vocal music speaks to your soul - and the language barrier is broken. The lyrical themes range from the political atmosphere in South Africa to religious / spiritual matters. Indeed, the version of "Amazing Grace" - a "duet" with Paul Simon - is the most beautiful, uplifting version of that song I ever heard. Everytime I hear it, I feel like I am being brought nearer to God."

Enervating, feel good music.

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 06/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You know, this is a very good record to awake to in the morning, something that will put you in the right spirit to face the day. There's a variety of songs here, and Paul Simon who first brought the group to the world's attention joins them on the first (Homeless) and last (Amazing Grace) cuts. In between are songs of love, joy, and reverence. This is really a "best of" collection, with most songs from their first three albums. "Homeless" of course, comes from Paul Simon's "Graceland" CD. "King of Kings", "How Long", and "Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain" all come from their first album, and are truly each outstanding. There is much of the jazz sound here, but there's also strong gospel with the afore mentioned "King of Kings", with "Leaning on the Everlasting Arm" with the Winans, and of course the concluding "Amazing Grace". This is truly an outstanding world music collection."

Relaxing!

J. Gwozdz | Morton Grove, IL | 07/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's almost embarrassing to admit that we went to look for this album because we first heard Ladysmith Black Mambazo on our 2-year-old daughter's Sesame Street CDs and DVDs. However, they had such an awesome sound in their duet with Kermit the Frog that we had to see if they had something other than the kids songs! This was a great first album to buy from this band. We like pretty much all of the songs, and so does our daughter."