"My wife got this CD as a gift from a co-worker. At the time, we had no idea who Oliver Mtukudzi was, although we later recalled (or thought we did) possibly seeing him with Bonnie Raitt on Austin City Limits, or some such concert show. Whatever, this album grabbed us immediately, and continued to grow the more we played it - which was nearly nonstop for a couple of weeks. Talk about infectious music! Eventually, we each wanted it in our car players, so we had to buy another copy, and we later wound up buying another half dozen and giving them out as gifts. It is that good. These are some of the catchiest, hook-laden melodies you will hear anywhere...the back-up vocals and instrumentation are great...and Oliver's voice is soulful and expressive. Unquestionably one of those 5 or 10 CD's you'd want if stranded on a desert island kind of albums."
Tuku is tops
jswillo | 08/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In simple terms, this is the first CD I have ever listened to more than one time at the first sitting. In fact, I kept playing it again and again. Excellent quality recording. I'm a higher-end listener and appreciated the full, undistorted bass, excellent highs and vocals. Track #4 is simply addictive. The liner notes provide a summary of the song's basic theme. The only thing I can think of to make this a more enjoyable experience would have been having English translations of the lyrics."
Lift Your Spirits with Mtukudzi!
greensbeans | 06/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album contains joyful music that will have you toe tapping and humming along. Even after countless playtime in my car and at home the songs still sound fresh from the upbeat and optimistic soul of his music; plus his respect for family and fellow humans comes through in the lyrics. Its a shame that artists like Mtukudzi do not get more exposure in a crowded space of trashy music.
A beautiful, happy collection indeed."
Features some of his best-known works
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 06/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oliver Mtukudzi's Collection is the latest, accompanying a U.S. tour and gathering some of his best works from his previous six albums. This actually is the best introduction one could have to Mtukudzi's sound and diversity, as it features some of his best-known works. If it's authentic African music accessible to lay audience you wish for your library collection, don't leave these out: they'll be much-lended and highly appreciated."
Warning: This is guaranteed to grow on you!
Frenchie | New York, NY United States | 08/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well a few weeks back I saw a concert of Oliver and the "Black Spirits" in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. I have been listening to African Music a long time, and I have to admit I had never heard of Oliver. Well it took about three songs...and there you go, you cannot resist the beauty, talent and soul of Oliver Mtukudzi. I believe everyone that night in Prospect Park agreed: this was just an incredibly beautiful concert, that brought joy, communion and a few tears to all present. (and plenty of dancing)
Now, just get this CD. Play it once, twice and watch out, by the third time, that's the only CD you'll be playing for a long time!
Soul. Root. Spirit."