Search - Papa Wemba :: Emotion

This is the way!

Bete Noire | Vancouver, Canada | 07/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very intricate and emotional,this is probably his greatest album so far.The quality of songs is top notch,in fact every one of them is a little gem,warm and sensuous like the African sun.The production on this album is very careful, bringing to the forefront details and nuances that add to its the depth and value."

And Now for Something Completely Different

A. Music Fan | Los Angeles, CA | 02/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had the fun of finding out about Papa Wemba at a surprise appearance he made at an "off Sunset" hot spot in L.A. in the late 90's. At the time, I had recently discovered Peter Gabriel and the Worldbeat sound. Papa and the band took the stage and it was the equivalent of seeing the AfroPop version of James Brown, I kid you not. Just don't expect funk...its more his showmanship and presence that i draw the comparison to.



Now with that type of endorsement you would think that the album would appeal to all. It will not. Emotion is a fantastic array of AfroPop songs which have very catchy hooks, and rhythms. The kind that make you want to dance (even if you are like me and have no rhythm). On that nite, I joined the few hundred others on the dance floor and had the most amazing experience.



Perhaps it was the beats, more likely it was the passion that Mr. Wemba has when he sings. Ok, so I can't tell you what he is singing about (thank god for liner notes) but I can tell you that it is infectious.



Not every song is a hit, they have a feel of a "clean" production, but there will stay with you for a lifetime.







Enjoy!"