Search - Youssou N'Dour :: Joko from Village to Town

You will dance from village to town

Mzilikazi wa Afrika | Johannesburg, South Africa | 06/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At the time when many people, so-called music expects, have written him off, Youssou N'dour released another well-polished album. And this time, he teamed up with his friends to give us the best. With this CD, you can dance, sing and cry because it is a gem. Don't walk away- a duet with Sting- proves to be the best. Also How come- a duet with Wyclif Jean- is well written, composed cross-over hip-hop song with a strong and positive message. N'dour is a true African ambassador in the world of music and this CD proves it beyond the shadow of no doubt."

Truly Moving

3rdeadly3rd | Brisbane, Queensland Australia | 04/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd never heard of Youssou N'Dour until I read about this album one morning in the newspaper, what a voice I was missing out on. This is quite simply an incredible album which everyone needs to have.Apparently there's a different version (The Link) for the US market which doesn't have the Sting and Wyclef duets. In my opinion those two tracks are among the best offerings of the album here.The opening tracks "Wiri-Wiri" and "Birima" are deceptively tribal - talking drums and other traditional percussion abound, only to be dominated and subjugated by Youssou's marvellous voice. This continues for quite some time. I've read the translations from the Wolof (thankfully provided in the liner notes) and they really do make you stop and think.Sting's appearance on "Don't Walk Away" is positively amazing. His voice counterpoints N'Dour's perfectly as the two duet about love (I think). Sting's solid voice providing a launching pad for Youssou to take off on wailing voyages. The entire middle of the album is full of danceable tunes which make you stop and think ("Dunya", "Please Wait" and "My Hope Is In You"), the latter of these three will move the unprepared listener to tears every time. Youssou has obviously taken a lot of time to write the lyrics he's performing here and the effect is chillingly good.Wyclef's rap on "How Come" could be annoying for a listener who purchased the album for the African singing, however, it does continue Clef's tradition of trying new things (rapping over talking drums does have an interesting cadence to it). Clef also produces "Don't Look Back" and the remix of "Birima" - of these, the remix could certainly be discarded because Wyclef and Marie Antoinette (AKA Free) not only invade the intricate music too much, they also try being a lot more hard core than they ever have been or should be.Peter Gabriel's work on "Red Clay" seems somewhat sub-standard at first but with repeated listens, it becomes another good piece on the album.Another track which doesn't have to be here is "Yama" which goes on a bit too long and seems to repeat itself most of the time. Youssou's vocals even begin to seem a bit forced by the end of this one.Those who make it through to the end of the album are rewarded with the impassioned tri-lingual song "New Africa" - definitely a highlight.5 stars are richly justified for this album - get it instead of "Joko: The Link" if you're trying to decide, then thank me after you've stopped crying."