Zulu Groove

AMG Review of Zulu Groove

Adam Greenberg
All Music Guide

Something of a collection of various styles and genres crossed over by Bambaataa on his musical journeys. The album begins (and ends) with "World Destruction," a single originally cut in 1984 with John Lydon of Sex Pistols fame. Following the opening is "Shango Message," with a stunningly Parliament-esque hook, and an old favorite, "Zulu Groove." Before the album ends, Bambaataa shows off a little of his diversity with "Soca Fever," which as the title implies, involves some measure of soca within it (although there may not be all that much that survives by the time the dense overlaying beats are added). The main drawback of this album is that the liner notes are rather less than thorough. Despite this minor shortcoming, for a fan of Bambaataa, the album might not be that bad of a choice at all. For newcomers to his work, something a little more traditional might be in order -- Tommy Boy compilations, perhaps, for "Looking for the Perfect Beat" and "Planet Rock."