Coming full circle, Angelique Kidjo returns to her Beninese roots for the star-studded Djin Djin album, whose title, which loosely translates as Seize the Day, aptly sums up the set and its themes. Djin Djin kicks off with the bright and breezy "Ae Ae," just the type of irrepressible pop/world-without-borders number that regularly takes all of Europe by storm, booming out of clubs from Iceland to Ibiza. It's so infectious that, even though the lyrics are apparently in Spanish, the entire continent joins in regardless, although few will grasp its serious message of the economic distress driving Africans onto European shores. Slightly more sophisticated but equally irresistible is "Papa," an urban club monster-to-be whose blistering rhythms vie with Kidjo's belted-out vocals, all wrapped in a supple arrangement that beautifully blends funk, soul, Afro-beat, and more. And then there's the funky, carnival-styled cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter," which almost seems to celebrate rape and murder. Kidjo's anger is more evident on "Senamou," featuring old friends Amadou & Mariam, a song themed around the upper crust's bling-shackled life, and whose universal truths are reflected in an arrangement that combines African, Middle Eastern, funk, and ock elements. Carlos Santana's elegant guitar illuminates "Pearls," while Kidjo and Josh Groban valiantly try to give weight to Sade's bathos-bathed lyrics. Much better are the haunting title track, featuring Alicia Keys and Branford Marsalis; the smoldering "Salala," which twins the singer with Peter Gabriel; and the Afro-eggae "Sedjedo," where she's joined by Ziggy Marley. "Arouna" also has a eggae tinge around its Arab-esque arrangement, and celebrates individuality on a crowded planet. "Emma," in contrast, explores isolation, and does it with a country twang, a styling that also infects the bouncier "Mama Golo Papa." With the final track, "Lonlon," Kidjo completes the journey, across an inspired vocal version of Ravel's Bolero, a piece that itself broadly hinted at the ties between North and South, East and West, connections made even clearer here. With its many moods, fusions of styles, exploration of serious issues, uplifting themes, and alternately haunting or infectious melodies, Djin Djin is a stunning set, enhanced by the efforts of the fabulous musicians within and Tony Visconti's masterful production. This CD was nominated for a Grammy award in 2007 for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
Just laid down my $ this morning at Peet's Coffee for the latest Live from the Archives CD, compiled by San Francisco radio station KFOG. I am most delighted by this live version of Angelique Kidjo singing Salala (featured below)Album also has great live tracks from folks like Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ozomatli, Ben Harper, John Doe (is that his REAL name?) and of course...Michael Franti & Spearhead,...
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http://www.myspace.com/angeliquekidjohttp://bonton.sweetdarkness.net/?p=161Here is a passage from the Daily OM Music review of the album. To see the rest, go to dailyom.comJuly 27, 2007Djin DjinAngelique Kidjo2007"Angelique Kidjo makes joyous, sexy, soulful Americanized Afro pop. Her 2007 album, Djin Djin, finds the Beninese-Parisian-New Yorker artist in buoyant spirits, strutting and shouting...
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Have you ever just found certain artists that you fall in love with their music so much you'll beg or borrow (stealing is not an option) to see them if they every come to town?In the last week I've been lucky enough to see two of those, it started with Tyrone Wells last Tuesday and it ended with Josh Groban last night. Like I told Dale it was AHHHHHHHH-MAZE-ZING! Not only does Josh have an tr...
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http://www.myspace.com/angeliquekidjohttp://bonton.sweetdarkness.net/?p=161Here is a passage from the Daily OM Music review of the album. To see the rest, go to dailyom.comJuly 27, 2007Djin DjinAngelique Kidjo2007"Angelique Kidjo makes joyous, sexy, soulful Americanized Afro pop. Her 2007 album, Djin Djin, finds the Beninese-Parisian-New Yorker artist in buoyant spirits, strutting and shouting...
More >
Have you ever just found certain artists that you fall in love with their music so much you'll beg or borrow (stealing is not an option) to see them if they every come to town?In the last week I've been lucky enough to see two of those, it started with Tyrone Wells last Tuesday and it ended with Josh Groban last night. Like I told Dale it was AHHHHHHHH-MAZE-ZING! Not only does Josh have an tr...
More >
I am tripping because as I am listening to Angelique Kidjo's song, Pearls, and I yelled out to myself this is Sade's song!!Angelique's rendition is beautiful because she has collaborated with Carlos Santana and Josh Groban. Carlos is tearing it up on the guitar. Josh Groban's melodic voice is a great duet with Angelique. I am not that familiar with Josh Groban's music, but I know he is a popula...
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Just laid down my $ this morning at Peet's Coffee for the latest Live from the Archives CD, compiled by San Francisco radio station KFOG. I am most delighted by this live version of Angelique Kidjo singing Salala (featured below)Album also has great live tracks from folks like Rodrigo y Gabriela, Ozomatli, Ben Harper, John Doe (is that his REAL name?) and of course...Michael Franti & Spearhead,...
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Ae Ae |
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| 2 Djin Djin |
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| 3 Gimme Shelter |
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| 4 Salala |
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| 5 Senamou [C'est l'Amour] |
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| 6 Pearls |
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| 7 Sedjedo |
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| 8 Papa |
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| 9 Arouna |
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| 10 Awan N'la |
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| 11 Emma |
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| 12 Mama Golo Papa |
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| 13 Lonlon [Ravel's Bolero] |
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 "Djin Djin")
