Rating:
Genre:
World
Release Date: 12/05/2006
Ismaël Lô has long been thought of as Africa's
Bob Dylan, since he performs with guitar and harmonica. But it's a comparison that doesn't work for
Senegal, which is a lushly arranged look at his own country. The subjects of his songs -- racism, poverty, famine, and a ferryboat disaster that's commemorated on
"Le Jola" -- might be hard-hitting, but they're couched in lulling
Afro-pop that seems to take any sting out of the words. Even when the album goes up-tempo it never loses control. What's missing, really, is a sense of passion and fire in the music. It's eminently listenable, and
Lô's a gorgeous singer and tunesmith. But a starker backdrop might serve him better, as many of the tunes seem to blend into one, homogenous whole.
~Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
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