Title: Black Magic
Review: This could be Kidjo's best ever, although she's still young, and no doubt, has more tricks up her sleeve, as the more recent, Caribbean-influenced OYAYA! would indicate. This collection of songs is largely inspired by Brazilian music, but as usual, Ms. Kidjo likes to mix things up, so her Aftican rhythms combine with French, South American and other shadings, and most of the melodies here are not only beautiful, but memorable; "Iemanja" and the kora-backed "Okan Bale" are particularly lovely. Even the fairly commercial duet with Dave Matthews is fine, and the one track I've heard on the radio, "Tumba" is joyfully infectious. Angelique Kidjo is an international treasure who has grown as a singer. She has become subtler, while retaining the power and soulfulness that first caught my attention in the early '90's. If you have the opportunity, catch Kidjo live, as she is an energetic, animated stage performer who can move even the most reserved audience to dance in the isles!
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