[.ca] Immigres (Senegal)

From Amazon.co.uk:
This is the album that first brought N'Dour international attention and it's easy to see why. Apart from the gorgeous title track, his prayer for (and plea to) his Senegalese countrymen abroad, there is plenty of his arresting mbalax rhythms here, marvellously danceable with the tama drum working across the juddering beat. But it's that inimitable, eerily high voice that shines throughout. After hearing this disc, Peter Gabriel became N'Dour's mentor, helping to launch him to global fame. But in many ways this remains far more rootsy and satisfying than much of the work N'Dour's done since; it's made for his native market without compromise. There is a true earthiness to a track like "Taaw", with its excellent guitar work by Jimmy Mbaye, and throughout N'Dour's band Super Etoile really get to stretch out. A seminal piece of N'Dour. --Chris Nickson

Celebration:
Whenever I listen to Youssou N'Dour's music, which is often, I feel a celebratory joy, and the music on IMMIGRES is no exception. Although the CD contains only four tracks, the total length is about thirty-five exciting minutes of pure, smooth, natural N'Dour. According to the case insert, N'Dour released IMMIGRES in France in 1984, when he was first noticed in Europe. This particular CD, however, is copyrighted by Virgin Records, 1988. Despite this early publication, the reproduction quality is high-caliber and consistent, sharp and clean. Three of the four tracks are upbeat; the tempo of "Pitche Mi," written by Kabou Gueye, is more moderate and soothing. The final "Badou," which appears on at least one other N'Dour CD, most strongly "feels" like the artist, with his easily recognizable blend of voice and instruments, rhythm and rhyme. As with all Youssou N'Dour productions that I have had the pleasure of enjoying, IMMIGRES flows well within itself as well as with his other works. Despite many of the themes and lyrics, his music is a celebration of life to be shared.

• Immigrés/Bitim Rew
• Pitche Mi
• Taaw
• Badou