Various Artists - Out of Africa (CD)

All Music Guide

One of the earliest roundups of African pop music, Rykodisc's Out of Africa is a topnotch sampler of some of the continent's more popular acts. And while some of the selections can fall victim to Western studio gloss, most of what's here ranges from lean and infectious dance grooves to more traditional beats. On the most popular end of the spectrum, the disc features tracks by Senegal's Youssou N'Dour and the South African female vocal combo the Mahotella Queens. Falling a spot or two on the star map, there are also fine numbers by Nigeria's respective juju and yo-pop masters, Ebenezer Obey and Segun Odewale, as well as a fine track by one of the originators of Congolese soukous music, Tabu Ley Rochereau. Sidetracked by a bloated bit of Afro-funk from Cameroon's Ali Baba (shades of the gloved one's Thriller period), the disc finds its way again with standouts by the Ivory Coast's Jane Agnimel and South Africa's Udokotela Shange Namajaha. A collection best suited to the Afro-pop newcome...r. - Stephen Cook, All Music Guide Read more Less