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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Angelique Kidjo has four Grammy nominations, a mantel-full of international awards, several dance hits, and notable appearances on film and TV soundtracks to her credit (to say nothing of being a major style icon and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador). So this Benin-born, New York-based singer-composer has long since gotten past having to prove anything to anybody--other than to herself. On Djin Djin (the title refers to a bell that sounds at daybreak in parts of Africa), she is self-indulgent in the best possible sense, shooting for a big, glossy, super-pop sound that nonetheless remains essentially, even devoutly, African in inspiration and execution. Produced by Tony Visconti (The Moody Blues, T. Rex, David Bowie, Boomtown Rats, and Morrissey), the release is a bewitching amalgam, with guest stints from Joss Stone, Carlos Santana, Branford Marsalis, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Malian husband-and-wife team Amadou and Mariam, and noted reggae scion Ziggy Marley. Kidjo, her salty-sweet voice in top form, moves confidently from ballad to club track to homespun earthmover. She never for a second relinquishes control of the festivities, even during a hectic, Haitian-rara-influenced cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" and "Lon Lon," in which she takes on--and takes over--French composer Ravel's "Bolero." --Christina Roden

Album Description
With DJIN DJIN (pronounced "gin gin"), Angelique Kidjo returns to the soul of Benin - and, for the first time, shares it with a cast of all-star guests, in a marriage of cultures that has significance far beyond music alone. Inspired by the traditions and culture of Kidjo's native Benin in West Africa, the title of the album refers to the sound of the bell that greets the beginning of a new day for Africa.

The diversity represented by Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, Branford Marsalis, producer Tony Visconti, and the others who contribute to DJIN DJIN speaks to the lesson of this project: For all the differences in the music of our time, the river of Africa flows through it all.

The key was to build DJIN DJIN on a Beninese foundation. The heartbeat, then, comes from percussionists Crespin Kpitiki and Benoit Avihoue, both members of Benin's GangbA Brass Band. Details of their country's rhythmic heritage, specific in some cases to individual villages, feed the rhythms they lay down throughout the album.

To this mix Kidjo welcomes players whose backgrounds complement the idea of DJIN DJIN: drummer Poogie Bell, known for his work with Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan; funk keyboard wizard Amp Fiddler, whose credits include Prince and George Clinton; Larry Campbell, whose multi-instrumental work has adorned the music of Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Paul Simon; Senegalese bass giant Habib Faye, a fixture with Youssou N'Dour; guitarists Lionel Loueke, from jazz legend Herbie Hancock's band; Romero Lubambo, a Brazilian wonder whose credits include Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves; Joao Mota, from Guinea-Bissau and kora master Mamadou Diabate.

Produced by Tony Visconti. (David Bowie, T. Rex, Morrissey)

Album Description
UK pressing of the 2007 album from the much-celebrated West African singer, composer and performer includes three bonus tracks: 'Ae Ae' (Youssou N'Dour Version), 'Leila' and 'Salala' (Junior Vasquez Afroelectro Radio Edit). Produced by Tony Visconti and drawing on an amazing band of musicians that include Amp Fiddler, Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris), Poogie Bell (Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan) and Lionel Loueke (Herbie Hancock), this is a visionary work that brings her own songs, mostly in her own language, with covers of songs such as Sade's 'Pearl' and especially the lead single, 'Gimme Shelter', a duet with Joss Stone which they transform into an exuberant pan-national performance. EMI.

Album Details
2007 International Release of the African Singer's Star Studded Studio Album featuring Appearances by Joss Stone, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Amadou and Mariam, Ziggy Marley and Branford Marsalis. Veteran Rock Producer Tony Visconti (Famed for his Work with T. Rex, David Bowie and Morrissey) Helmed the Sessions. This Edition Adds Three Tracks: "ae Ae" (Youssou N'dour Version), "Leila" (Previously Unreleased) and "Salala", Mixed by Veteran Dance REMIXER/DJ Junior Vasquez.

Customer Reviews: Read 24 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Easy listening with a beat September 11, 2008
This is my first listen to Angelique, as well as this genre of music. I like the rhythm that the upbeat songs keep, as well as the emotion her voice conveys. Her voice has a borderline raspy feel, but nothing that would make you think she can't sing. Her lyrics are inventive as well, 'hurts like brand new shoes'... I would have never thought of that! My favorite collaborations on this album are the ones with Josh Groban/Carlos Santana, Alicia Keyes, and Peter Gabriel.

5 out of 5 stars

Unbelievable! This album is a must have for everyone despite musical preferences! July 12, 2008
Angelique Kidjo is soulful and real. Her music transcends class, race, and genre. No one will be disappointed with this album, She continues to grow into the international superstar she's meant to be. The laundry list of collaborators on this album is impressive and speaks to Angelique's diversity. It's also so important to note that Angelique is intensely devoted to educating girls in impoverished communities in Africa. She uses her music and fame to draw attention to one of the most important issues facing the African continent. She has founded the Batonga Foundation and the the website is worth a good look. [...]

3 out of 5 stars

I DO like it, but... July 7, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I find it ridiculous, the over-production of this album...I have tried very hard to like this album and now finally yes, I DO like it, but it is still not anywhere near her best work. The collaborations work is ok...But there is a lot of manipulation here. The CD is balancing constantly on the very edge of unstimulating pop and unnecessarily too often slipping over.

4 out of 5 stars

Diverse International Album July 2, 2008
There's a song on this CD for every mood. This CD has a range from mellow island to upbeat tropical. I really enjoy it and the collaborations are great!

5 out of 5 stars

Pleasant & Relaxing Listening July 1, 2008
This is very relaxing music from South Africa. Angelique is quite a seasoned singer and there are a few nice guest artists as well on this album. I was pleasantly surprised by guest appearances by Josh Groban, Alicia Keys and Carlos Santana among a few others. I'd give this 5 stars for just the pure enjoyable listening pleasure.

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