Cheikh Lô has done it again. The vanguard Senegalese singer's second international release fulfills the promise of his much heralded debut. Lô's metier is a personalized blend of Afro-Cuban sensuousness and the tough attitude of Senegalese pop, especially the percussion-driven mbalax style. Acoustic sounds, starting with Lô's ubiquitous acoustic guitar, keep the soundscape light, but the music seethes with restless drive and Lô's vocal performances never miss. On "M'Beddemi" he crows like a salsero. On the album's funkiest track, "Bambay Gueej," he channels Smokey Robinson and Nigeria's late musical icon Fela Kuti. Elsewhere, he wails with the force of his famous countrymen Baaba Maal and Youssou N'Dour, who has co-produced this release. Aside from great arranging instincts and a mean set of pipes, Lô can write. His melodies are strong and natural. They manage to steer clear of the old formulas without seeming forced or clever. A guest spot from Malian Wassoulou star Oumou Sangare on "Bobo-Dioulasso," a moody invocation of Lo's hometown in Burkina Faso, is a plus. Now we know. Lô's 1996 calling card Ne la Tiass was no fluke. Lô claims a spot in the top echelon of African pop.

Contributed by: Banning Eyre
Originally published in: Boston Phoenix