Album Review: Best Of Angélique Kidjo – A Sonic Safari You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when African rhythms slap hands with soulful vibes and a sprinkle of funk, Best Of Angélique Kidjo is your answer. This Benin-born powerhouse has crafted an album that feels like a passport stamp for your ears—no visa required. With genres spanning Folk, World & Country, and Funk/Soul, this record doesn’t just cross borders; it obliterates them.
Now, before we dive in, I gotta say, narrowing down favorite tracks here was tougher than resisting a second helping of jollof rice. But two songs stuck out like sore thumbs—er, in the best way possible.
First up: “Batonga.” Oh man, this one hits different. It’s got this hypnotic groove that worms its way into your brain faster than gossip spreads at a family reunion. The percussion? Chef’s kiss. And Angélique’s voice? Pure fire. She belts out these empowering lyrics about education and resilience, but honestly, even if she were singing the ingredients list from a cereal box, I’d still be hooked. There’s something raw and unfiltered about how the track builds, layer by layer—it’s like watching a sunrise over the savannah (but with better bass).
Then there’s “Agolo,” which is basically the musical equivalent of being handed a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. From the opening beat, it grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey, buddy, you’re coming with me.” The song is pure energy, blending traditional African sounds with modern production so seamlessly that you forget they weren’t always BFFs. Plus, those call-and-response vocals? They’ll have you shouting back at your speakers like you’re part of some secret club. Spoiler alert: You totally are.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going strong too. Tracks like “Wombo Lombo” and “Logozo” showcase Angélique’s knack for storytelling through sound, while “Open Your Eyes” reminds us all to stay woke—in both life and music. Even the intro track sets the tone perfectly, like a warm handshake inviting you into her world.
What makes Best Of Angélique Kidjo stand out isn’t just its genre-bending brilliance or Angélique’s powerhouse vocals—it’s the authenticity dripping off every note. Listening to this album feels less like consuming art and more like sitting around a campfire swapping stories with someone who knows exactly where they come from.
So yeah, whether you’re a die-hard fan of African music or just looking for something fresh to spice up your playlist, this album delivers big time. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself air-drumming on your steering wheel during rush hour because “Agolo” came on shuffle.
Final thought? Music might not solve world hunger, but albums like this remind us why we should keep dancing anyway—even if our moves look ridiculous. And hey, maybe someday we’ll get an Angélique Kidjo hologram tour. Fingers crossed.
