Masada
This recording by Alpha Blondy and his mighty band the Solar System clinches their place in the top rank of African reggae. With songs set in a number of different languages, Blondy finds themes that bring us all together. He sings of making the ultimate sacrifice in the very moving "Masada," of love anticipated in "Rendezvous," and of spiritual unity in "God Is One." Blondy mourns the loss of Bob Marley in "Mystic Night Moves," his sorrow extending to include all of the black heroes who died too soon. The lyrics on this release are global in scope and speak with great intelligence and insight. The international band backs Blondy with power and finesse, with notable instrumental passages including the talking drum intro to "Multipartisme," the soaring electric guitar of "Ye Ye," and the intimate acoustic guitar of "Papa Bakoye." Special respect must be paid to Boncana Maiga's arrangements, which are innovative and rock solid.--Jeff Grubb