Nothing's in Vain
These days,Youssou N'Dour's Western releases seem to have more in common with florid '70s pop than his signaturembalaxsound. This stunningly gifted singer is vastly overqualified for such uncomplicated material, and his rootsy acoustic backup band is repeatedly compromised by glaringly out-of-place programmed drums and synth patches. Most of the tunes were composed by N'Dour, but the set list also includes a chanson by Georges Brassens plus a cloying duet with French pop star Pascal Obispo. Why? Debates about authenticity are useless and demeaning, but N'Dour is clearly underestimating his potential non-African audiences. Meanwhile, longtime listeners still crave the dangerous beauty, visceral thrills, and ornate, jagged time signatures that characterize his Senegalese output. En passant, it is worth noting thatOlatunji,Miriam Makeba, andCesaria Evoraall achieved lasting international fame by providing an irresistible alternative to the prevailing status quo, not more of the same in another language.--Christina Roden