Product Description

THE VERY BEST embodies a without-borders approach to music-making that could only happen in the 21st century. On their debut album, WARM HEART OF AFRICA, the group, started by European production duo Radioclit and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya, concoct new global pop that lands somewhere between a Michael Jackson break-beat and a dancier version of Paul Simon's Graceland. THE VERY BEST are Esau Mwamwaya (Malawi), Etienne Tron (France) and Johan Karlberg (Sweden). Also featured on the album is singer M.I.A. and Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig.

Track Listing

1. Yalira
2. Chalo
3. Warm Heart of Africa (w/ Ezra Koenig)
4. Mwazi
5. Nsokoto
6. Angonde
7. Julia
8. Mfumu
9. Ntende Uli
10. Rain Dance (w/ M.I.A.)
11. Kamphopo
12. Kada Manja
13. Zandziko

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4642 in Music
• Released on: 2009-10-06
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds

Customer Reviews

Supreme!
This is an amazing album. I've been listening to this and the band's previously released free mixtape almost continuously for the past week. Esau, the singer from Malawi who is the center of the show here, has one of the most beautiful and warm voices I've ever heard. Infectiously happy, irresistible dance grooves, expansive and invigorating music. I played one track for my brother the other day, after he was skeptical of my superlative praise, and he just melted in the headphones. "The Very Best" is a truly appropriate name in this case, because they really live up to it.

Most of the songs are in Esau's native language, and I don't understand a word, but it doesn't matter at all, the feeling that comes across is everything. [Update: I just took a moment to read the digital liner notes with lyrics for each song translated into English, and my appreciation of this album has grown tremendously. It has become clear to me just how passionate and courageous these songs are in their meaning. It is clear that they come from the deepest place in the human heart.] Definitely the best music I've heard all year. Don't hesitate. The album is worth every cent. Actually, I'll now say that I would've happily payed double the purchase price for this. It's one of those things... I think it's been about five years since an album of music this refreshing entered my life. Support these guys! I'll be praying they're around to keep making music this good and better for a good long while.

Highest recommendation!

The Very Best...indeed
After falling in love with their mixtape last year, I'm pleased to announce The Very Best's proper debut album is worth every penny. As the title suggests, the album comes off as very friendly and light-hearted. Now, you must understand that this is all a leap of faith for me since a good majority of the lyrics are in a language that I don't understand. I'm making my assessment - for better or worse - based on the music.

There are two guest appearances on the album. The first is Vampire Weekend's lead singer, and the second is M.I.A. Both are very good. However I'm the real gems on this album are Nsokoto and Julia. Nsokoto actually took a few listens to sink in, and it's typically these songs which stay with me the longest. There's a lot bubbling beneath the surface of it. Julia is just plain fun -- it'll be stuck in your head for days.

In all, this album is very, very accessible. It might work best blasting in your car as you speed down the highway, but it's also something you can listen to through your headphones and relax in your reclining chair.

Also, I should add that I don't write many reviews for Amazon, but I'd like to do more in the future. I'm purposefully not saying too much about the music because I feel that these things are so subjective. However, if anyone wants to discuss particular songs in depth, please engage me in the comments section.

LOVE IT!
I just wanted to send a quick review - I love this CD. I am always looking for culturally diverse music and this one is fantastic! It makes me want to get up and dance! And in a funny way - it's very soothing and makes me smile. I'll be looking for more from The Very Best. :)