Egypt

It's not an immediate album by any means, and some may miss the major chords and frenetic mbalax rhythms of his other work, which only surface in restrained form on "Cheikh Ibra Fall". In their place are loping North African grooves, trilling flutes, the buzzing drones of various Egyptian reed instruments and big sweeping string arrangements all skilfully combined with the tinkle of kora and the woody tones of the balafon. Youssou N'Dour's distinctive tenor is unusually subdued in most places and often complemented by fine call-and-response chorus vocals. The consistency of tone and mood--generally one of reverent but restrained ecstasy--might initially seem monochromatic, but Egypt handsomely repays repeated listens. --Jon Lusk