Nothing's In Vain - Youssou N'Dour

Advantages: Very moving, personal, vivid, intense
Disadvantages: can invoke all sorts of emotions - good or otherwise

...Although quite old now, Seven Seconds is still a very powerful soul record, sung by the relatively unknown N'dour and of course Ms Cherry herself. But for me its N'dour that carries the music with the kind of aethetic desire & mystic Turkish charm which melds into the pace & delivery of the rhythm. Cherry adds a little feminine charm but done with a certain mature manache that envelopes N'dour's delivery: it's as if the two are lovers serenading each other's devotion & hopes. Like most ballads each song seems to hold something special to the listener; and for me Seven Seconds will always remind me February 21st 1998. As someone once said, a particular song (love songs usually) will always have strong affections & emotions for one person in their hearts; and this song is no exception. The big problem with ballads such as... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Amazing for any reuben fan, and a huge improvement from the last release.
Disadvantages: A definite change in the overall direction of the music

...'t believe me) and this time, I think that's changed a little. However, it's not for the worse. The guitar parts are more mature (the album in general is), but there's no quality lost, just the direct bite and pace of their previous album's guitar work is gone, and replaced with often more complex guitar parts which make you think more than they make you tap your foot. There's more work with acoustic guitars on "In Nothing We Trust", and some of the sections where they're used are absolutely beautiful (and unlike some of their previous mellow songs, don't get dull). The songwriting in closer "A Short History Of Nearly Everything" in particular is phenomenal, with so many different moods given off climaxing in a crazy hardcore finish. The vocals on this effort are massively improved. Jamie's screams have more attack (though they certainly weren... Read review

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Advantages: Perfect harmony
Disadvantages: Slightly repetitive??

...I must confess - I have only heard this right through once. I do however own the single "Seven Seconds". It is superb. N'Dour's vocals are haunting, powerful, restrained, imperious, magnificent. The music behind them is soft, inspired and perfect. Seven Seconds, on which most of my knowledge is based, is a true masterpiece. Backed by Neneh Cherry, the song is deeply moving, with a clear and powerful nature. The video, filmed in black and white, is just right. It leaves you contemplative, wanting to hear it again, to discover it's true message. The whole of The Guide is similar. Eminently easy-listening, you won't tire of it, I promise.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful