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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Savane
Universal acclaim
Based on 11 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 51 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Nonesuch
Release Date: 25 July 2006
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): World
Summary
'Savane' is the final album from the acclaimed guitarist from Mali, who died in March 2006 after a three-decade recording career which found him injecting American blues into traditional African music.
Also On Metacritic
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Entertainment Weekly
An elegant summation of his work. [11 Aug 2006, p.69]
Observer Music Monthly
All we need to know is, he was a master and this is his masterwork.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
Savane stands out both as Ali Farka Touré’s masterpiece, and as one of contemporary African music’s finest achievements to date.
Read Full Review >Billboard
"Savane" is without question one of the finest efforts in his legendary discography.
Read Full Review >Amazon.com
His unsentimental, voluptuously masculine, spirit-guided magic is captured at its best, for all time, in this magnificent farewell.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
This final record shows Touré still brimming with vitality. Savane is his wonderful farewell gift.
Read Full Review >New Musical Express
Probably the most gutsy, timeless recording of his career. [5 Aug 2006, p.29]
Under The Radar
A work that deserves every bit of praise that it receives. [#15]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.2 (out of 10) based on 51 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Derek D. gave it a9:
Simply astounding roots music. Speaks to me even though I don't know his language.
Jabez H. gave it a6:
This is an OK album, but not nearly as good as 2005's "In the Heart of the Moon", or even "Talking Timbuktu". It certainly wasn't the best record of 2006, but worth it if you into the blues or a Toure fan.
Brett G. gave it a10:
Supremely magical, a triumph of revelation in the sober gray world of today.
J D gave it an8:
I count several very good tunes, 2 topnotch -- I don't understand the '0' votes -- a '0' vote should be reserved for kfed. Just because you believe it was rated too high, don't turn into a hater!
Richard K gave it an8:
I'm only mildly interested in blues, but I took a chance on this album based on the Metacritic rating and the user comments. And suprisingly I really liked this album. I'm often disapointed when I try a highly rated album outside my comfort zone, but this one really works for me.
Aladdyn Sane gave it an8:
I do have to agree with Todd W. that there's usually a love fest associated with recently-dead musicians. I reserve 10's for truly amazing, groundbreaking, listen to over and over again type of music. This album beats 99% of things out there today, but I would agree that this is no Pink Moon, Pet Sounds, etc. etc. Still, if this genre is your thing or you're open-minded enough to give this one a shot, I think you'll be very satisfied.
Robert M gave it a0:
Look, this is not revelatory music. It's the same crappy blues, this time played by an African musician. Give me Fela, King Sunny Ade, Youssou N'Dour anytime over this guy. It's sad that he passed, but that is no reason for this recording to rate a 9.4!! And higher than Waits and the others on the list???? Please!!! This is just misguided, overly-sympathetic voting.
