User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
The Source Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

  • Summary: The latest solo release for the Afrobeat artist features influences from jazz music with the backing of an 11-piece ensemble that included Damon Albarn, Mathias Allamane, Indy Dibongue, Jean Phi Dary, Jean Jacques Elangue, Nicolas Giraud, Yann Jankielewicz, Remi Sciuto, Vincent Taurelle, andThe latest solo release for the Afrobeat artist features influences from jazz music with the backing of an 11-piece ensemble that included Damon Albarn, Mathias Allamane, Indy Dibongue, Jean Phi Dary, Jean Jacques Elangue, Nicolas Giraud, Yann Jankielewicz, Remi Sciuto, Vincent Taurelle, and Daniel Zimmermann. Expand
Buy Now
Buy on
  • Record Label: Blue Note
  • Genre(s): Jazz, International, Post-Bop, West African, African Traditions, Afro-beat, Nigerian
  • More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Sep 11, 2017
    90
    An earthy, majestic, endlessly inventive album that caps both his own storied career and points the way toward the future.
  2. Sep 11, 2017
    80
    Allen’s Parisian band explore each theme in detail, with some garrulous, impressive solos from the likes of saxophonist Rémi Sciuto and trumpeter Nicolas Giraud.
  3. 80
    The Source is a work that showcases a great rhythmic and tonal diversity throughout, floating between a myriad of influences and arrangements.
  4. Sep 14, 2017
    80
    Ultimately, The Source, offers indisputable proof that the man from Lagos is thriving in what are supposed to be his twilight years. Like a vintage bottle of Château Lafite, he just seems to improve with each passing year. Long may he continue to do so.
  5. The Wire
    Oct 11, 2017
    80
    A set of vigorous yet highly intricate arrangements of new material. [Oct 2017, p.60]
  6. Mojo
    Oct 24, 2017
    80
    Allen is inspirational throughout, creating a range of personalised drum patterns, and hey! You can dance to every darn thing. [Dec 2017, p.88]
  7. Uncut
    Sep 22, 2017
    70
    A strong set of big band compositions. [Nov 2017, p.23]

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of