Welcome To Mali
by Amadou & Mariam
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2009
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Paste Magazine
    55
    If the album is frustratingly uneven--if, despite moments of exuberance, it can also feel like a mundane grind--well, I suspect that also mirrors life in Mali. And almost everywhere else, too.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Album of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 58
  3. Negative: 6 out of 58
  1. clem666
    Jun 5, 2023
    9
    Gorgeous chemistry all along. The first track 'Sabali' really gives the tone for the rest of the album. It's revolutionary to see how theyGorgeous chemistry all along. The first track 'Sabali' really gives the tone for the rest of the album. It's revolutionary to see how they manage to blend genres in this multi-faceted record, paved with traditional songs, rock, electro and pop vibes. It is in every way fun, dancing, exhilarating and intoxicating. The production is interestingly balanced, thanks Damon Albarn for that !

    If the themes addressed are not that varied, nor even that original (as on 'Africa'), some other tracks such as 'Je Te Kiffe' do benefit from a second grown-up reading (as a message to prevention for STD's in a way). Separately, the tracks are real gems, but after almost an hour and a quarter, they end up being a little redundant.    … Full Review »
  2. Liamd
    Feb 26, 2009
    7
    After all the hype this album got, and after Dimanche a Bamako (their last album) which is one of my favourite albums of the last few years, After all the hype this album got, and after Dimanche a Bamako (their last album) which is one of my favourite albums of the last few years, I can't help feelling just a little disappointed. It's a great album, no mistake, but it's very similar to the last album, and the last album had better tunes (Sabali aside, which is a stonking track). If you've never heard of these two before and are wondering which album to get to give them a try, go for Dimanche a Bamako.… Full Review »
  3. Johno
    Feb 7, 2009
    8
    Doesn't quite hit the peaks of their last album, but is a refreshingly optimistic fusion of rock, blues, funk and soul that Stevie Doesn't quite hit the peaks of their last album, but is a refreshingly optimistic fusion of rock, blues, funk and soul that Stevie Wonder did so well 30 years ago. It's easy to accuse these guys of recreating music that was invented years ago, but why should that dilute the enthusiasm, joy and fine musicianship they have? It's just upsetting that fellow folk that share this appreciation have been labelled "uneducated" by people that clearly have a chip on their shoulder about music that reaches the masses. The term "world music" references anything that falls outside the common genres of mainly (though not always) American and British music. It helps record shops and review magazines organise their music, simple as that. Even though I've been guilty of it myself, It's not "cool" to dislike the mainstream and just quote obscure artists. Everyone knows that. If we don't like an album, or an artist, and insist on sharing that with the world, then let's give intelligent reasons and not criticise those that are in awe.… Full Review »
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