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. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    The great thing about this follow-up is the way it builds on that foundation without lapsing into self-consciousness.
  2. Uncut
    100
    Where Manu Chao might have smoothed off some of the rough edges during his spell as co-producer, this album positively celebrates those grungier moments.
  3. The A.V. Club
    91
    Welcome To Mali sounds heavily produced but not overproduced, and even with the pings and whizzing, Amadou’s playing and the pair’s singing insure it never sounds less than organic.
  5. Dot Music
    90
    This album feels like it's tuning into everything, connecting with everything. Welcome to Maii. And welcome to the future.
  6. No Ripcord
    90
    Welcome to Mali was one of 2008's hidden gems, so do yourself a favor and go check it out now.
  7. Under The Radar
    90
    Like all of Welcome To Mali, the underpinnings of 'I Think Of You' are fantastically layered, with a combination of precision timing and in-the-moment passion. [Winter 2009, p.68]
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  8. Pitchfork
    84
    This album is an affirmation of global connectivity and an emerging global culture that transcends and repurposes tradition as it sees fit--the sound of Mali merging with the world at large.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The old formula, while rootsy, gains much from the injection of variety.
  10. musicOMH.com
    80
    Big production bombast in the latter half of the record--especially on 'Africa,' the English-language 'I Follow You' and the title track--could happily be skipped over, but there's at least half a record here that's as indispensible as it is likeable.
  11. The Guardian
    80
    This is Amadou and Mariam's album, and their Africa-pop crossover success continues.
  12. Mojo
    80
    Welcome to Mali celebrates its artificiality, flaunts its illegitimacy and waggles its infidelities in your face. Amadou & Mariam have just damned authenticite to an eternity in caducite. [Dec 2008, p.98]
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  13. Sputnikmusic
    80
    A couple of 50 year olds have just made the most vibrant, youthful record you'll hear all year. What's not to love?
  14. Q Magazine
    80
    Truely, a voyage of discovery. [Jan 2009, p.121]
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  15. Spin
    80
    The follow-up (without Chao) is a more straightforward Afro-pop record, with a few exceptions.
  16. Dusted Magazine
    80
    Regardless of the frames built around them by producers or the press, Amadou and Mariam make great pop music, and their new album gives us more of it.
  17. Billboard
    80
    Welcome to Mali showcases the duo at some distance from its original, more elemental sound, but the overall feel is that of musical progress.
  18. Urb
    80
    But if this is not a problem for you (there’s hardly a word of English), then you’ll enjoy the warm dialogue and glacial crooning of an ancient tongue presented over a psychedelic mix of some of the dark continents finest.
  19. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Dancing desert blues refract Parisian pop while still best at home in the title trance, 'Africa,' and hard-jangled closer 'Sekebe.'
  20. Blender
    70
    The diversity isn't as effortless, but the pushier, poppier beats dislodge A&M from their polite safety zone. [Apr 2009, p.58]
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  21. PopMatters
    70
    It is not entirely strong and not entirely weak. It is not entirely anything. The strength, as always, lies in the couple’s songwriting aptitude.
  22. 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
71
#71 Most Discussed Album of 2009
69
#69 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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