Miriam Makeba Albums (22)
What The Critics Say
Miriam Makeba is an icon of South African music, beyond dispute. It's a status she's earned over the years, and it gives her the luxury to release a smooth album like this, where she can show a great deal of her range. There are new versions of two of her most famous pieces, "Pata Pata" and "The Click Song," updated to fit in with her new musical outlook (although it has to be admitted that the originals were much better). There are also a couple of Brazilian pieces, which wok wonderfully well for the relaxed quality of her voice, especially on "Xica da Silva," while a French ballad, "Comme une Symphonie d'Amour," unfortunately turns to the incredibly syrupy. She fares much better on a song like "Love Tastes Like Strawberries," with its delicious airiness and strong lyrics, where she can really shine, and on the bluesy "Quit It," which offers another, grittier side of her talent. A couple of the tracks come from the pen of her ex-husband, Hugh Masekela, admittedly not the strongest work on the record. She can still sing gloriously, and there are some cuts here that show that. Sadly, too much of it feels like coasting, but she's entitled to that. Hopefully next time out she'll challenge herself a little more. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Now back home in South Africa, Makeba hadn't done much recording in the 1990s prior to this release, so Homeland amounts to a way of introducing herself to new audiences and updating older fans. Alas, the voice of the mighty Makeba, who was in her late sixties when this CD was recorded, frequently sounds worn and quavery (these sessions may have been an aberration, for she could still summon much of her spine-chilling power of old at the Hollywood Bowl in summer 2000). But for those who followed her turbulent career through the struggles over apartheid, it will be heartwarming to learn that she has finally found some measure of peace in her life. The English lyrics (others are sung in Zulu) sing about coming home, healing broken hearts, living for love, and children. In the album's most touching gesture, Makeba's granddaughter, Zenzi Lee, aimed the lyrics of the title track right at her; the dauntless freedom fighter sounds so glad to be home. As a memory refresher, you also get "Pata Pata 2000," yet another retooled edition of her international hit from 1967, not radically different from previous versions except that Lee lends a hand with the lead vocals. The backing tracks are mostly low-key, controlled, contemporary in feeling; they don't ignite, but they don't get in the South African diva's way either. ~ Richard Ginell, All Music Guide
'Folk Songs from Africa'
Release Date 9/23/1997
Tracks 18
Label A World of Music
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Pata Pata: Live in Paris'
Release Date 4/1/1996
Tracks 12
Label Goya
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Kilimandjaro - Live in Conakry'
Release Date 4/1/1996
Tracks 11
Label Goya
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Live from Paris and Conakry'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 20
Label DRG
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This compilation of songs performed live by Miriam Makeba, one of the original international divas (with, perhaps, Susana Baca among others), was released roughly two decades after the recording dates. The songs are from two live concerts, one in Paris in 1977 and the other in Conakry in 1970. On the album are both political songs of various sorts ("Malcolm X," "U. Shaka") as well as songs meant more for dance and fun ("Pata Pata" being the most recognizable). Realistically, Makeba may have other albums of a higher recording quality out there, but the inclusion of crowd noises, monologues with the audience, and some acoustic irregularities (inherent in any live recording) make the album seem more worthy as a document of a live performance, giving the listener a feel for what a live concert by the great singer would be like. Any fan of Makeba's music should be overjoyed upon hearing this compilation, and those who haven't particularly heard of her would find this to be a good starting point. ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
