Now presenting his third album for Columbia Records, Youssou N'Dour broadens his appeal still further with a new and inspiring World-Beat album. Those who know him from his appearances with Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon will appreciate his integrity to his roots on the songs that feature the distinctive percussion of his griot background and "The Star of Dakar". Others who know him from the huge hit with Neneh Cherry ["Seven Seconds"] will enjoy the more trip-hop-style production on pop anthems "My Hope is in you" and "Don't Walk Away". The arabic flavour, which has always been present in his music, now finds expression in "She doesn't need to Fall" and you will hear high-life too in "Please Wait". There's more. Guest spots on backing vocals and a serious rap number highlighting poverty in urban Senegal contrast with the purity of Youssou's distinctive soaring vocals to bring the album towards it's emotional conclusion: a brief and touching call out to Africa for unity in the future. It's difficult to imagine that this album [despite never relaxing its focus] will not succeed in having what it aims for--the broadest possible appeal. Again, this truthful and unstoppable artist, with his magical voice, is the African story-teller musician on the world stage.--Ben Clarke