The Mali superstar has kept a low profile since Amen (1991), his Joe Zawinul-produced bid for crossover stardom, and a new generation of Afro pop marvels led by Baaba Maal have stepped into the vacuum. Returning to Paris and working with producer/keyboardist Wally Badarou (ex-Level 42), Keita is in exquisite voice although he too often takes a back seat to the extended, horn-driven funk jams typified by Sumun and Mandjou. --Jeff Bateman