Review

IN THE NAME OF LOVE: 'AFRICA CELEBRATES'

Since U2 have raised so much awareness on behalf of Africa in bringing the worlds eyes and ears to their plight with poverty and famine, it has been a real gesture that Africa should say thanks to U2 with an album of covers in the guise of 'In The Name of Love' Africa celebrates.

There are some real quality performances here with the African Queen Angelique Kidjo leading the way with a sterling French/English version of 'Mysterious Ways.' Upon listening further there are some other unexpected gems with the Soweto gospel choir singing 'Pride (In The Name Of Love) in a fantastic manor. If you are going to cover this track then firstly - do it right - and second - do it different. The Sowteo choir manage to do both these things with this track- if you close your eyes and listen, you can absorb the sprit and the essence of the tune- it really is magical.

Other stand out tracks include, 'Bullet the Sky' by Vieux Farka Toure. Who's Blues guitar is sublime and forgive the U2 pun, gives the track real Edge. The classic 'Where the Streets Have No Name' sung by Tony Allen has a lazy, laidback style - but mix this with a fine arrangement and this squeezes all the goodness from the tune. The list of enjoyment goes on- with the track 'Love is Blindness' by Waldemar Bastos. This has a real Film Noir epicness about it and is both suptious and superb. My personal favorite is 'Sometimes You Just Can''t Make It On Your Own' by Vusi Mahlasela, this version gives a very different slant to a classic and delivers in an honest and just way.

I'm sure you think this album sounds to good to be true... and in parts it is! The song 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' and the all time classic 'One' are (for want of better wording) sadly, some how lost in translation as 'Sunday' lacks the occasion and meaning of the original U2 version while the track 'One' leads you to the saying 'If it ain't broke don't fix it"... As maybe you shouldn't mess with perfection (unless your Mary J Blige of course)

On the whole though... A good album and a great homage to U2... If i had to give this one a mark out of 10 it would have to be 6, could have been a 7 but of course I had to deduct 'ONE'.
Words LEE TYLER