One Step Forward

Is it more of the same? Not exactly, thankfully they were brave enough not to step backwards. A star docked because of Talib Kweli's lack of lyrical substance on Temperature Rising. I find it distracts from the Ladies lovely voices. Brother and Sisters with Morgan Heritage hits the spot. Check out their records as well! I was blessed lucky to see them on tour with Zap Mama. Not enough tickets sold, so instead of cancelling, they joined forces and jammed for several hours.

I love this album, it is just as good as the first, albeit different, more global even. I am happy the sisters continue to sing in their native French. The melodies are haunting, Amour a mort, Saravah, Insomnie, Que Le Mot Soit Perle and La Guerre stand out. Saravah is especially haunting, love the samba rythym, if anyone knows what the man at the end in saying in Portuguese, or where i can find the words to that in Portuguese, it would be greatly appreciated

Les Nubians are French/Cameroonian sibling duo Célia and Hèléne Faussart. This is the follow up to their 1998 debut `Princesses Nubiennes', and following appearances on numerous CDs like the Fela Kuti tribute `Red Hot & Riot', `Bridging the gap' by the Black Eyed Peas, and `Streetsoul' by Guru to name a few.

They have a laid back tropical sound, which is a loose hybrid of neo soul, Jazz, African, and hip hop, sort of like Sade. As colourful and ornate as the markings on their faces on the CD photos. They usually sing in English, French and some Cameroonian language.

The soothing `J'veux d'la musique (tout le temps...)' is a prime example; soft and lilting with beautiful vocal harmonizing from the duo. Performed in French.

Lead off single is the sunny sounding `Temperature rising' sung in English and featuring a stylish rap from Talib Kweli.

The pair of `El son reggae' and `Brothers & Sisters' are reggae songs, the latter featuring reggae group Morgan Heritage (great voices) and flowing freely from French to English. A very bubbly catchy tune about brotherly love and giving thanks to the Almighty for His many gifts to us. Excellent guitar work and harmonizing. One of my favourites. Beautiful!

`Me & me' is really African sounding; the percussion, guitars, and the vocals in English, French, and some Cameroonian tongue. Very joyous sounding!

`Que le mot soit perle' is another standout. A delicate, lilting, tropical sounding song in French with a jazz feel, and all manner of drums tapped all over.

`Saravah' is another light breezy with a male voice adding spoken vocals here and there. Sung in French.

Closing 8 minute track `Immortel Cheikh Anta Diop' is a stunning piece; Half spoken/half sung in French, delicate percussion, a magical chorus with a dreamy feel, flutes drifting in and out, and tinklings of marimba played by Manu Dibango. Everything about this song is perfect.

What can I say?? A brilliant sophomore effort and I look forward to much more from these ladies.

If you enjoyed Les Nubians' Princesses Nubiennes, I cannot imagine how you could possibly not fall into the same mode with the follow up, One Step Forward. Even two years after its release, these ladies retain a zesty freshness with soft jazzy beats that take the listener to a completely new level with every play! As they did before, they alternate evenly between French and English, doing it so well it is easy to forget you may not know exactly what they're saying. What's even more intriguing is their ability to draw attention so effortlessly with pure vocals accompanied by funk and soul music. I can understand one mistaking the smoothness as boring, but one who appreciates the new sound blend that will last into the future, should check this one out! "La Guerre", "One Step Forward" and "Amour a Mort" are fantastic!

Les Nubians' sophomore effort did not fail to bring the same level of musical sophistication, sensitivity and haunting harmonies that the first album, "Les Princesses Nubiennes," was full of.

These two lovely and talented sisters take us on a tour of a cross-section of different sounds from various countries and cultures. They sing in French, Spanish and English, and feature hip hop, R&B, cuban son, reggae and Euro-pop in their music. Some of my favorite songs are "Temperature Rising" (featuring Talib Kweli), which blends hip hop with R&B and is very catchy, "El Son Reggae," which features a fusion of reggae and latin beats while the sisters sing in French and also dabble in Spanish, "Me & Me," which has a very folksy, poppy and melodious quality, and "Que Le Mot Soit Perle," which is just beautiful and very acoustic.

It is a shame these beautiful singers don't get more play time on the radio. I am sure it is hard to determine what category their music falls under. They are fusion of so many international sounds and styles. I really think that more people should take the time to get to know them, though!