The Very Best – Warm Heart of Africa

September 9, 2009

As the sun sets on our short, frigid, British Summer, The Very Best (an international trio representing France, Sweden and Malawi) are set to cast an electro-pop jewel into space to replace that huge, fading star. Following the success of their underground mixtape released at the end of last year, this full-length debut is sung primarily in Chichewa (the native language of Malawi), which means that it instantly fails the essential Western criteria for purchase.

Adventurous listeners willing to take a chance should expect to be completely rewarded by an eminently danceable record that features some inspiring vocal performances and eclectic production that mixes Afrobeat, electro and pop influences to heart-warming effect. Clearly, that’s why they gave the album its title.

(4/5)