Latest CD releases reviewed

YOUSSOU N'DOUR
Egypt Nonesuch
*****

Songs in praise of various caliphs, saints and sages who hold sway in Senegal's Sufi communities, Youssou N'Dour's Egypt may well be the most unlikely of atmospheric, uplifting, ecstatic and moving albums released this year. Perhaps it was the success of his dramatic Nothing in Vain that persuaded N'Dour that the time was right for Egypt, an album originally recorded some five years ago but shelved in the interim. Musically dazzling as it spins from joyous west African melodies to swooning Arabian strings, it's N'Dour's intensely personal and spiritual voyage through his Islamic beliefs that really gives this album its unique momentum. There's no doubting N'Dour's sincerity about his religion, just as there is no doubting the ability of this music to transcend every notion you may hold about spiritual music of any kind. www.nonesuch.com

Jim Carroll