A too slick to make my top ten
Eric Pfeiffer | Palmyra, NJ United States | 10/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I really like this record, but it's not one that I recommend unless you already have a good Juju ear. After his "Juju Music" record, record company folks thought that if he just cleaned it up a little, cut some of the longer jams, he could be the new Bob Marley. What came out of that was a string of lesser albums, like this one. However, I like the use of synth, which is pretty uncommon on Nigerian Juju records. I know, it makes it less pure, but it's used well. The songs are a little too tight, and there isn't the sound of joy like on so many other of King Sunny's or Chief Commander Ebenezer Obe's best work. So, don't jump on this record unless either a) you've got a good Juju collection and want to hear King Sunny's attempt at westernizing, or b)you didn't like other Juju records because they seem to loose to you."
Percussive paradise
Pieter | Johannesburg | 04/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"On this excellent album, no less than 22 musicians assist the Nigerian superstar. Percussion plays a central role in juju music and here, the vast array of instruments include talking drums, agogo, shekere, motimo, maracas, guitars, keyboards and congos. The album opens with Synchro Feelings, a mellow piece with a skittering beat and layered choruses and is followed by Mo Ti Mo which has impressive instrumental and tempo variation. The tuneful Maajo is one of my favorites because of its strong melody and the lovely call and response vocals. The title track Synchro System is a lengthy number with soulful lead vocals whilst E Saiye Re has an insistent dance rhythm and delicious infusions of Hawaiian guitar. This guitar is even more pronounced on Tolongo, a simple but catchy song and on the spacey E Wele that is also embellished with impressive keyboards. The album concludes with Synchro Reprise, a type of dub version of the title track that is also perfect for the dancefloor. With its delicate percussive textures, engaging vocals and the skilful playing of the musicians, the album creates a tapestry of joyful moods. Perhaps not as immediate as his masterpiece Juju Music, this is also a great album that will reward the listener with repeated plays."
A must have!
Erik (swan-beach@worldnet.att.net) | Los Angeles, USofA | 06/18/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music talks to your soul and makes you want to dance--what more do you want?"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1