Is North America ready for Yulduz???
Neil J. Hajba | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yulduz is an amazing singer, full of energy, and truly a talented entertainer! Already quite popular in Europe (and especially Eastern Europe and her native Uzbekistan) I hope that her charm with capture the North American audience.Tak Boom is probably the most popular song on this album. (I must admit that it is not MY favorite, but it is quite popular and does have a catchy little tune and beat!)Take a chance and buy this CD, I think that you will enjoy it, and if not, at least you have exposed yourself to one of the most famous Uzbek modern artists....but I think that you will like it!"
Generally Good, but kind of uneven
William D. Shingleton | United States | 05/31/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yulduz Usmanova has a nice mix of traditional Uzbek rythms and more modern techno-type stuff in her music. Most of the times she makes it work, although as someone who is not a fan of Tak Boom I have to say it's not a universal. Some interesting political commentary in this album, particularly given that she was in virtual exile from Uzbekistan for a while, then was invited back and is now a member of the Oliy Majlis. For people who are unfamiliar with Central Asian music the mix of more Western sounds (even some English) with the traditional Uzbek instruments and sounds is an excellent introduction; far better than, say, heading straight into mugam music or a more hard-core Central Asian sound."