Merci

In addition to being Alpha Blondy's first recording in four years, MERCI also commemorates 20 years of being an international reggae star. Eschewing any hint of dancehall trappings. Blondy instead utilises live instrumentation and robust vocal arrangements layered over bubbling keyboards and springy bass. Keeping to his trademark multi-lingual style, this native of the Ivory Coast easily moves between the French of the brassy and bright "Zoukefiez-Moi" and the English of the Ziggy-like "Who Are You". Other highlights include the ethereal "Le Feu", snappy "Zoukefiez Moi Ca" (featuring Bibi Den's) and horn-driven "Politruc". Always a fan of western music, Blondie also includes a pair of interesting interpretations: a loping reworking of Free's "All Right Now" entitled "Hey Jack" and "War!", an infectious cover of The O'Jay's "For the Love of Money" that works an irresistible groove and features contributions by French toasters Saian Supa Crew.|