Saga

It's been a long, long time since N'Goma was an African one-hit wonder, and although he has good backing on this from some excellent Congolese musicians, it's unlikely that this will catapult the man from Gabon back into the spotlight. Truthfully, the best you can say is that it's workmanlike. The songs do the job, the arrangements are fine, but nothing to write home about. There are no real faults. The problem is, it never seems inspired, either. Everyone knows what to do, puts in the hours, then takes their check and goes home, end of story. About the only real standout on the album is Rigo Star on guitar, who tries vainly to kick some life into the proceedings. Even N'Goma doesn't sound in top form, which hardly stands as an advertisement for his album. ~ Chris Nickson