Back in stock: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: Amadou & Mariam, the legendary Malian duo, celebrate their nearly 50-year career with La Vie Est Belle, a new album that blends their greatest hits since 1998 with fresh tracks. The album showcases the duo's profound impact on the global music scene, highlighting their pioneering role in Afro-pop. Among the album's highlights is the brand-new single 'Beaux Dimanches' (Ever Mihigo Rework), which sounds like their vintage work. The album also includes 'Mogolu,' a Manu Chao-composed track that effortlessly fuses Afro-beat rhythms with modern electronic elements, a reflection of Amadou & Mariam's enduring ability to innovate. Amadou & Mariam's influence spans far beyond their roots, having collaborated with major artists like U2, Coldplay, and Stevie Wonder. Their musical journey began at the Bamako Institute for Young Blind People in the 1970s, and they quickly won over audiences across West Africa before gaining international recognition in the late 90s. La Vie Est Belle revisits iconic tracks like 'Je Pense A Toi,' 'Sabali,' and 'Bofou Safou,' along with collaborations from Dimanche a Bamako and Welcome to Mali, featuring artists like Damon Albarn and K'Naan. The album also explores their more recent works, including tracks from La Confusion and collaborations with contemporary artists like BLOND. With La Vie Est Belle, Amadou & Mariam reaffirm their status as global music icons, continuing to blend traditional Malian sounds with modern influences, all while spreading messages of peace, love and unity through their music.