Set

Released one year after his breakthrough recording The Lion, Set clinches Youssou N'Dour's international stardom. From start to finish N'Dour is in fine voice and his band, Super Etoile de Dakar, provides flawless backing. Not one to shy away from tough topics, N'Dour tackles a variety of issues, from the pain and joy of love, to the heartfelt protest of the dumping of toxic waste on undeveloped nations by richer, more developed countries. Set is produced by Michael Brook, who brings out the best in Youssou and the band with a clean and vibrant sound. Daniel Lanois produces one track and is equally successful. There is no formulaic approach to the music on this CD; the song "Xale" puts Youssou together with a classical music style string sextet--a joining that works surprisingly well. The title track has a crisp, pushy rhythm matched by Youssou's imploring voice which underscores the text of the song: the urgency of the need for international cooperation, and the responsibility that the superpowers bear in working for peace. --Jeff Grubb