DEEP FOREST - DEEP FOREST

I was on a break between classes back in my college days and I came home to find this interesting video playing on MTV. 'Sweet Lullaby'. It was fascinating. I thought the video was mysteriously beautiful while at the same being lush and vivid. It struck me as truly artistic. And the tune was lovely. I later learned the group used UNESCO recordings of tribal music from Zaire, Sahel, Tibesti, Burundi and other places in Africa to create this interesting world blend of Pygmy folk music and electronic dance beats. I also learned they donated a substantial portion of the album's profits to a fund to help Pygmy tribes of central Africa cope with environmental threats and are committed to preserving the cultural music of these native groups.

That sealed the deal for me. I was completely captivated. A worthy cause and interesting music... It was a done deal. I've continued to follow this interesting band and I think this album is one of the most exciting and interesting pieces of world music ever made.

From the opening track, the band sets a precedence for interesting melodies, catchy hooks and infectious beats. 'Sweet Lullaby' magically segues from the first number and the album seems to open like an expanse of jungles looming green and fragrant before you. 'Hunting' follows and is an exciting, upbeat number. 'Night Bird' is the next track and has a haunting quality making you imagine the sounds of dusk and the sweet twittering of small birds.

'The First Twilight' is an ambient bridge of sorts. It's the first purely instrumental piece and transitions into 'Savana Dance'. This track is motivated! It gets you excited and on the edge of your seat while at the same time maintaining the mystery of tribal sound. The next tracks are just as interesting and complex. 'The Second Twilight' is another instrumental ambient number that effectively set up 'Sweet Lullaby (Ambient Mix)'. Sadly, this mix is far more interesting and effective than any of the mixes appearing on the single. Also sadly, it's extremely short. But the flawless way in which these songs flow together is dynamically fluid. By far, this could easily be the most superior track on the disc. 'Forest Hymn' is almost an anthem of sorts. It has a grandiose full sound and the pygmy choir makes it seem like the perfect climax to a superior CD. An excellent build and the best possible track to close out this masterpiece.

If you don't have this album, you should pick it up. I imagine it was famously popular all over the world. And why wouldn't it be? Give it a listen and see if you aren't singing at the top of your lungs trying to mimic the sound of words you don't understand because it's just too damn infectious. This is a beautiful, purposeful recording. I love it. My final word: INSPIRED.

DEEP FOREST - DEEP FOREST
01. Deep Forest
02. Sweet Lullaby
03. Hunting
04. Night Bird
05. The First Twilight
06. Savana Dance
07. Desert Walk
08. White Whisper
09. The Second Twilight
10. Sweet Lullaby (Ambient Mix)
11. Forest Hymn