Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album combines jazz with African musical traditions, showcasing strong vocal performances and varied instrumentation.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks utilize rich instrumentation, including horns and percussion, which create a vibrant backdrop for the vocals.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a lively pace while others slow down to emphasize lyrical content.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful rhythms for dancing
  • short bursts of joy
  • invigorating energy for gatherings
  • easy sing-alongs with friends
  • bright melodies for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, introspective pieces
  • seek slow, meditative experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped solidify Makeba's international recognition and appeal.
Stylistic neighbors
Hugh Masekela· Angelique Kidjo· Oumou Sangaré

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Cameroon 2:49
  • 2 Woza 2:56
  • 3 Little Bird 3:32
  • 4 Chove-Chuva 2:32
  • 5 Same Moon 2:40
  • 6 Kilimanjaro 3:04
  • 7 Khawuyani-Khanyange 3:18
  • 8 Wind Song 2:41
  • 9 Khuluma 2:41
  • 10 Let's Pretend 2:43
  • 11 Beau Chevalier 2:13
  • 12 Maduna 3:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata