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Album Review

A compilation of hits by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This album had its track listing put together by Joseph Shabalala himself, hence the title. The album doesn't particularly differ from other Ladysmith albums in any major way, with the usual mix of songs dealing with the Zulu heritage and Christianity. The gospel influence is as strong as always here, with roughly half the tracks being direct spirituals. As one would expect, the vocal harmonies are outstanding, being from the premier group and moreover being a greatest-hits compilation of sorts. Beyond this, though, the album is rather standard as far as Ladysmith albums go. It's certainly worth hearing, but one would do better to first pick up the stand-alone albums, or if in the mood for a compilation, to look for the Ultimate Collection, also on Wrasse, which is much more comprehensive of the eras and styles that Ladysmith has been through and dabbled in. Pick it up as an introduction to the band, but keep in mind that the same label provides better introductions.