Rokia Traore -
Beautiful Africa (2013)
A gorgeous set from the Malian singer-songwriter, produced this time by John Parish. There is a strong, muscular flow to this album that grabbed my attention and kept it. I love her singing and how it complements the guitars & drumming. There's both joy & sadness throughout the album, and Traore expresses her emotions exquisitely. Easily one of my favorite albums of the year.