Les Nubians

Les Nubians are for sensualists. String swells rub against the sporadic textures of tinkling piano lines and envelop the duo's French-language harmonies in a wash of lush neo-soul. And whether we're talking about the flute-driven "Makeda" or the delicate "Princesse Nubienne," there's a fluidity that translates to an other-side-of-the-pillow cool.

Certainly not "Nubian." Biology not being destiny, not "Cameroonian" either. "Princesses" metaphorically if at all. Not "Miriam Makeba meets Wyclef Jean" or any half of same. "Soul II Soul meets Zap Mama" a smidgen. "Sisters" if they say so, "soul" if the "5th Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards" says so. "French" definitely, "hip-hop" forget about it. Coverers of Sade with rhythmic spoken-word interlude indubitably. Blander than their bass lines you bet. French definitely. (Grade - C+)