Malouma

Malouma's 2008 release is a grave and glowing affair, as wrapped in its desert origins as it is enlivened by the addition of rock and electronic flourishes, which set off the spare, commanding sweep of Malouma's voice and the elegantly developed songs in which she specializes. North African music can alienate Western listeners, but in this singer's hands (thanks in part to the grounding thrum of electric bass), it guides us into its twisting alleyways and mystic depths, never losing its mystery but letting us see a bit further under the surface. Fans of Tinariwen will find a lot to like here.