Reggae, South American folk, and a pinch of Rai are the spices, with the catchiest feel-good music as the foundation. 2xLP + CD

Who would have thought that Manu Chao could top his standout debut from 1998? I certainly didn't – and I was proven wrong, as Proxima Estacion: Esperanza (Next Stop: Hope) was barely three tracks in my CD player! At 40 years old, the son of Spanish immigrants sounds younger, fresher, and more playful than many half his age. The album is simply enjoyable from the first to the last second. Reggae, South American folk, and a touch of Rai are the spices, with the catchiest feel-good music as the base. With a wink, the master often quotes himself, but only to create something new from old elements. The linguistic diversity of this cosmopolitan expands to six languages. In addition to French, Spanish, and English, there are now also lyrics in Portuguese, Arabic, and Portunol, a Spanish-Portuguese hybrid spoken in corresponding border areas. Border areas are indeed what the former member of Mano Negra is all about; he feels most at home there. But what am I writing? The motto is to get up and enjoy – Manu Chao enriches the world and breaks down borders!

Tracks: A1. Merry Blues - A2. Bixo - A3. Eldorado 1997 - A4. Promiscuity - A5. La Primavera - A6. Me Gustas Tu - B1. Denia - B2. Mi Vida - B3. Trapped by Love - B4. Le Rendez Vous - C1. Mr Bobby - C2. Papito - C3. La Chinita - C4. La Marea - D1. Homens - D2. La Vaçaloça - D3. Infinita Tristeza.