National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Nomad Soul is an explosion of joyous sound, with a tendency to emphasize the songs' melodies and vocal harmonies rather than their rhythms and beats, which Maal keeps understated compared to many African musical traditions. A mix of Senegalese and English vocals adds to the sense of multi-cultural exploration; "Souka Nayo (I Will Follow You)," has strong Celtic influences, which are more subtle on "Cherie," and the lovely, acoustic "Koni." Maal's breath-taking vocals take center stage on one song after another, yet they seem to be energized and held aloft by the music and voices of his collaborators.

— CalabashMusic.com