Many of us probably share the same mixed feelings about Johnny Clegg. Huge respect is due to the one major white South African musician who, throughout the apartheid years, led multi-racial bands, embraced indigenous rhythms and stood up for freedom throughout the darkest times. He also made some great records in their own right, particularly with Juluka. Yet at the same time, if you were going to buy a South African CD, solidarity dictated that you went for something a little more ethnic – whether it was a Zulu choir or a township mbaqanga band. His new album, recorded in Johannesburg and Real World studios, offers the usual Clegg mix of Western rock stylings and Zulu rhythms, although he’s added a Latin vibe to the opener ‘Daughter of Eden’, and some vague hip-hop traces elsewhere.

Despite this, One Life still manages to sound like most of it could have been recorded in the 80s. The rock elements still labour under the influence of The Police while the African influences have an undeniable touch of Graceland about them. There are some terrific moments, particularly on ‘I Don’t Want To Be Away’, which uses Zulu mouth bow and concertina to fine effect against an inventive vocal. Yet overall it’s a record that, like much of Clegg’s work, it’s far easier to respect than to love.

Nigel Williamson / Songlines # 40