Miriam Makeba, "Reflections" (Heads Up International)

On "Reflections," Miriam Makeba sings new versions of songs she sang in her five-decade long career. The South African singer has the sound of an elder woman, which works wonderfully well with some songs, though her voice shows its age in others.

Makeba's tone has less growl and more crackle. It's less commanding and more endearing. On ballads like "Where Are You Going?" which she first recorded in the '60s, Makeba's matured voice sounds like a grandmother offering advice while still conveying a beguiling sultriness in "Love Tastes Like Strawberries." But her high notes are barely there on "Comme Une Symphonie D'Amour," which she first sang in the '80s, and "I'm In Love With Spring," first released in 1965, also seems to stretch her range.

Makeba sings in a wide selection of languages on the album, sounding as natural in Spanish as French, and with the exception of some outdated string arrangements, her band is tight, with a standout flute solo by Kelly Petlane on "Xica Da Silva". She includes the requisite "Pata Pata" and "Click Song," along with a joyful version of "I Shall Sing" by Van Morrison.

Nonetheless, there's something about hearing the age in her voice. And there's something about the way the opening song "Iyaguduza" ends by melting into a reverie of strings, while the closing song ends with the phrase "so rest a while lonely soul" that makes "Reflections" sound like a long goodbye from Mama Africa. Cherish every moment of it.

-- Aimee Maude Sims, AP Writer