On past recordings, Angelique Kidjo seemed to choose popularity over authenticity. Critics have taken her to task for diluting the purity of her musical origins (she was born in Benin but lives in Paris) by opting for the easy appeal of over-produced world pop.

But Kidjo's latest CD, "Black Ivory Soul," makes such controversy redundant. With it, she resolves her allegiances into a work of clarity and depth. The melodies of Brazil and the rhythms of Africa are blended into a finished whole that is definitely more than the sum of its parts.

Her past work also fused different musical elements, but with uneven results. From her first recording in 1990, Kidjo looked toward American soul for direction, but with this CD, she wisely stays draws inspiration from Brazil.