Algeria music reviews

I love this CD. I bought it three years ago and still consider it one of my favorites. His songs are all toe tappers and his voice is UNBELEIVABLE!! I can't reccomend this CD enough. It is awesome from start to finish.

A great Middle Eastern CD!If you want a great introduction to rai,choose this one!

I reccomend the tracks "Meli Meli","Bledi" and "Azwaw 2." The last one pairs Arabic music with Celtic music.It is fantastic.These are the highlights,but there are no fillers.Perfect!

I wonder what has become of Cheb Mami since his collaboration with Sting in "Desert Rose." He's great!

I have been interested in rai music for a time being since I began to listen Rachid Taha's Diwan album. I first realized Cheb Mami in a song named Desert Rose by Sting and I was quite impresed with his voice. If you like to listen something different and you like to tap your feet while listening this album is simplt the best for you. I especially recommend this album to poeple who are already acquinted with arabic tunes.

"Diwan" is a really rich album - a great way to introduce others to rai music without losing itself to Western studio overproduction. Some other readers' comments seem confusing to me. 6 minutes too long for a song? Obviously that person isn't familiar with traditional Arabic music where songs can go on for what seem like eons. Of course, "Ya Rayah" is the anchor to this album - the one song (if any of Taha's) that anyone would know, but the other's are just as good. I enjoy the change in tempo and intensity of "Habina", and the good times that "Ida" seems to evoke. Rachid's voice is raw and unmodified, which makes the songs all the more genuine. "Diwan" is definitely a keeper, and also is his most consistent album.

Diwan is an impressively showcased and very highly recommended collection of music from the Middle East featuring the inspirational works of the group Rabita Andalusa. Their aim is to preserve the Andalusian-Maghrebi musical style while affirming ties of popular culture to Northern Morocco. A live recording of ensemble performance, Diwan offers an enlightened and captivating treasury of sound, tradition, and creativity. The pieces performed in Diwan include: Mashaliya (1:14), Tuishya (3:50), San'a "Kala Li" (3:03), Taqsim 'ud (0:28), Tuishya (0:55), San'a "Ma Kuntu Hadri" (4:51), Inshad (2:33), Tuishya (1:28), San'a "Ya Wahida" (5:57), San'a "Neddemem Wa Nakhda" (5:03), Taqsim qanun (1:20), Mawal (1:19), Taqsim 'ud (0:45), Mawal (1:01), Insiraf Sha'abi (7:31), Bint Bladi (8:32) and Habiba u Jarrahtini (5:50).

I had no idea what to expect when I purchased "Diwan" in cassette format several years ago. It had been highly recommended in the hi-tech mag "Wired", and, being interested in world music, I decided to take a chance.

I've now just about worn it out, having listened to it countless times. With "Diwan" in my pocket I go out for a brisk two-mile walk every evening and this guy rocks! And I rock as I walk, snapping my fingers to the infectious beat. It's fantastic music and I defy anyone to keep still once they hear it!

"Diwan" is a really rich album - a great way to introduce others to rai music without losing itself to Western studio overproduction. Some other readers' comments seem confusing to me. 6 minutes too long for a song? Obviously that person isn't familiar with traditional Arabic music where songs can go on for what seem like eons. Of course, "Ya Rayah" is the anchor to this album - the one song (if any of Taha's) that anyone would know, but the other's are just as good. I enjoy the change in tempo and intensity of "Habina", and the good times that "Ida" seems to evoke. Rachid's voice is raw and unmodified, which makes the songs all the more genuine. "Diwan" is definitely a keeper, and also is his most consistent album.

Diwan is an impressively showcased and very highly recommended collection of music from the Middle East featuring the inspirational works of the group Rabita Andalusa. Their aim is to preserve the Andalusian-Maghrebi musical style while affirming ties of popular culture to Northern Morocco. A live recording of ensemble performance, Diwan offers an enlightened and captivating treasury of sound, tradition, and creativity. The pieces performed in Diwan include: Mashaliya (1:14), Tuishya (3:50), San'a "Kala Li" (3:03), Taqsim 'ud (0:28), Tuishya (0:55), San'a "Ma Kuntu Hadri" (4:51), Inshad (2:33), Tuishya (1:28), San'a "Ya Wahida" (5:57), San'a "Neddemem Wa Nakhda" (5:03), Taqsim qanun (1:20), Mawal (1:19), Taqsim 'ud (0:45), Mawal (1:01), Insiraf Sha'abi (7:31), Bint Bladi (8:32) and Habiba u Jarrahtini (5:50).

I had no idea what to expect when I purchased "Diwan" in cassette format several years ago. It had been highly recommended in the hi-tech mag "Wired", and, being interested in world music, I decided to take a chance.

I've now just about worn it out, having listened to it countless times. With "Diwan" in my pocket I go out for a brisk two-mile walk every evening and this guy rocks! And I rock as I walk, snapping my fingers to the infectious beat. It's fantastic music and I defy anyone to keep still once they hear it!

This is a good compilation of Khaled's work. I've been a fan of his since listening to "Didi" about 4 years ago and have listened to all his music since (in spite of not knowing either Arabic or French!) If you are familiar with his music it's nice to listen to the songs in the live version. I actually thought that "Aicha" sounded better live than the studio version. However, some of the other numbers sounded a bit flat. Still, it's good listening overall.

Cheb Khaled is the master of the music style called Rai, which combines traditional Algerian (Arabic) music with modern western sounds. This style is appealing to everyone, whether you can understand the lyrics or not. This CD is a collection of all of his finest songs live in concert. The fact that this CD is a concert recording makes it even better than you would hear it normally. My personal favorite songs on this album are Chebba and Aiysha. Although Aiysha is a lot more famous, Chebba has to be the best. This CD is a wonderful, exotic addition to anyone's CD library.

I bought this cd when i visited united arab Emirates.Even though i don't speak arabic and don't have a clue what the songs mean,i think it's the best cd i have ever listen to!!All the songs are excellent and it's a must buy cd..

This is a good compilation of Khaled's work. I've been a fan of his since listening to "Didi" about 4 years ago and have listened to all his music since (in spite of not knowing either Arabic or French!) If you are familiar with his music it's nice to listen to the songs in the live version. I actually thought that "Aicha" sounded better live than the studio version. However, some of the other numbers sounded a bit flat. Still, it's good listening overall.

Cheb Khaled is the master of the music style called Rai, which combines traditional Algerian (Arabic) music with modern western sounds. This style is appealing to everyone, whether you can understand the lyrics or not. This CD is a collection of all of his finest songs live in concert. The fact that this CD is a concert recording makes it even better than you would hear it normally. My personal favorite songs on this album are Chebba and Aiysha. Although Aiysha is a lot more famous, Chebba has to be the best. This CD is a wonderful, exotic addition to anyone's CD library.

I bought this cd when i visited united arab Emirates.Even though i don't speak arabic and don't have a clue what the songs mean,i think it's the best cd i have ever listen to!!All the songs are excellent and it's a must buy cd..

I've liked this album a lot since I got it two years ago. My favorites are "Comme Un Chien" and "Zaama". The album has some really interesting rhythms and mixtures of sounds and instruments and vocals, so it's not for everyone. The lyrics are unintelligible if you only know English. It's not what usually passes for "World Music" because it's very Western/contemporary (while still having a distinctly Middle Eastern flavor). The legendary Steve Hillage's contributions as producer really show through, and I'm sure his involvement is a sign of his belief in Rachid's innate talent, which is obvious from the music. Anyway, I think most of this CD will stand up quite well over time. Kind of surprised to see only one other review here. 4 1/2 stars.

Ole, Ole was the first album by Rachid Taha that I bought after hearing one track in a local Middle Eastern hotspot. I immediately had to know who it was! I have played this album over and over. My two favorite songs are Valencia and Kelma and I can't sit still when I hear them. I love Rachid Taha's gravelly voice and interesting lyrics.. paired with the mix of new and old in hip hop and traditional Middle Eastern instruments, it makes for great listening. Jungle Fiction will amuse anyone familiar with Miserlou (the old Greek song made popular by surf guitar). I'd like to see more "Sharqi Rock" or "Sharqi Hip Hop" come out and get more airplay. It might follow the same trend here in the US as Flamenco fusion music has recently and do very well. As well as opening up a whole new world of great music for Americans.

Brilliant CD, great music and inspiritianal.... Compare Taha's 'KELMA' with track 8 'MIGRA' on Carlos Santana's new album and apart from Santana's guitar & the vocals it's a perfect copy! Taha's music is that good, even Santana 'borrows' it.

I've liked this album a lot since I got it two years ago. My favorites are "Comme Un Chien" and "Zaama". The album has some really interesting rhythms and mixtures of sounds and instruments and vocals, so it's not for everyone. The lyrics are unintelligible if you only know English. It's not what usually passes for "World Music" because it's very Western/contemporary (while still having a distinctly Middle Eastern flavor). The legendary Steve Hillage's contributions as producer really show through, and I'm sure his involvement is a sign of his belief in Rachid's innate talent, which is obvious from the music. Anyway, I think most of this CD will stand up quite well over time. Kind of surprised to see only one other review here. 4 1/2 stars.

Ole, Ole was the first album by Rachid Taha that I bought after hearing one track in a local Middle Eastern hotspot. I immediately had to know who it was! I have played this album over and over. My two favorite songs are Valencia and Kelma and I can't sit still when I hear them. I love Rachid Taha's gravelly voice and interesting lyrics.. paired with the mix of new and old in hip hop and traditional Middle Eastern instruments, it makes for great listening. Jungle Fiction will amuse anyone familiar with Miserlou (the old Greek song made popular by surf guitar). I'd like to see more "Sharqi Rock" or "Sharqi Hip Hop" come out and get more airplay. It might follow the same trend here in the US as Flamenco fusion music has recently and do very well. As well as opening up a whole new world of great music for Americans.

Brilliant CD, great music and inspiritianal.... Compare Taha's 'KELMA' with track 8 'MIGRA' on Carlos Santana's new album and apart from Santana's guitar & the vocals it's a perfect copy! Taha's music is that good, even Santana 'borrows' it.

Rai Rebels captures the liberation music found in the port city of Oman in Algeria.

Hypnotic Arab melodies marry a strong percussive beat for some of the most distinctively compelling music around.

I could listen to "Sidi Boumeddiene" by Cheb Khaled on repeat for hours on end, for the extended instrumental of fading drums that make its conclusion.

Unfortunately some of the other tunes are a bit monotonous, but what is good on this CD is very, very fine indeed -- nothing like it.

If you've never had the opportunity to hear Rai, this is a wonderful introduction to it. This fabulous music from Oran is one of the best for dancing, with its pulsating rhythms and marvelous Arabic melodies.

It starts out with "N'Sel Fik" ("You are Mine"), sung by the great Chaba Fadela, and her husband, the equally terrific Cheb Sahraoui, who's intro to the song is one of the most sensual sounds I've ever heard...the song was a big hit for the couple in '86, and continues to enthrall 15 years later.

Produced by Rachid Baba, the other artists on this CD are Cheb Khaled, who is worthy of his label as "King of Rai", and who sings a solo, as well as a duet with another top female voice, Chaba Zahouania. The CD is rounded out with songs from Houari Benchenet, and Cheb Hamid.

The booklet includes a brief history of Rai music, the story of how Rachid managed to record songs that were initially only improvised and hard to repeat, and the cover photo is of the irrepressible King, Cheb Khaled.

Knew nothing about Rai but this made me a convert, so much so that probably any other Rai CD will not be able to match it. Every song is indeed hypnotic. Incredible!

A must for the listener that want to learn the sound of RAI. This 4 cd set is a broad compilation of contemporary Rai music. New works from Khaled and Cheb Mami gives a view of the current state of RAI, if not strictly in standard Rai fashion. Cheb Mami's contribution with K-Mel's "Parisien du nord" offers a bridge for the western listener, from hip hop to Rai. The album features Chebs Mami, Khaled (no longer going by the Cheb moniker), Bilal, Aissa, Fethi, Nasro, Hasni, Nabil, Zahouani, Abdelhak, Hassen, KhaledAziz, and Tati. The large number of various Rai singers give a glimse at the breath of current RAI trends. An added suprise appears midway through Cheb Khalas's "Yalli Chef Ezzine" in the form of samples from Flavor Flav.

this is the best rai music collection i have i ever listen to. before i bought this CD i only knew cheb mami and khaled and hasni. this 4 cd box set contains many many tracks and introduce me to many rai artists that i havent heard of before. also a surprise was cheb khalas song that the previous reviewer mentioned. its originally turkish by turkey's superstar Tarkan but i didnt know that there was an arabic version and cheb khalas did it very well.

This relatively unknown group should publish more recordings! Several tracks would make interesting dance routines - some are great for zils. Even if you don't dance, these intricate rythyms, the accomplished musicianship, and a variety of beats will keep everyone interested!

Abdelli is a Kabyle, a Berber from Algeria. He is currently living in Brussels, Belgium. This album is, as far as I know, his only offering on record. I consider this to be a prime example of traditional music at its best; rooted, but not provincial. It is also quite different from Arab music. Abdelli taught himself to play the "mandole", a typically Algerian mandoline-like instrument. He's not really a virtuoso, but his instrumental talents serve his art perfectly. Moreover, he is the lucky owner of one of the most haunting voices ever heard on record. Some of his songs have a mantra-like quality, others are very upbeat (there is even a football song !) If you have a weakness for remarkable voices, you should definitely check out this album.

If you're one of those people who feel that Realworld releases are a tad overproduced, you'll be happy to read that this record is the exception that proves the rule.

Personally, I'm a bit surprised how little interest this album has generated, since it is certainly one of the most interesting and original records on Realworld.