Customer Reviews

Dellali (Dig)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Dellali (The Beloved) is rai music for a cosmopolitan audience. The production is so tight, and the range of foreign music which is incorporated in the tracks so broad, that you might call this pop music. That may be why rai purists object to this album.

A word to those unfamiliar with rai: this music is to Algeria what banda/nortenas are to Mexico. Earthy themes are often expressed in a vulgar way. The melody melts away in the face of the thumpa-thumpa-thumpa of the chintzy MIDI-keyboard beats. Cheb Mami has always reached beyond those base elements. His music speaks of lovely and tender things. His voice is high and clear and always dominates the songs.

The guest artists are great. For example, Ziggy Marley performs on "Madanite" and his participation is a crucial part of the track. This is no twenty-second solo thrown in to add ethnic flavor. "Viens habibi" features French chanson singer Charles Aznavour, and the accordion melody has a funky cabaret sound. So: rai fusion, if you need a designation.

This is good music. It's not challenging or cerebral music. But it's very warm and insanely danceable.

Let's all buy this album and celebrate the gorgeous voice of Cheb Mami, whose first solo American tour was cancelled after September 11. (He won't perform in his native Algeria, either, to protect the safety of his fans.) Naturally, if you can't enjoy his voice in concert, a CD will suffice. But maybe some brisk sales will entice him to come back on tour.

Like everyone else who was not familiar with rai, the Algerian-based percussive musical movement that has cut a wide swath in world music, I was introduced to Cheb Mami through his provocative singing on Sting's "Desert Rose". Upon a friend's recommendation, I bought this disc and was pleasantly surprised by its diversity and from-the-heart musical expression. While it does have that spice bazaar vibe that may seem alienating to those less amenable to what could be considered a niche market, the recording also presents a spirited mix of sounds - reggae, techno, gospel - without appearing to compromise the rai style Cheb Mami is attempting to spread worldwide.

Mami sings with seemingly great abandon with his recognizable falsetto voice, and it is this bravado that carries this highly rhythmic disc. He has assembled an impressive list of world-class musicians to help him - the late Chet Atkins, Omar Hakim, Nile Rodgers, Nitin Sawheny and in a fair trade deal, Sting. Most of the tracks are definitely ear-catching, but three stand out on their own - "Rim Lachoua", which has traces of Rodgers' late seventies-era sound mixed with a percolating bass/accordion combination; "Ana Oualache", a gospel number in an exotic setting that succeeds thanks to Indio-Anglo mixmaster Sawheny's blend of Mami's elevated voice with a back-up chorus (including Sting), string section, and digital beats; and best of all, the opening song, "Le Rai C'est Chic", which mixes his voice with some synthesized vocals that is irresistibly danceable. "Dellali" is a worthy introduction to rai-fusion, including exotic instruments like the djembe and derbouka, and certainly to the mesmerizing voice of Mami. Highly recommended for the more musically adventurous.

I was introduced to Cheb Mami this past weekend when he and his incredible band played in San Francisco. I was looking forward to his show and he didn't disappoint. The music was hypnotic and powerful, sensuous, and captivating. I picked up this CD today and have leared that within it there are even more gifts; blow my mind with Nile Rogers producing the lions' share of tracks - yet again this man proves that great music knows no boundaries of any kind and also Omar Hakim on drums was refreshing and perhaps pretty logical in a dream-band situation, but surprise surprise of all was learning that Chet Atkins lent his guitar to a number of tracks --- knock me down with a feather! My Nashville Gentleman showed a whole new side in his playing, never letting go of the passion of the material. This album in total may dilute the purist's idea of Rai music and that's too bad, but it will undoubtedly go so much further in opening the uninitiated's eyes to so much rich, raw, powerful music.

A very fresh approach as far as Rai music is concerned. As usual, Mami has maintained his excellent standard in blending modern beats with traditional music. Though one hearing may not be enough to fully appreciate the overall quality (music, melody, voice, style, etc..) of each song, and would seem more modern with little traditional Arabic/Algerian influence.

Most of the scores in the album are very catchy. Especially the numbers, 'Le rai c'est chic', which has Sting's voice in the background, adding to magic of the song, 'Mandanite' and 'Rim Lathiva', which show off the volatility of Mami's voice. I think, the scores, 'Yahamami' and 'Ana Oualache' steal the show, as Mami gets to explore his soaring range, talent and skill. There's some excellent keyboarding too, in 'Yahamami'. These scores are very emotional and touching (Saida style), the kind Mami is universally unbeatable at.

For those who have heard his 'Haoulou' (album-'Let me Rai'), may find the modern version quite different. Though, one doesn't get to enjoy his sublime voice as in the original score.

On the whole, it will make a valuable addition to your 'Mami' collection and definitely is very addictive !

Like many, I became familiar with Cheb Mami in Desert Rose, and am incredibly grateful to Sting for introducing me to this incredible artist. Cheb captured my heart with his amazing voice and it wasn't long before I had purchased Let Me Rai. When I heard he had released a new CD, I was anxious to hear what he had put together. Since Let Me Rai was so good, I had certain expectations for Dellali, but never did expect him to surpass them with such incredible success. Cheb's voice is as powerful as ever, and I love how he brings together the sounds of different cultures and musical instruments to create a sound unmatched by anyone else. My favorite is "Vien Habibi" because other then the word "habibi", the song is all in French. My roots are French and since I do not understand Arabic, this song allowed me to have an even greater appreciation for his talent; although one does not need to understand the language(s) to love his music. I also really like "Ma Vie 2 Fois," here he combines French and Arabic lyrics meshing the two just perfectly. He has also used some great artists as background vocals, and they all work together beautifully to help create the gorgeous melodies. It is rare that I can buy a CD and I say that I love every single song, but Dellali is exactly that, and no matter how many times you listen to it, you'll never tire of it. Very well done Cheb, you have certainly earned my loyalty as a lifelong fan. Jasmeen

Aside from the ubiquitous "Desert Rose" with Sting, Dellali was my first exposure to the music of Cheb Mami. I played this CD in my Middle Eastern dance class, and several of my students were fascinated by the music, taking turns to run up and see what was playing. Cheb Mami has a wonderful, soft, dusty voice, and it is the star of the album.

The costar, of course, is the music itself. Dellali is also my introduction to rai music, and if it's all like this, I do believe I'm a fan. The music is very catchy, and I often find myself twitching my hips with the refrain from "Le Rai C'est Chic" running through my head.

Im a long time fan of Cheb mami and a big fan of rai music, the form of music Cheb Mami (the prince) an Cheb Khaled (the king) come to represent. I even have a photo I took with him back in 96, which I treasure. To tell you the truth I was not impressed by the delali album.Although I loved Mavis 2 fois It was not as good as his last album an nowhere near his first, featuring classic tracks like Let me cry an Douhaallia. But for those who are just being introduced to Cheb Mami, well its about time, an if you like the way Mami juxtaposes his style with others then I reccomend Nitin Swahney's prophesy album - moonrise, featuring Cheb mami.

Cheb mami has signed his best work ever. His extraordinary melodious voice mixed with experience and maturity created one of the best world music album.I strongly recommend this album to any music lover,new comer or a fan of Rai music.

I first heard him with Sting on Dessert Rose, then with Zucchero& Co. That made me want to buy an ablum of just him and it was well worth it. I don't understand the languages he sings in but it isn't necessary. The spirit comes through!!!

Cheb Mami here has a mix of modern styles and fushion. While number 1 and 10 are catchy, most of the songs are a bit slow and sometimes hard to listen to.

I think it is a new direction from Meli Meli and he hasn't hit it too off by trying out some new styles of rai.