Customer Reviews

Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This CD is perhaps the most beautiful and accessable CD of Middle Eastern music available in the west. I first heard this CD while with one of my Arabic friends, and I fell in love with it instantly. This CD covers a variety of styles, ranging from world fusion to Egyptian pop to Algerian Rai and almost everything in between. The name of this CD comes from the song "Desert Rose", which features Sting with Cheb Mami. A particularly haunting remix of this song is featured on this CD.
There is a definate slant towards Rai on this CD. Aside from Cheb Mami, this CD also features superb selections from such legendary names as Khaled (THE King of Rai), Faudel, Rachid Taha, and another track from Cheb Mami. Theres also another western fusion, from Soraya, which I found to be particularly beautiful and moving.
This CD also features two songs from two of the greatest female musicians of all time: Natacha Atlas' "Mon Amie La Rose" and Amina's "Dis Moi Pourquoi". Both of these women possess hauntingly beautiful voices, and both give excellent performances on this CD. Theres also an excellent song from the Trans-Global Underground.
Rounding out this CD are some excellent selections of Arab Pop music. Hakim's "Esma Yalli" was particularly good, and prompted me to go out and buy his newest CD. Latifa's "Inchallah" was also very good. The other songs ("Chie Begam" by Andy, and "La Titnahad" by Kazem al Saher), were also very good. Over all, all of the songs on this CD are worth listening to repeatedly. This is such a great CD that I can't recommend it enough. Just go out and buy it, then buy the sequel.

After taking one glance at the tracklisting (Natacha Atlas, Amina, Rachid Taha) I knew that this was an album worth listening to. I've always been a fan of world music but never quite knew where to start. Now that I actually have Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms, however, there are a dozen albums that I long to obtain... Some of which are featured here on this incredible compilation, which is an excellent source for beginner world listeners like myself. And while this vibrant collection has no duds, standout tracks include Khaled's "Aalach Tloumouni", which has swooping Egyptian strings that frame an unmistakable Rai rhythm, and the sexy Middle Eastern "I'm Yours" by Colombian singer Soraya. And though I probably would have preferred "En Retard", "Qalantiqa" is yet another amazing experience by the global Rachid Taha. What actually pushed me to buy this album, however, was Transglobal Underground for I'd previously heard their song "Pomegranates" before on a local world station. I instantly became intrigued by this band for their thrilling fusion of ethno-techno beats with African singing and Arabian musical stylings. Natacha Atlas apparently used to sing with Transglobal Underground so I also had to buy this for "Mon Amie La Rose", which is a great Egyptian dance tune. One of my favorite tracks, though, is the modern French song by Amina: "Dis Moi Pourqoui", which is set to Western pop music. I also like Cheb Mami's "Hay Wadi Hay Galbi", whom also happens to guest sing on the melodic club mix of Sting's "Desert Rose".

This is a decent intro to the music of the Middle East and the Maghreb in that it incorporates a variety of styles, but I think the Putomayo CDs are better and less commercialized. I'd recommend those to anyone interested in arabic music.

This CD was WONDERFUL--I LOVED IT IMMENSELY! It is a medium-fast paced album that keeps you moving. The songs are either in Arabic, English, or French. Almost all the singers have SUPERB voices! I especially liked the songs by Faudel (which is a slow tune but that which leaves you in a delightful mood), Andy (his song is HAUNTINGLY beautiful--you'll be singing it to yourself for hours with its mix of MIDDLE-EAST meets WEST style of rock), & Soraya (with Simon Shaheen on instruments (whom I saw perform on TV & who is very talented!) The song "Pomegranate" by Trans-Global Underground is a melodious fusion of Arabic & reggae music that intermixes nicely. Please don't take my word on how good this album is... (but I can almost GUARANTEE you that if you LIKE Arabic music--YOU'LL LOVE THIS CD!)

I enjoy the more traditional arabic collections. I think this is more of a collection of western music with Arabic influence, than true Arabic music. I recommend Arabic Groove, and other Putumayo collections, instead.

After returning from a trip to Turkey, I wanted to buy a CD that could bring back the music I heard on the streets of Istanbul. I also wanted a little something to practice belly dancing. This CD provided for both needs. Of all the Middle-Eastern World Music CDs I've purchased, this one has been the closest to what I was looking for. Don't mistake this for traditional music - it has a strong basis in pop. The number of songs sung in French surprised me, but it lends a certain mix of exotic cultures. Dis Moi Pourquoi is one of these tracks, and is very upbeat.

Natacha Atlas's voice on Mon Amie La Rose, sung in French, is heavenly. It is my favorite dance tune, with a slow and sensuous beat. Of course, the most recognizable tune will be Desert Rose by Sting, heard in a recent car commercial. Latifa's Inchallah is a bouncy, fun tune that I sing along to. Overall, I prefer the female vocalists but everything is listenable.

For anyone who loves world music with a middle eastern influence, this CD is for you. I was familiar with about half of the artists on this CD before I purchased it. The others were a very pleasant surprise. I especially liked the track by Natacha Atlas, "Mon Amie La Rose", it's sensual beyond words.

This album is a splendid way to get into Rye music. Sting's hit single performance with Cheb Mami sparks interest, and the rest of the more obscure (in America, that is) tracks are all beautiful. Fun gift for somebody who is learning French (Maghreb music is often sung in French,) or just seeking out some more exotic music. Also, fabulously sultry dancing music!

I have to admit I'm on an Arab music kick lately and I LOVE this CD. I've listened to it over and over again for a week and I still think it's great. Listen to track 7 which in my opinion is the best track. The good news is that there is no weak track on the whole album. This appears NOT to be just a Sting publicity stunt -- all these artists are top in their genres (I have some of their individual albums) and these are among their best works. I even like the title track which is a nice mix of a song we've heard lots of on the radio. If you even think you like this type of music (audition them), you'll love this whole CD. It puts me in a great mood while I'm driving!

GREAT arabian modern music mix. It includes the biggest names in Rai: Cheb Mami, Khaled, and Rachid Taha. If you liked the duo from CHeb Mami and Sting(the song is in here too) you will like this one. THere is a beautiful song from Faudel that is worth the whole cd. THis cd will introduce you to the artists in arabian music.