Customer Reviews

Devotion (Dig)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

DJ Cheb I Sabbah's "Devotion" heralds the Algerian mixmaster's welcome return to Indian devotional music. Cheb I Sabbah has mellowed over the years;this new album shows how he has matured. It's an electrifying album,a divine love song. He named it in honor of Carlos Santana/John McLaughlin's "Love Surrender Devotion";he dedicates it to "the sole aim of sharing&spreading tolerance,peace,love&understanding." It's healing mystical music. DJ Cheb I Sabbah powerfully blends the Hindu,Sufi&Sikh traditions of India.

"Devotion" opens with the rhythmic,lilting "Jai Bhavani" that gradually grows to a climax. "Qalanderi" has a soft groove that blends Indian classical music with reggae's shuffling beat. "Haun Vaari Haun Varaney" is a calming musical journey. One could imagine it playing in the background for meditation&yoga. "Aaye Bhairav Bholanath" is a musical fraternal twin to the opening track. It's similar in its chanting that grows to a rhythmic climax. However,its electric effects make it almost worthy of the dancefloor. The closing,the eerie "Devotion" suffuses the sounds of Varanasi,the "city of light" with electric effects and an underlying rhythm.

"Devotion" is more soothing&New Agey than its predecessors "Shri Durga" (Indian techno honoring the warrior goddess Durga) and "Krishna Lila" (slightly more acoustic,honoring Krishna,an avatar of Vishnu). It would be perfect music for a spa,or meditation&yoga. The songs flow naturally into each other. "Devotion" is a mystical Valentine's Day album,evoking the spiritual/sensual love play of the lover and the beloved.

One reviewer said that Cheb has mellowed over the years, I agree, he has mellowed but not for the better. This album seems a bit soft when compared to classics like Durga and Krishna. Its not in the abscence of dance songs that he has mellowed, I never liked his dance songs, its just that so far this album doesnt seem to try to put you in contact with the gods. Its very soft and somewhat fluffy. It seems more like its simply Adult Indian contemporary rather than ancient Indian brought into the quantum era, like his other albums. Maybe it will grow on me, but so far I'm still on terra firma, and that obviously is not a good thing. I was worried when I saw the albums cover that it might be soft, and it seems like my worst fears have come true.

This follows in the footsteps of Krishna Lila. Wonderful stuff. The most sensitive "remixing" of Indian music I know.

Title: Devotion

Artist: Cheb i Sabbah

Produced By: Cheb i Sabbah (www.chebisabbah.com)

Beautifully crafted with traditional melodies and a modern beat, Devotion delivers a top-notch production. The music's beats drive the listener deeper into the music and brings them on a journey to someplace positive and uplifting. Voices flow throughout the composition but don't overpower the music.

Favorite tracks for this album include Koi Bole Ram Ram, Kinna Sohna and the most appealing track that shares a name with the album, Devotion. Listening to the album will bring about thoughts of spirituality and introduce listeners to traditions in music, mysticism and spirituality of the Indian subcontinent.

It is music from and for the heart and soul and pours out its' emotional impact from the first bar of music till the last note held. Need music to soften your work disposition? Need tunes to keep your road rage in check? Need some music that reminds you of the beauty in life? Cheb i Sabbah's Devotion will bring out the best in the listener.

This is probably the best Sabbah album yet, in my opinion. The music and vocals are impeccable and well produced. Buy it!!

I loved all the tracks,

It leaves you in a meditative and peaceful state of mind.

The mixing of modern sounds and electronic effects is done in a very inteligent way,and never overpowers the traditional warmth predominent feeling of the music.

That's why I prefer the art of " Cheb I Sabbah" over many other electronica world music in general

Love it!!!

W.