Diwan [Import]

Rachid Taha | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 16, 1998)
• Original Release Date: June 9, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Barclay
• ASIN: B000007NTS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,034 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #24 in Music > World Music > Africa > Algeria

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let the desert party begin..., February 5, 2004

By 

pma - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diwan (Audio CD)

"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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Infectious Grooves!, April 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Diwan (Audio CD)

Having listened to mostly traditional North African music, my first exposure to Rachid (and urban Algerian music) was having heard 'Ya Rayah' on a local world music radio show. I absolutely had to have this cd after hearing that cut, and now I listen to the entire cd at least once a day. It is impossible for me to sit still when the music is playing. Rachid Rocks!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this guy!, January 21, 2000

By 

Muselover (Dayton, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diwan (Audio CD)

I rarely enjoy "blends" of roots music with modern, urban music, but I have to make an exception for Rachid Taha. I really enjoy the enthusiasm and joy he exudes on this album, and the combination of traditional and contemporary works great here, in my opinion. He's singing in the Arabic tradition, which might sound "off-key" to western ears, but I really think the album deserves enough attention to learn to understand and enjoy this tradition.