L'Essentiel [Import]

Alabina, Ishtar Alabina | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 22, 2006)
• Original Release Date: November 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Atoll Music France
• ASIN: B000034CVG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #370,106 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #51 in Music > World Music > Africa > Morocco
  • #94 in Music > World Music > Africa > Egypt

Track Listings

1. Alabina [Original Version]

2. Comme Toi [New]

3. Salma Ya Salama (Ole y Ola) [Original Version]

4. Lolole (Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood) [Original Version]

5. Baila Maria [Original Version]

6. Lolai (Ya Habibi Ya Enyi) [Original Version]

7. Yo Te VI (Ah Ya Zien) [Original Version]

8. Choukrane [Original Version]

9. Ya Mama, Ta Mama [Original Version]

10. Eshebo (Chebba) [Original Version]

11. Tierra Santa [Original Version]

12. Santa Maria [Original Version]

13. Linda [Original Version]

14. Shir Ha' Keshet (The Rainbow Song) [New]

15. La Cubanita [New]

16. Salam, la Paz Al Final [New Version by Mike Pela]

17. Vengan, Vengan (Ya Habaybi, Ya Ghaybine) [New Version by Mike Pela]

18. Alabina [New Spanish Version by Mike Pela]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Mix the Gipsy Kings, Ricky Martin, and Les Negresses Vertes, throw in a multilingual former member of the Israeli air force, and you have only just begun to describe Alabina. Lead female vocalist Ishtar is a sultry Middle Eastern beauty whose versatile voice blends terrifically with the Gypsy quartet Los Niños de Sara. Together, the group successfully merges Middle Eastern music with Latin rhythms into one flowing, energetic sound. Tracks such as "Lolai" and "Vengan Vengan" are upbeat and fun, and dancing is inevitable. "Comme Toi" reels you in with Ishtar's seductive vocals. And particularly impressive is "Lolole," the band's interpretation of the Animals' '60s hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." A great addition to any international music lover's collection. --Bethany Abraham

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars POWERFUL, INTENSE, SEDUCTIVE & FULL OF RHYTHM, July 30, 2000

By 

"marakiuno" (ASTORIA, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: L'Essentiel (Audio CD)

I have listened to many types of music, but rarely have I found an album where every single song was so enjoyable. Great variety. The best way for me to describe this CD is: INTENSE- the music is absolutely beautiful, POWERFUL- the vocalists are spectacular, SEDUCTIVE & FULL OF RHYTHM- makes you want to dance no matter where you are. If you like the Gypsy Kings, European Music mixed with Middle Eastern music... you'll love this CD. A pure pleasure to listen to and dance to. It took my breath away.....

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entrancing, Exotic, Excellent!, August 6, 2001

By 

rivertide - See all my reviews

This review is from: L'Essentiel (Rmxs) (Audio CD)

Whether you can understand the lyrics or not, this CD is outstanding. Sung in an uplifting blend of Arabic and Spanish, and accompanied by delightful instrumentalists, L'Essentiel is a perfect choice for the discerning music collector. Lead vocalist Ishtar has a rich, melodious voice to complement the warm, sweet strummings of her band, Los Ninos de Sara. Of particular interest are: the energetic "Salma Ya Salama," the moody, sensual "Eshebo (Chebba)" and the heartbreaking ballad "Linda." Also notable are two covers: "Lolole (Don't Let me be Misunderstood)" and the irresistible, thumping beat of "Vengan Vengan (Ya Habaybi, Ya Ghaybine)," originally sung by Farid El Attrache. Finally, Ishtar extends her vocal talents to a sexy French tune, "Comme Toi." Overflowing with 18 international hits, L'Essentiel is just as necessary to your CD collection! Enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!, January 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: L'Essentiel (Audio CD)

This is one of the best CDs. Alabina's singing is fast paced and when you hear the songs, you just want to get up and dance. She's got a wonderful strong voice. This CD includes a few songs that were previously released and are included in one of her other CDs. The rhythm, the language, the sound...creates this mood elevating experience! This CD also includes her singing in Hebrew (track #10--Eshebo). I've heard this song a little differently, but her version is excellent too! #15 is new and it is all in Spanish. Anyway, its great, you'll probably enjoy it!