Customer Reviews

Rachid Taha

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Warning: this music isn't raļ or chaabi, so "world music" fans, beware !

Although Rachid Taha is interested in traditional music (this album includes a cover of the traditional song "Ya Rayah" and his album "Diwan" consists exclusively of traditional songs) most of his solo work is dance music with rock 'n' roll attitude. For one reason or another, his music often reminds me of TC MATIC, Arno's old band, probably because he has the same kind of typically European experimental and eclectic approach, but without becoming boring or inaudible.

So don't try to pin this guy in a little box (chaabi, dance, whatever) but open up your ears and dance !

I was lucky to see Rachid Taha in concert in Brussels and he truly truly rocks. He had the whole crowd dancing to his amazing mixture of north african/arabic rythyms at a north american rock intensity. I'd never heard anything like it and promptly boughtic two of his cds: this one and Made in Medina. Of the two, Made in Medina has kept my attention longer because it has more energy (if you've seen Black Hawk Down, the song Barra Barra accompanies the helicopters to the city). My favourite song on this album is Ya Rayah (a big hit in Europe) because it always makes me want to get up and belly dance. The other songs are a bit softer or mellower than Made in Medina, but still have an edge. All the songs are in Arabic, French, or both. If you'd like something out of the ordinary, and not sappy boring "world music" or mushy euro-pop, then you'll love Rachid Taha.

The disc I received after ordering this item was not made by Rachid Taha. In fact it wasn't even remotely like him. I suspect the website gremlins got to this one!

I bought this particular album on the strength of one song - Ya rayah, which I just love. I learned that it was the only song not written and composed by Rachid Taha which explains my disapointment. The other tracks are much different - more "dance tracks". So, be forewarned.