Raoui

Souad Massi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 1, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wrasse Records
• ASIN: B00008XRZF
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,146,206 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Raoui (The Storyteller)

2. Bladi (My Country)

3. Amessa (A Day Will Come)

4. Tant Pis Pour Moi (Too Bad for Me)

5. Hayati (My Life)

6. Nekreh el Keld (I Hate This Heart That Loves You Still)

7. Denya (The Earth)

8. Khsara Aalik (It's a Pity)

9. Rani Rayha (I'm Leaving)

10. J'Ai Pas de Temps (I Don't Have the Time)

11. Awahm (Illusions)

12. Lamen (Trust)

13. Enta Dari (You Know)

14. Matbkiche (Don't Cry)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heavenly Voice!! Great Music!, June 20, 2002

By 

"mobby_uk" (London United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raoui (Audio CD)

This is a reissue of her chart topping first release, with three extra bonus tracks, two of which are pleasent surprises, while the third is an editied version of a previously recorded song.
What distinguishes Massi from many other 'World' music artists is her beautiful voice..It is simply heavenly, strong and full of emotions, while the music is truly universal. It is a blend of oriental and folk a la Tracy Chapman,with a touch of rock and reggae.The mood of the CD is mellow, and Massi shows her obvious talent at writing songs that are intimate, and very accessible.
Massi like many Algerian artists living in France, sings with a lot of passion for her country,lamenting the war,(Bledi) but also offers the listener very personal songs about her roots,(Raoui) about love,(Hayati) illusions,(Denya and Awham) betrayal (Khsara Alek, Nekrah Alkeb) and longing,(the sweet lullybye (Matibkeech) .
The reissue has a duet with the excellent Ismael Lo, recording the brillaint Bernard Lavillier song Noir et Blanc, as well as duet with Marc Lavoine, singing his own song Paris, and adding a lot of spirit to it.
In short, you have to BUY this CD if you really like a music that is very original, sensitive, and fresh, and even if you do not understand the words, I am sure Massi's voice will carry each word like music that will touch you every single time.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great introduction to Souad Massi......, August 22, 2005

By 

D. Pawl "Dani" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raoui (Audio CD)

This is the second album I have heard by the reknown Souad Massi (of Algeria). This was actually her first major release in the United States (2001). "Raoui" ("Storyteller" in Arabic) is a mix of acoustic accompaniment, expressive rock and soulful duets.

While "Deb" (her 2004 release), is more of a fusion piece (done masterfully and with great energy), "Raoui" is rooted more in the traditional and haunting sounds of Algeria. We hear the melodious guitar introduction and then Souad's soaring vocals. In some ways, the tone of her voice is comparable to Shakira (without the edge). She sounds like she is trying to choke back the tears and cry out in sweet release. Great examples of her musical interpretation are on the title track, "Noir Et Blanc" ("Black and White" in French--a duet with Ismael Lo), "J'ai pas de temps" ("I Don't Have the Time"/French), and "Lamen" ("Trust" in Arabic).

More English speakers should get to know this underrated and underappreciated vocalist from North Africa. This is a great introduction to the world of contemporary Algerian ballads, rock and gorgeous musical arrangements.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Algerian folk at its best, March 10, 2002

By 

"skak1" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raoui (Audio CD)

If people have any knowledge of Algerian music it is usually through the very commercial pop of (Cheb)Khaled. In France Rai music is a popular form of dance music- a bit like Banghra in the UK. Massi's album is very different from the up-tempo pop of Rai. This is Algerian folk music. Most of the songs are quite slow, although one or two really crank it up a notch. The lyrics, some of which are in French and the rest of which are translated into French on the sleeve, are beautiful although usually quite sad- related as they are to the political difficulties in Algeria. The Oud, the distinctive instrument of much of Arab music, is ever-present here. The song 'Bladi' is exceptionally good. If you like this album check on Idir's album 'Identites'.