Customer Reviews

Sahra

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is a subtle jazzy sound to this CD when compared to some of Khaled's other releases, as well as a mix of styles, but this master of the rai genre excels at them all. Some superb musicians are included, and I especially like "Detni Essekra", which reminds me of a tango, with its emphasis on piano (Boyan Zulfikapasic), stringbass (Bernard Paganotti) and accordion (Philippe Eidel).
"Ki Kounti" is another gem; recorded in Los Angeles, it is a duet with Saul Hernandez, composer and lead singer for Mexico's well known rock band Jaguares, and is sung partially in Spanish.
Three tracks were recorded in Jamaica, and have a marvelous bouncy reggae feel to them: "Lillah" has a terrific brass accompaniment, "Ouelli El Darek" nifty background vocals by the "I Threes", and "Mektoubi" is an all-out big band number.

My two favorites would be "Wahrane Wahrane", which like a traditional Arabic pop song has a string arrangement similar to what one would have heard backing the classic Egyptian singers of a generation ago, and the final track, "Hey Ouedi", with its mystical quality, is quite thrilling, with instruments seeming to imitate the sound of ululation.
"Oran Marseille" with rap group IAM, only works half-way for me (I like the Khaled parts and the instrumentation), but perhaps that is because I do not care for rap music. "Aisha" is a signature song for Khaled, and always great to hear.

Khaled is a pioneer of rai music, and his title of "King of Rai" is well deserved; with his gritty expressive voice, he has brought this music to every corner of the earth. Also recommended is his CD "Kutche", and the live performance album with Faudel and Rachid Taha, "1, 2, 3 Soleils".
Khaled co-wrote all the songs except "Hey Ouedi", which he wrote alone, the sound is excellent, the insert foldout has recording info but no liner notes or lyrics, and total time is 51'51.

Khaled delivers within this disc the most incredible taste of raï music ever. The music is exotic, but is sprinkled with influences of western hip-hop and pop and melts down into a sizzling, energetic, unique rythm! I recommend "Sahra," "Lillah," and "Walou Walou." The undeniable "Aicha," a unique, mesmerizing hit, has all the charm and romance of a pop ballad, without all the bubblegum and image fodder of western pop. This album is wonderful!!!

I absolutely love this CD. I know Arabic myself, and I really have enjoyed the lyrics. This CD in particular is full of color and life. It surely would bring life to a party. In addition, Khaled's voice and his approach really send a message to the listener even if the listener themself does not understand the language. I extremely recommend this CD to anyone who is interested in embracing such a culture.

I first heard "Aicha" in my fourth year French class back in early 2001. I had already been listening to the Egyptian goddess, Natacha Atlas, and I was familiar with the Middle Eastern sound. Khaled's voice is the most gorgeous of all the Raï singers... very smooth and hypnotic. Khaled's voice will leave me in a trance, which is what North African music does. I seriously believe that anyone will like this CD and want to hear more from Khaled - "the King of Raï".

I went to a christmas party where everyone was to bring a favorite cd to exchange. I got this one. At first I thought it was a joke. I had never heard of this guy and it didn't seem like the kind of music I would be interested in. I listened to it any way, after all it was free. Wow was I wrong! On the first listen it seemed really different and exotic. The more I listened to it the more it grew on me. I just love it now. I am going to buy more by him.

I first heard Khaled back in 1991 when he released the "Didi" single which was a major international hit. But when I heard "Aicha" and "Sahra" in Egypt last year, it blew me away. This CD completely defines the fusion of eastern melodies with Western instruments and the result is mesmerizing. I listen to this CD pratically every day. Can't wait for a new CD Khaled!

This music is great. I heard the song titled "Sahra" back in 1997, when my dad played it in his car. I was like who is this guy? I love REGGAE, SOCA, CALYPSO, ZOUK, COMPA, & AFRICAN MUSIC. All those six big genres and their sub genres fall under what I call The "REGGAE CATEGORY." This music is a mix of tropical, arabic, reggae funk, and true african falvors that reach through all borders. Khaled is truly a talented perfromer,singer, and writer. I am just surprised that he is not popular in America. If he had a RAI concer North America, I guarantee, many americans would have a "RAI" craze. Anyone reading this, I strongly recommend you buy this cd, if you do not like it, sell it back or give it to a friend. But give it a chance and it will grow on you. This music is great, it falls right under African-Algerian music. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Reggae Forever!

This album was my first taste of rai, and it was delicious!! Cheb Khaled has a wonderfully smooth and deep voice, and his melodies are incredible. THis album really is a fusion of all types of music and is nothing short of magnificent! I listen to the album every day at least once, and sometimes 3 times. I bought it in France at Fnac @ Les Halles, and I have been back for two weeks. It is the best souvenir I bought for myself in my travels! Cheb, shukran!

Never having listened to Arabic music before, I picked this up in Saudi after seeing his "Aicha" video on INTL MTV, and haven't stopped listening to it SINCE!! I've been hooked on "rai" and Khaled ever since this CD. Khaled really knows how to express feelings, rhythm and, best of all, love through his music. Even my toddlers can't stop listening to it (not knowing Arabic at all) because of the mix of sounds and vocals. This CD will touch your soul!

This is the best CD I ever heard...Khaled's voice is his best asset..The songs I like are 9 out of the total 14 songs which is very good...The music captures the essesnce of Arabia and North African style music with a touch of Europe!