Diwan

Rachid Taha

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 16, 1998)
• Original Release Date: June 9, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• 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 (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,454 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Music > World Music > Africa > Algeria
  #23 in	Music > World Music > Rock
  #84 in	Music > Dance & Electronic > World Dance

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The second collaboration between Taha, an Algerian living in France, and '70s prog rocker Steve Hillage, Diwan carries forward the old/new hybrid of 1996's Ole Ole. Taha is clearly familiar with ancient Middle Eastern melodies, but he's also comfortable with the dance rhythms of Parisian nightclubs. Traditionalists will find the straightforward melodies and instrumentation of "Habina" and "Ach Adani" the most satisfying, but Diwan's most adventurous track, "Bent Sahra," may be its best. Instead of strings, the song leans heavily on an industrial beat and the hypnotic mantra of a guest female vocalist. Though not for purists, it perfectly captures the urban throb of Paris and the intense dislocation felt by every immigrant. --David Bombeck

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 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

"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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rai uno!, October 27, 2003

By	Martha Grenon (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I had no idea what to expect when I purchased "Diwan" in cassette format several years ago. It had been highly recommended in the hi-tech mag "Wired", and, being interested in world music, I decided to take a chance.

I've now just about worn it out, having listened to it countless times. With "Diwan" in my pocket I go out for a brisk two-mile walk every evening and this guy rocks! And I rock as I walk, snapping my fingers to the infectious beat. It's fantastic music and I defy anyone to keep still once they hear it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this guy!, January 22, 2000

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

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.