Customer Reviews

ishtar - the voice of Alabina

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Being an Alabina fan, I was excited to hear that Ishtar was putting out a solo album. I wasn't sure what to expect, since one of the things I love about Alabina is the band -- the sultry sounds of guitar and drums.

I popped the CD in my car...and I was jammin'. Its unlike anything I've heard -- a unique mixture of French and Arabic lyrics (one song is in English) with a varying array of sexy backbeats. Some songs are very clubbish, while the ballads showcase what an amazing vocalist Ishtar is. Her voice is rich, sexy and full of emotions. I don't understand Arabic or French and I could really care less what she is saying. Her voice sounds amazing and that's what counts to me.

Great CD to listen to while working out, too! Order it today!! Its well worth the wait.

I totally disagree with some of the previous reviewers. I own other Alabina albums and enjoy them in their international folk band genre (like Inca Sun, Gypsy Kings, etc.). But they would have been better with more of Ishtar's voice on all the songs. Finally, this solo CD showcases Ishtar's fabulous singing voice in all it's sensuous, haunting, exotic colors. This CD is a remarkable tapestry of diverse languages (French, Aarabic, Hebrew, English), acoustical and lyrical rythms, and music genres (ballad, pop, native folk, love song). Every piece is riveting; Horchat Hai Caluptis is unforgetable (it plays in my head all the time). She not only appeals to me and my husband, even my teenagers sneak her CD into their rooms! This CD shows her to be a formidable solo talent and a refreshing stellar voice on the Global Diva scene. I can't wait until she makes another solo albumn!

Ishtar and Alabina opened for Miriam Makeba here in San Francisco at Stern Grove last summer -- such energy! While I've enjoyed "L'essentiel," this CD shows Ishtar's full range -- in French, Hebrew, Arabic, and English (no Spanish on this CD) -- everything from Euro-Pop to haunting love songs to middle Eastern sounds & rhythms. She brings her hope for the world into her music and it's so ALIVE! Definitely a CD I won't tire of for a long, long time. If you only buy one of her CDs, get this one.

The beautiful and attractive Ishtar whose voice radiates accross the desert, does not pull it off in this album. The problem is that without the background of Alabina, her former band, this album tries to recreate Ishtar to meet the tastes of those who like clubby, electronically aided music. The attempt of her managers to market a more 'popular music' or 'club' feel takes away from her beautiful image; it is too bad that such a drastic change was attempted. Nevertheless, two songs on the album maintain the Middle Eastern style that we have all loved, especially in one song called Eucalyptus, dedicated to her parents, and sung in Hebrew, and another called 'Lamouni' sung in Arabic.

I love the group Alabina (of which Ishtar is/was a member)and Ishtar's solo album is excellent. On her own, Ishtar's solo album has a much greater "pop music" feel vs. Alabina. If you like Alabina, this does NOT sound just like the Alabina music. However, if you own the Alabina Greatest Hits album, the song "C'est La Vie" on that album will give you a good idea what this CD is like. Ishtar's voice can be showcased here much better than on the Alabina CD's. She reminds me a little of Celine Dion because of her range and how powerfully she sings. This is a great collection of multicultural pop music flavored throughout with Spanish, Middle Eastern and French-Pop influences and sung in English, Hebrew, Spanish and French. The songs are excellent and so is Ishtar's beautiful delivery. So who cares if you don't understand what she's saying!!!!!

... I have always been a lover of so many different types of music, but the drums and beats of Caribbean Music and the guitar strummings of Flamenco have always brought me the most joy. Quite by accident, I came upon a duet between Alabina and the Gipsy Kings, a favorite of mine. I was hooked from that very moment on, and downloaded everything I could find having the slightest reference to Alabina. It wasn't until I made a friend in a fellow intern that had just returned from her study abroad in France (where they ruled the charts at the time) that I discovered Ishtar herself had a solo effort....and what an effort it turn out to be...
Every song moves you, whether in inspiration to weep or dance. The listener doesn't even have to be fluent in French or Arabic in order to be able to understand the beauty of her lyrics and the power of the voice singing them. She is not just a poster face for a band of greater talent. She is the real deal. You don't need to appreciate her face to know and feel her music. With just one listen, you will be hooked as well.

Well, it's happened. Alabina's goddess has entered an orbit all her own. Those expecting a repeat of her time with the gypsy flamenco group are in for a surprise.

For one thing, all but two of the songs are in French, and have a more Europop flavour. That becomes apparent on the opener, "Corps Etranger," which is a great dance floor candidate. Her soaring vocals are in evidence here so don't worry--she hasn't changed in that aspect. Another such selection is "Et Qu'un Ange Passe" and the chorus and rhythm make the song worth it.

The resplendent ballad with its orchestral arrangement, "Horchat hai caliptus" shows the capability she demonstrated on the second Alabina album's "Rainbow Song." "Mille Et Une Nuits" is another great ballad with a power chorus, as is "Ou Tu T'Endors."

Ishtar enters familiar territory with "Lamouni", with its exotic Middle Eastern styling. Having been spoiled on Alabina, I must say it's my favourite song here. There's some of that in "Last Kiss," sung in English, and in the instrumentation of the closing ballad, "Je N'Oublie Rien."

The pace picks up in "Yalla," the most upbeat song here. Another upbeat number, "Approvoise-moi," could've made it on an Alabina album, but fortunately for us, she saved it here.

When it comes to French songs, I automatically think of Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Brigitte Bardot, and Patricia Kaas. Let's add Ishtar to that hallowed list.

In all, Ishtar has made a successful transition with her first solo effort. It's her powerful voice that has made her a star and she utilizes it at its best.

This is my first Ishtar CD Album and I heard her voice from her Alabina group. I have been listening to the Alabina music and I really enjoyed the music, the difference in the compilation, the mix of Arabic and Spanish beats and rhythms. Makes for good dancing music. Even the slow ballad numbers are also very good - makes you sway and day-dream of romantic stroll on sunset beaches. Though I don't understand the meaning of the lyrics (I don't speak French, Spanish or Arabic) but I love the sound of the language.

This CD is absolutely wonderful. It is full of ethnicity, passion and just plain good music. It is great for any belly dancer and anyone who loves to listen to multi-cultural music. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! :) :)

I had never heard of Ishtar until by coincidence, I listened to Alabina's Album II. That album was great. Ishtar's solo performance, though, is simply fabulous. The blend of sounds combine to give the listener pure enjoyment. I especially highly recommend, #5 and #7 for dancing mood, and #11 and #12 for those romantic times.