Hamaki Getting Clever About Fighting Internet Piracy

Hamaki's album was fun and dance inducing, but it was not earth shattering. An average pop album for a star we like. But he realized, some of the songs needed to be improved, thus, he is re-releasing the album with new musical arrangements. He had to do a focus group over the title song, which he changed last minute as he talked it over with his team.

I like Hamaki and I liked his 2011 album too, but his old stuff might have been better. Or to be accurate  he just has one style and keeps changing the lyrics. This demo music and club mixes is his thing, but he is hardly the only one. Now internet pirates who upload the album on the net for everyone to share are no volunteers, they make serious money each time anyone downloads the album.

Hamaki released a new album, with a new track and new arrangements  he has also included a pass for few of his concerts. Anyone who purchases the album can attend some of his concerts. Now if people buy the album and do not get in those concerts, Hamaki is in trouble and the model will fail. He might have started something new, but for it to work, he has to keep his promise.

حماقي يمنع سرقة أغاني ألبومه الجديد

And The Best 2012 Arabic Pop Album Goes To...

Mahmoud El-Esseily is a pop star of a different kind, he does pop songs form the heart and he does not chase after what's popular like house music. He keeps it real and his lyrics speak about more than love and the ladies. In his album you will find different themes, friendship. loyalty, country and the love of his life. Today's pop stars do not seem to want a new challenge--they are happy making mediocre songs. Not this Esseily album. It stands out among the many 2012 albums.

The album delivers many different songs that will have you singing along. The album does offer its listeners a free therapy where your can put all your frustrations aside and sing along with the artist as his songs and chorus sound so friendly to their ear and the soul. This is what distinguishes good pop form mediocre pop. The first lifts up your spirit.

I did not expect this album to be this good, but I am glad it was. Mahmoud El-Esseily manged to make the best pop album for 2012. The album has different styles, and Mahmoud hits all the right notes and adapts his voice to carry a song. Like that track about his best friend who has left us, it's a bittersweet song where the singer put his heart on display. The song is dedicated for the many souls that was murdered during the soccer game late last year.

And there are the songs made for the homeland, tomorrow will be better. Most songs about Egypt preach the time lesson, Mahmoud keeps them interesting and draws images only a poet is capable of recreating. El-Esseily only takes himself seriously when he has to, his albums reveals a great deal of humor. Like the song about the pharmacy and the Tahrir Square. I know I and a lot of ladies would appreciate his apologetic track about El-Esseily's obsession with blonde hair. He makes it right with the ladies of Egypt.

I can tell you this, the album is so good that I am certain other pop stars are analyzing it to learn from it. This is how you really make an album, you make it when you are ready to record and when you have something new to perform. Recreating old formulas won't make you special anymore. I know El-Esseily broke the mold and presented a great fusion of musical themes and verbosity that will carve a place for the hip pop star.

01.Dehkah
02.Eisha Helwa
03.Eshtaghalony
04.Donia Gdeda
05.Set El Setat
06.Adeny Baaiesh
07.El-Leyla
08.Enta Meny
09.Hankhaf Men Eah
10.Nazra Fe Eineky
11.Warak Warak
12.El-Agzakhanah
13.Aysheen
14.Mabsout Fe Makanak

Mahmoud El-Esseily Shayaf 2012 محمود العسيلى شايف


P.S. for some reason, the album has been removed form YouTube and the clips on there have no sound due to copyrights issues.

سيمبلات البوم حماده هلال ماتقولهاش Samples Hamada Helal 2012

Hamada Helal is back with a new album, and we are all enjoying the samples for this upcoming album. I am loving each of the tracks Hamada will release. Sweet, happy, funny and heartbroken are the colors of the upcoming album. Hamada manages to do what other stars fail so bad in doing which is recreating his old songs with new material and song songs. He works withing a formula.

It works for Hamada because he keeps the album energizing as you can dance and part to this album. Not using fancy words helps, by finding middle ground language. Most people who are asking a fun album, they are not looking for a mental workout. Not exactly street language and not that one you need to go to school to process. Keeping humor is also a signature Helel move, it helps him be one of us--he is not too rigid.

Hamada is on top of pop culture reference and when he brings them in his songs it seems he is speaking to his doorman not to his university professor. In one track Helal wears a sponge bob costume and wins the kids over. But he also keeps college kids with a couple sad songs where he lets his emotion out of the bag. This is how you keep a balance and this is how you move records.

I can assure you this, Hamada's album is a golden chance for the cassette market to redeem itself. Everyone in the streets of Egypt and beyond want to be buddies with Helal. They can take a peice of him with them home when they purchase his album.

Enjoy the sample  

 سيمبلات البوم حماده هلال ماتقولهاش Samples Hamada Helal 2012

Mc Gaza 2012 Rap Album Delivers The Punches

MC Gaza is promoting his new rap album, an album he made with very limited resources. The young Gaza based rapper is a refugee living in a land with million and half citizens with minimal rights living under a seige that varies in brutality. Mc Gaza is one of those young rappers that has a unique way with words, he spits lyrics with a rapid force.

The young rapper is well networked with other Arab rappers--thanks to the internet and the Arab Spring that has helped bring so many of them together as they talk about unity (Arabia Knights project).  He has already worked with other rappers in Egypt and beyond. I do like the cover of his album--see photo. Ibrahim was born in Algeria to Palestinian parents. Perhaps it's his upbringing in such North African nation where they tend to speak really fast for most Arabs to process 

Mc Gaza - I'm Back To You لكم أعود

What's Going On With Syrian Singer George Wassouf?

Now we know he is in Sweden recovering and going under physical therapy. After making a much anticipated visit to the motherland Syrian and dismissing the clashes George Wassouf fill ill. People were reporting he is in a critical condition and most people seemed to have bought it. Love him or hate him, Geroge is a survivor and so is his music

This is not the first time the iconic singer has a health scare, last year we almost lost him, but he made a full recovery. To his credit the man seemed to have stopped commenting on the revolution. I have read stories that he was detained for few hours, another that he has saluted the Syrian troops. Other ones that he has met with the Syrian leader. So many many stories coming out, none seems to be confirmed.

Here's something we know is true, he is working on a new album with the title "Zikrayat" or Memories. The album is set to have six tracks. Ziad Burji have composed a song on the album, Tony Saba arranged the music, lyricist Ahmed Shatta has a song in there too. The album will be released in the holiday season toward the end of the year.  

George Wassouf - Ana Asef Clip HD

Download Majid Al Mohandes 2012 Album البوم ماجد المهندس - انا وياك

Majid El Mohandes or Majid is a hot ticket artists. While he is huge in the Gulf area, as poets and weddings throw money at him to see him. He is also huge in Lebanon and hot for Egypt--he gets booked for lots of interviews. The Maghreb adores him as he is a frequent guest on their music festivals. Iraqis are proud of him and his music. So this guy must be doing something or many things right.

He changes styles in between Iraqi blues, poetic romance, and pop and faster tracks songs. You cannot really put your finger on it, but you know you like him. He sings a song like if he had just opens his heart. His songs are so good that you think you have already touched the man's heart because does a fine job putting his sentiments on exhibit. I like the cover albums for this one, he is once again the classy guy we have come to expect from him.

This Iraqi singer just released a work of art album, an impressive 17 tracks. No one does that, and no one can afford this large track numbers. Majid does not need to worry about that, his fans love his work, and people give him their finest lyrics and music just to be on his album. Some have awesome title for Majid, like the prince of Arabic song. I like to dub him, the Lord of Arabic music. Not only is he a fine singer, he is also an accomplished composer who has given some of his work to his peers.

Majid tends to mix styles, he makes Gulf themed music catchier and this friendlier to the ear. He makes romance both the happy and the sad moods. He makes Egyptian and Lebanese pop songs that can and often does rival the most seasoned singer. It's no secret that the people who been talking about this album. I am certain, Rotana will be happy they have booked this artist. He might sell the most records for them this year. His fans are loyal and he always gives the reasons to be so.

When it comes to romance, Majid is a professor and we are all taking a course with him, but listening and studying his albums. The first five tracks are in the simplified Gulf Arabic, the sixth track is about Baghdad lover where you can dance. Track 9 has kinda of cool throwback music.  The rest are made for the Gulf listener.


01 - Ana Waiak
02 - Ya Yma
03 - 3la Babak
04 - Baien Ghalai
05 - Kef Te7sebha
06 - Ghazl Baghdadi
07 - Jet A7ebak
08 - Lait Lana
09 - Sa7arny 7laha
10 - Ya3ny Mohtam
11 - Ent Ana
12 - 3la El Zekra
13 - 3la Babak Wa2ef
14 - Raf Qalbi
15 - Zakarnakom
16 - Sabr Ayub
17 - Mawal Eza Ashofak

اغنية ماجد المهندس - انا وياك | من البوم انا وياك

ماجد المهندس انا حنيت


ماجد المهندس - جيت احبك 2012 - البوم انا وياك

Hamada Helal 2012 Album البوم حمادة هلال - متقولهاش

Egyptian pop star Hamada Hilal is one hot entertainer. when he is not busy making blockbuster movies, he is recording albums in the studio. The two careers often overlap, but one thing this is a gifted singer with a great sense of humor. He is due for a new album--he has not made one in years now.

The sample for his new yet to be released album is making the rounds on the internet. I have gave it a listen and I am serious, this is a good light pop album with fresh and fun lyrics. The music is catchy. Hamada makes it look easy to bring out the hits. He is a smart singer, he makes good choices that fit his style and advance his brand.

This is one family guy who knows pop and knows how to fire up a party. He is often doing them all over Egypt. In few short years Hilal has become a household name in Arabia, he is a lovable guy who lives in the real world. But he is more than pop too, he does romance and goes the blues. A lot of people like whatever songs he makes. I would say 80 percent of he makes is pure gold, the rest has its fans.

His 2012 album will have 10 tracks and you can hear the samples to hear for yourself the melodies and the lyrics. I love the third track because it comes in the Saaidy peasant dialect. We do not hear many of those songs going mainstream. Track four makes reference of Egypt number one goalkeeper Al Hadary, and Angelina Jolie.

01 - Aker We Aataref
02 - Asly We Fasly
03 - El Zeana El Aala
04 - Goan
05 - Haga Keda
06 - Malek Ya Donia
07 - Matoolhash
08 - Shof Men Emta
09 - Yarab Nefdal Keda
10 - Sponge Bob

اغنية سبونج بوب حمادة هلال

Sally Njeim, Color Me Unimpressed

Man, every young girl in Lebanon grows up wanting to be a pop star, just like Sally Njeim who wants to make pop music to get the cash from the Gulf folks. Her voice ain't terrible, but it ain't no award winning experience either.

She is back with a song about a guy who like them ladies. The album will come out prior to the year end, and it will have some good names behind it. Like the song below, it was written by Faris Iskander whose good songs go to the good looking ladies or his own father.

Sally will do well in private functions and media appearances as for the masses, they might have some alternatives that can get the party started.

Sally - Zeer L Nessa' / سالي - زير النساء

Wa'ad El Bahriy 2012 Album البوم وعد البحرى - اغير حياتى

Not every great voice out there, gets to release their own album, but today I was pleased to see one do just that. Wa'ad El Bahriy released her debut album where the title "I Change My Life" here's what I think of this drop dead amazing album.


Since voicing the songs of Ashman on a popular TV show few years ago, Wa'ad has slowly, judiciously tweaked her sound, moving from mild brunch-friendly romance to mild, brunch-friendly pop to the mild, brunch-friendly rock. Wa'ad navigates her way carefully through the disc's decorous tracks, investing her usually unruffled sound with just enough rough-and-tumble.

The first thing that struck me is that it's very different from her earlier work, the celebrated covers of Asmahan's vintage tracks. The album has bluesy and much more upbeat, and (generally) more fast-paced tunes. In fact, after 3 or 4 listenings, I'm enormously satisfied, and increasingly confident in Wa'ad's ability to continue producing stellar albums. Wa'ad appeared on the Star Academy show's second season where she rocked out.

I believe each track from Aghayer Hayati to Montaha El Ehsas ranks among Wa'ad's best vocal performances, and has an incredible quality to it that truly makes it stand out. As for the musical ingredients are as likely to come from the romantic and classics collection of Arabic music. One of the most appealing aspects about this album is its relaxed, intimate feel. This album clearly being aimed at wider audiences than the straight-ahead oldies crowd, with perhaps a good helping of more pop-oriented songs. But the CD is remarkably laid-back and surprisingly eclectic.

Wa'ad's voice breathy but with an intriguing detached, almost aloof quality. Somewhat surprisingly, the album does not often go into cabaret musical territory, but when it does, the results are also both tasteful and intriguing.

Wa'ad is based in the United Arab Emirates where she goes to school, but she is often in Cairo working and recording songs. She is a student of music and have trained in a number of instruments most notably the lute. 

01 - Aghayer Hayati
02 - Arrab Meny
03 - Tagrebah
04 - Bala Dallaa
05 - Matelmesnesh
06 - Moaamla Khassah
07 - Mesh Hanssak
08 - Baatezer
09 - Ya Reet
10 - Montaha El Ehsas

Waad El baharey album Now -اعلان البوم وعد البحرى الان


Waad Al Bahri - CBC.flv "وعد البحري"الستات مابيعرفوش يكدبوا



وعد البحري اوعدك Aw3idak Waad Al Bahr

Magdy Saad 20102 Album البوم مجدى سعد - حكايات

What can I say about Magdy Saad? He is the dark horse of Egyptian pop, not well known in the mainstream music scene, but loved by all those who know him and are unfamiliar with him music. This is his followup album for his latest album which came out three years ago. Magdy is a really sad sounding guy who stays alone in the dark and reflect on how sucky life has been to him.

So is his music, you have to be alone to listen to it, you are not meant to enjoy it with people. It will kill the mode which tends to be happy when you are around people. The album comes in an impressive 16 tracks songs bearing stories from real life. However, for his new album he has changed things up a bit. You can be heart broken and happy. 

Dance and happy songs bring in the concert deals, energy has to be high too. I think Magdy can make it work by performing the happier version. Variety is good.  

01 - Aaol Eh

02 - Aghla El Nas

03 - Baed We Ghayeb

04 - Enta Bthlam

05 - Fe Eh Ya Alby

06 - Fe Hodnak

07 - Haga Metratba

08 - Helm Baied

09 - Hikayat

10 - Kalam Ydaya

11 - Keda

12 - Kol Sana We Enta Habiby

13 - Men Yom Ma Ghab Aany

14 - Mesh Fadl Badry

15 - Ool Kalam

16 - Soaaly Aalek

Magdy Saad - Mat El.Kalam / مجدى سعد - مات الكلام

مجدى سعد الله يرضى عليك

DOWNLOAD: Nancy Ajram In Super Nancy Is Here

She is really a true hit-maker in the Arab world. she is a trailblazer and an awesome songstress that understands her craft and knows how to capitalize on it. Nancy Ajram is her name and super Nancy is her new persona for her kiddie album. 

The album is made with kids in mind, but the adults can also enjoy it too. She makes catchy albums and I admire her for stressing out the importance of little girls in life. She has two of her own and I think her music will do kids a lot of good. 8 tracks to choose from from the one track you will play on birthdays and the trouble-making kids. 

The songs are sang in both Lebanese and Egyptian Arabic, as Nancy has always done Egypt is her second home and her biggest market. Lebanon is her home and love.  The album will make it fun for kids to dance and parents would love the messages and the fun it packs. I think among all the other stars who do songs for kids no want sounds like a kid as much as Nancy can. She sounds original and not trying too hard. She had a good childhood and something tells me she wants to share that with the world. 

حصريا البوم نانسي عجرم - سوبر نانسي

01 - Ya Banat

02 - Bo2 El Katkout

03 - Baqosah

04 - Sana Helwa Ya Gamil

05 - Sotouhy

06 - Oulo Hela

07 - Wez Einak

08 - Ady El Beida

Nancy Ajram - Stouhy (Super Nancy)

Nancy Ajram - Ya Banat (Super Nancy)

Nancy Ajram - Making Of Ya banat!

DOWNLOAD: Ahmed El Sayyad Good Looks And Throwaway Pop ألبوم احمد الصياد - احبووووش

I give him that the guy looks good and he is a high commodity in Egypt in the looks market. Hazel eyes, clean cut, a full set of hair, and a nice shirt will take you far in Egypt. Most singers in his genre tend to be not that good looking and older. Ahmed beats them in the looks and the funky sound.

Sh'abi music is the kind they play at weddings in poor areas. Singers often show up and perform with belly dancers, men carrying sticks and money flying around. So he just released a movie about the ladies and he tries to ask one of them to go out with him. Typical songs, where everything sounds dirty and sleazy and they tend to talk about fruits bananas, mango, and almonds.

I find myself enjoying those songs, Roa hates them. I like the street language they use and the funky feel those songs feel. Their life seems simple and they tend to find joy in street food and free stuff. One thing, the music always sounds the same nothing fresh. The lyrics are the show. These are happy songs that often get dismissed by producers and the media, but 20 years later they are embraced and celebrated just like they did with Ahmed Adawya who is a legend now.

1.A7bosh
2.Aftra
3.Al72ny.Ya.Wad.B.Gor3a
4.3bdk.Elda3ef
5.Lekol.Mn.Damr.7ayty
6.Maser.Fo2.Elgmy3

اغنية احمد الصياد - احبووووووش | A-B&MUSIC

Here Are The Albums To Be Released In The Eid

1. Hossam Habib is releasing his pop album, this would be hi first since 2008. Hossam has produced the album on his own and has not decided on whom he wants to distribute it. This is an album, I look forward to. It can only go bad if it was produced on the cheap. Not Yes
2. Tamer Ashour is also working on his album, as we come to expect from him, he is working with a team of top talents to bring this album to light. I like how Tamer Ashour takes his work seriously and even though he can work on the album by himself--he prefers to hire people (Tarek Madkour, and Tamer Ali are an example) who might add something to the work. Not Yes
3. Pop star Haitham Shaker who has not put out an album in more than five years is working on is album too and I like the titles of the songs. I like Haitham's voice who really can do happy and dramatic songs very well. Not Yet
4. Lebanese super romantic singer Wael Kfoury will land his album on August 13th and this would be his first in almost five years. The album has ben ready for years now, but Wael did no reach an agreement with his record label on the contract. I am certain the album will have at least 4 songs that we have already listened to as singles--they were either good or average. Done and done
5. Amal Maher will released a music video that is being directed of Dr. Sherif Sabry, the man who remade her image and gave her the best year of her career last year. Not Yet
6. Nicole Saba is also releasing a single and a cool looking music video--the promote is out too. This might be the grown up Nicole Saba song--unlike many of her commercially viable tracks, this one seems her natural style. Not Yet
7. Jannat will have a new album, her first since 2008. The girl got some game and her concerts are often hots tickets in Egypt. She knows how to pick winners and knows how to fire up her fan base.   

Eteaay Rabena Feya - photo - Amal Maher اتقى ربنا فيا - صور - امال ماهر

DOWNLOAD: Esseily 2012 Rainbow Album البوم محمود العسيلى - دنيا جديده

Mahmoud Esseily album lands and I am loving the cover art. It's hopeful, rainbows, smiley face, and a sun flower. I like the casual look and the slip on shoes. This is the look of the future in Egypt and Esseily seems to have made the transition. Esseily remains a popular singer with the youth as he often take on challenging topic like drugs and boredom. He can be funny and it show sin his music

Back to the music, 14 tracks is what the album have, a hefty number of songs that take so much time to bring to light. The album has been launched officially today after at least what seems like an unlimited delays. Hear it here Remember buy original copies of this CD where you can find them. This is a well made album that meant to cheer you up and make you believe that change is possible even under the most grueling circumstances.

Eisseily knows how to keep a balance between happy songs and sadder ones. He is meant for concerts and lively musical appearances, but his voice can also do other songs too. He is one of those voices that you come to because you are drawn to the artist and his personality. His album is a promo for hope in Egypt at those uncertain times.

The album is titled a whole new world to reflect the new changes in Egypt. I do not think the timing of the release is ideal as the people in Egypt and other places are boiling from that silly American movie about Islam. So if you are in the mode for some good pop and if you need a dose of amusement and good music, you need this album.

01 - Adeny Baaiesh
02 - Aysheen
03 - Dehkah
04 - Donia Gdeda
05 - Eisha Helwa
06 - El Agzakhanah
07 - El Leyla
08 - Enta Meny
09 - Eshtaghalony
10 - Hankhaf Men Eah
11 - Mabsout Fe Makanak
12 - Nazra Fe Eineky
13 - Set El Setat
14 - Warak Warak

اغنية محمود العسيلى - مبسوط فى مكانك 2012 | النسة الاصلية


اغنية محمود العسيلى - نظرة فى عنيك 2012 | النسة الاصلية

محمود العسيلي 2012 - عايشينMa7moud-3esely-3ayshen2012

Super Nancy Album Takes Kids To The Zoo

Nancy Ajram is mushing three songs into one music video, a total of six minutes and a half where Nancy plays cute with kids at he zoo. The clip was filmed in Beirut and Southern Lebanon with tons of kids doing kiddie stuff.

Nancy is just one of the kids. She is releasing her second all kids album--grownups like them too in Mid August in time for Eid El Fiter celebration. This is not the first time collaboration between Nancy Ajram and director Laila Kanaan.

Nancy wears clownish colorful pant. Using 45 kids as props, and using graphics and animations in both China and Canada. About 300 hundred thousand dollars are the reported budget. This is the energizer bunny music video. There are more than one look for Nancy....I like her song for little girls, Nancy has of her own.

Watch the behind the scenes and interviews

NancyAjram 20120803

Music for Your Flights Landing, Seriously?

 If you are like me freak out every time your flight is about to land, then maybe you should check out this album. Soothing music to take your mind off the landing experiences. And this is the third volume of this album franchise.

Only one problem, it might be illegal to operate your music player as the flight lands. It has been almost three years since I flew last time, but I am sure you are still not permitted to operate any electronic devices during the take off and the landing.

I cannot speak about the music collection, I would be lying if I claimed to have heard of those names before, I have not. But listening to some of the music--there's one below I have found some calmness.

Nevertheless, this is a good idea
VA - Music for Your flights : landing 2012
1. Aurys - Suave Moon (3:38)
2. Aurys - Rio's Sun (4:07)
3. Andrea Cardillo Project - Buona Vita (4:44)
4. Brass - Rome Vacations (3:57)
5. Giacomo Bondi - At the Brazilian Cafe (4:14)
6. Giacomo Bondi - Chercher (4:18)
7. Giacomo Bondi - Breakfast Club di Milano - Instrumental (4:37)
8. Giacomo Bondi - Por do Sol (3:15)
9. Giacomo Bondi - About a Bird Radio Edit (4:11)
10. Giacomo Bondi - One Night in Rio (3:23)
11. Puro Alec - Extend Your Affection (1:42)
12. Ugo Venturino - Fuerteventura (3:48)
13. Ugo Venturino - From Saragoza to Paris (2:19)

ANDREA CARDILLO CHILL PROJECT VOL 1"BUONA VITA"

DOWNLOAD: Metro Pop By Amr 60 In His Debut Album البوم عمرو 60 - مسافر

Amr has been on my radar for a month now and he has done a wonderful job in dazzling me and his new fans. The metro looking clean cut pop singer is really out there to get a slice of the pop pie. I compere his music to that of Hamaki...happy poo that plays like a club mix that gets excited even if the song is not that happy.

A romance pop is common--guys like to jump to the music and those young ladies like some fancy dreamy lyrics from a good looking guy. His album has been released and the new is eyeing it with a high level of anticipation. The 10 tracks album is making a worthy buzz among the people who are looking for new music.

01 - Bokrah Ma'ak
02 - Msafer
03 - Mabakhafsh Leih
04 - Ba'a Fi Keda Ya'ny
05 - Be'ay Shakl
06 - Had Aaref
07 - Kaddeb Ehsasak
08 - Mate'melish Hessabek
09 - Agmal Haga
10 - Wala Nsetha

Amr 60 - Had Aaref / عمرو ستين - حد عارف


Amr 60 - Wala Nsetha / عمرو ستين - ولا نسيتها


Amr 60 - Be'ay Shakl / عمرو ستين - بأي شكل

Reviewed: Putumayo's Arabic Beat Album

Putumayo means “gushing river”, and this World Music label with its motto “ guaranteed to make you feel good,” has just released Arabic Beat, a follow up to its best-selling Arabic Groove.

This river gushes with danceable tracks from artists rocking the popular Arabic/Western vibe that translates well to clubs in the West. (Many of the disc’s artists are based in Europe or the U.S.; such as Noor in Barcelona, Watcha Clan in Marseille, Zein Al-Jundi in Austin, Texas).

Arabic Beat features more of the upbeat Middle Eastern and North African dance music that made Arabic Groove a global success. Inspired by music from across the globe but true to Arabic music’s deep roots, Arabic Beat tells the story of a thriving contemporary scene that stretches across the breadth of the Mediterranean.

Algerian style rai alternates with raqs sharki beats, both taking on Western flavors via sprinklings of instrumental sounds becoming familiar to the melting pot of immigrant communities in Europe. Upbeat like all the feel good Putumayo releases, this disc does contain some thoughts relevant to recent goings on in the Arab world, (Marcel Khalife’s Osfour interpreted here by Watcha Clan, is one.)

 Altogether a good sampling of what might be to Westerners some lesser known names on the contemporary Arabic music scene. The album will be picked by those casual Arabic music listeners who want a musically snack, nothing too complex and nothing too different. If this is something you desire, then pick the album up and take it for a joy ride.

Samira Said - Aal Eih

Ghada Ragab "Sorty" 2012 Album البوم غادة رجب - صورتى

If you want a good album that's easy on the soul, an album that will speak to you like you are the only one out there, then here's the album for you. This album comes from the Egyptian diva Ghada Ragab who is a regular guest in the Egyptian House of Opera. Ghada have had a quiet career for longer than 15 years now, but in 2012 she changed the playbook.

Ghada figures Egypt is too busy with whatever is going on with them and the business are not racing to sign her--even though no one has ever spoke ill of her talent. She went to Lebanon made a hit song there that was picked by all radios. Then from there she moved to Turkey made her album there. While in Turkey she has collaborated with a number of musicians and singers to bring her comeback album to light. She even sings in Turkish too. But to her credit she can sing in half a dozen other languages beautifully too.

Romance, blues, and pop are all in the album. Ghada went all in for this album to give herself and her fans a worthy comeback. the album itself has real music, live orchestra and Turkish flavor. She has the sweet angelic voices that can stretch as far as she wants to take it. I hope you find this album of high entertainment value. A high class art have never been so accessible. To better understand my point, check out the title song music video below.


01 - Yama Zann
02 - Teaaraf Leah
03 - Awey Awey
04 - Daiman Maak
05 - Kolo Men Dah
06 - Sorty
07 - Sorty [ Music ]

Sorty - Ghada Ragab صورتى - غادة رجب

BUY: Mayez Bayaa 2012 Pop Romance Album

The Lebanese romance singer who makes songs like a man would is making a comeback with his latest album "A'azak" or "I favor you" I listened to the entire album and I was glad to have had the chance to give an underrated album a listen. I am a fan of Mayez, always have been. He was the cool dude in the 90s and his pop songs were among my favorite growing up. His sweet voice material allows listeners to connect with him and express themselves.

This is an album one does not make in a year or two, this is the product of years of emotional depth and musical maturity entertainers like Mayez have acquired through the years. Mayez Bayaa continues to be a big player in Lebanese music, he is a fixture of concerts in the local scene. He does have a pan Arab name recognition. Perhaps among his biggest fans, are the heavy listener--the people who are hard to please. Mayez hit all the right notes with them.

I like the mixture of songs he makes, the happy one, the ultimate romantic one, the sad and heartbroken one. But he never fails to keep the song interesting. Like you never hear a Mayez song and feel dull--not even once. Not sure why more people do not know about Mayez and his career, he is a rock star that has a cross gender appeal. He is a sweeter version of Raghib Alama, a romantic hit-maker like those made by Kathem Al Sahir. Mayez has also included a song in the Gulf dialect to show that he has what it teaks to break into new music markets.

This is one album I recommend people get their hands on and enjoy, please find it at music stores nearby.  

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