Who Makes Better Music? Egypt Or Lebanon

Egypt has always been there as the home of Arabic music, anyone who is anybody must make a stop in Egypt in order to be on the radar. Because most TV networks have traditionally been based there, Egypt is a huge market and they tend to have an industry going in there full time. To Egypt, entertainment is their black gold. A cash cow of sort that keeps many families afloat.

But in the early 2000,  the power has started to shift, Lebanon has stabilized, and has been made the home of many TV networks and cool cafes. More and more Lebanese venture into music--movies are only coming from Egypt, but in music the Egyptian pop has been losing traction to generations of Lebanese stars who have returned home to make good music. The ones in Lebanon has also taken advantage of internet marketing, they no longer have to go to Egypt to be famous, they can have their own show on the internet and make money form home--in theory.

Also Lebanon tends to be a lot more liberal than the entertainment industry in Egypt--less censorship and more investments form wealth business men from the Arab Gulf who seem to have bet their money in Lebanon. Combined with a zombie phase most Egyptian composers have gone under--they were not making hot records from 2002--to 2008. What was the last Amr Diab hit? In that phase Tamer Hosny has prospered and good hard working entertainers were left in the dark.

But then again the Gulf started buying out all those big names, they would hire the top entertainers from Egypt and Lebanon, give their amazing lyrics--mostly poems and invite them to record the songs free of charge. Sometimes the Arab entertainer would make a bank from one hit song. The Gulf still buys music--they can afford to. And they tend to be more generous with their concerts and private events--no star would turn them down.

Yes, Egypt has kept its place, they were down for few years, but starting 2010 and better songs are coming out from that country, better albums and bigger stars. Sure, the Arab Spring did not help, but everyone was done for a while. Egypt will always be there, it's a sure thing. They have an industry that's a 100 year old--no other Arab country come even close. Sure, some might hate the Egyptian dominance, but at ultimately, they are 90 million strong.

I would put my money on Egypt any-day, but that does not mean that Lebanon cannot compete, in face I think competition is great for everyone. 

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

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

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

Somali Canadian Hybrid K'naan Is "More Beautiful Than Silence"

More Beautiful Than Silence  was well received by critics where each track sounds completely different from the last, and although the record could be a pop smash, his message is never diluted in the melody.
K’Naan has the skills where his music packs creative melodies, poetic storytelling, and  the aspiration of an entire generation. soaring dreams on More Beautiful Than Silence. Die hard fans fans will love this musical treat, but the reality remains, are we ready for his next big thing? I do not think we are as a full project form this rapper will make waves in the rap industry.

I am comfortable to claim that his poetic lyrics come from his bringing and his culture where Arabia intersects Africa creating a beautiful lyrical miracles that were picked by young K'naan. The american culture provided him with rap as a tool to get those raging emotions out So far he has claimed a place in mainstream Hip-Hop. As far as messaging in music and imagery, I think he can rival household names of the likes Bob Dylan. Since K’naan’s mission is to inspire global change, he’ll welcome mainstream success; if it gets his message to the ears of more listeners, and encourages them to dream big. He is a star that world needs right now...as transfroation in the Middle East, America, Europe and the rest of the world is changing, K’naan brings a teaser for the future of entertainment.

K'naan fuses a wide array of styles and rhythms to deliver his African-influenced rap. He is already Africa's most famous native song rapper when his upbeat tune "Wavin' Flag" became a global hit after it was chosen as the official Coca-Cola anthem for the 2010 South Africa World Cup. A turning point in K'naan's career came as he stood in front of some of the world's most powerful men, stopped his performance to recite a politically-charged poem, blasting the U.N. for its failed relief mission in Somalia." This was a risky business, but K'naan had nothing to lose. After a brief moment of silence, he has earned himself an standing ovation.

Aside form his talent, the rapper comes with a grand story of survival so real and so shocking that it makes most inner city rappers look like they are form Kansas.  This is guy who lived in a war zone and moved into another one where most people tel of a rough life. No questions about it, the lyrically gifted rapper just can't help being a one-upper which makes him a perfect candidate for the job. 

Some have argued that K'naan should hone a message where he would tell his young fans "I did, you can too" message that could help make him a more accessible role model. He comes across as a rapper with a lot of faith as he makes reference to God very often. The internet is filled with K'naan's opinions of war peace and love too. But I think he still has a long way to go to trade in his microphone for a role model.    

"War has a way of making life painfully factual and love has a way of making life completely painfully dreamy, and I wanted to try to be honest about where I'm at in life," adds K'naan, 

K'naan- More beautiful than silence [with lyrics]



Lyrics: turn the light off there's a light on in your heart so let it be your guidens, guidens! Open up your mouth if what you say could be more beautiful than silence ok, ain't it funny how the talkers always talkin' never firing, but always say they cocking and they cocky until they in the parking lots suddenly they got parkinsons, they can hardly talk. no karate buddy, no pilates buddy it's a new game, no Atari buddy body chalk, well i'm used to bodies chopped i've seen shit to give new meaning to the body shop look, i know you think i'm so righteous but mother fucker, i'm also into rifles tryna tell these niggas i'm a baby in his diapers i'm on my own shit, lighters i don't disseminate, i got my name in... i don't discriminate, i got friends who are snipers but some of them ended up being lifeless cause they kept silent, survivors. turn the light off there''s a light on in your heart so let it be your guidens, guidens! open your mouthy, if you would say could be more beautiful than silence. i'm the quiet type, breathe and steady never small talk speak when necessary in the streets, i see niggers chops with machetes my jamaican girl say 'talk to me baby!' what''s on your mind can't say ... ..death do its part, memories, i marry got a library with no lies baby and all the books look like they're made of strawberries. it ain't easy being me cause my own fans can't relate to my streets and my streets can't relate to those in the east but i'm beats, so i make bread on release. I'm releasing my demons, give the beat it's life like I give a fetus semen. feel the kick in your belly, that's freedom breathing don't say nothing, cause now we're dreaming! turn the light off it's a light on in your heart so let it be your guides, guides! open your mouthy, if you would say could be more beautiful than silence, silence. oh, oh, oh, silence, silence oh, oh, oh, silence, silence oh, oh, oh, silence, silence oh, oh, oh, silence, silence

Nahwa, The Surprisingly Good Retro Album البوم نهوى - ما جانى نوم 2012

When you are a young (and good looking) Lebanese woman, you have many ways of entering the music business. One particular lady had a different thought, I want to pay homage to those stars and singers who came before me by channeling their style and music, but I will do it with my own terms and my fresh content. This is a formula that few can master, form what we see so far, Nahwa has done very well.

She has already performed in concerts at home and abroad. She has just released her debut album with either amazing tracks, but that's not enough to get people talking with which Nahwa's fame would be shaped. She posed for a period cover album. She seems to have come form a long time ago, an era that we have always fancies and dubbed as "the good old days"

Therefore, Nahwa's album is dedicated to the Bedouin dialect, that is loved (and understood) all over the Arab world. I know, I am not the only one cheering this throwback to an era as it does not have to end with the charismatic diva Samira Tawfik.

01 - Allah Yekhaleki Yoma
02 - Atshana
03 - Janen Janen
04 - Lansob Khema
05 - Ma Gani Noom
06 - Mawal Hagrek
07 - Shbedak Bya
08 - Terqos Ala Geroohi

Nahwa - Ma jani Nom 2011(Original)


نهوى تصوِّر أغنيتين بكليبٍ واحدٍ

Best Of Walid Tawfik البوم افضل ما غنا وليد توفيق

 Turn back the clock to the 80s, 90s and the early 00s and you will find a legend for those times. Lebanese singer and composer Walid Tawfik is that legend. Few can hardly remember why they liked him, but most know him and know that he is a has been. This is not accurate entirely. Walid made Lebanese songs popular in both Egypt and the Gulf--Egypt has always been is a tough market to break into.

I like Walid Tawfik, he was the cool kid who acted in movies but also made good music that we all remember well. It's enough for him to be the guy who has the classic birthday song with his voice. But he has also other hits, and he has let us know by remixing them and doing covers of his own songs with a new twist. But Walid also was one of the first Lebanese singers to sing in three Arabic Dialects--Lebanese, Egyptian and Gulf.    

In fairness, the album doe snot have all of his hits, just the hits Rotana has produced for him. Which means you got none of the old good stuff like "Tiggy Ni'esim Al Amar", "Ya Leel"...etc. I would say the album has at least three decent songs by Walid, but none of the good stuff that you and your mom have come to love.

So, we do not forget, here's an album that has his best hits to date. Buy the album where you can. One thing to remember....Walid was the guy who made old school musit a bit hip and a bit faster. He does have Tarab talent, but his pop also lives on in our collective memory.

 01.Badry
02.Mehtajak Habibi
03.El Qessa Kelha
04.A'an El Raheel
05.Akbar Garh
06.Lamm El Shaml
07.Es-har
08.A'beer Al Ward
09.El Hal El Waheed
10.Ehtemal

 اجمل اغاني وليد توفيق The Best Of Walid Tawfik

Egypt's Taxi Driver Will Love Mohammed Abd Elmonim 2012 Album

 Mohammed Abd Elmonim is a homeboy and he is the guy you would want to appear in your movie if your movie has a block party and belly dancer. This young composer and charming singer knows how to kick off a street party. In his title song he swears by the name of the Lord about how excited he is about this girl.

Mohammed might be the next best thing to happen to this Sha'abi music or as it has now been called festivals. Saad Al Soghyar is getting too old for this and Mohammed seems to be a protegee of that singer as he has appeared along his side in a recent movie. So if you are tourist in Egypt, you might want to get familiar with such taste of music because I know your cabbies will be playing it on your ride.

God and women is how poor people live, Mohammed brings the best of both worlds and put it all on a nice soundtrack for everyone to see and hear. The good news is as follows, Abd Elmonim is a decent looking guy--unlike most of singers in the Sh'abi circles. So, here is his new album, I dub it as the party album where we now have a physical proof how poor people like to party it up.

So if you are a guy you would love the songs, and if your a women whose sole concern is men interest and looking good, you will also like this song. But if you want more out of life, this song might not be meant for you.

 النسخة الأصلية لألبوم محمد عبد المنعم وربنا المعبود 01.

01. Kol Ma Aghamad Einaya
02.Wrabena Elmaboud
03.Amlt Elly Alya
04.Ana Mo'gab Beek
05.Taiheen Dai'een
06.Keed El Nessa
07.Men Youm Ma Sebtk
08.Elly Ma Shafsh El Dounya


 09.Foash محمد عبد المنعم - وربنا المعبود


محمد عبد المنعم - وربنا المعبود

REVIEW: The Red Rose Album By Samo البوم سامو زين - الورد الاحمر

 The flirtatious album of the year has arrived and it has the signature of Syria's biggest pop star Samo Zaen. Samo is a household in Egypt--the biggest music market where most singers are now based. Unlike so many others, Samo has stayed in Egypt and maybe the fact that Syria seems to been fire has something to do with that.

The all tracks give Samo's fans plenty to smile about, as they will dance, they will romance, and they will cry. Samo knows well how to transition from one note to another without cheapening the experience. Changing mood in one album is important to appeal to more people.

I would buy this album and I ask you to do so....this one will be around for some time. Samo leads the way now in releasing an album in a critical time politically and so close to Ramadan. I wish one day, I can see Samo in a live concert, I am sure he will be a treat.

01 - Beta7lawy, club mix and tons of computer affects the right amount of excitement
02 - 3ady, Samo like you know him before, the guy you want to party with! Good
03 - El Ward El A7mar, the album's gem, I love this track and how it fuses music
04 - 7elemt Beeky, the necessary dramatic song, the lonely yet romantic will cheer
05 - 7abiby W Ana Samo Zaen on steroid, I mean energy drink. An average pop song
06 - Mesta2tel, amorous song people in love would appreciate this expressive song
07 - Men 3eneya, another entertaining pop song that has dull music, the lyrics are cool though
08 - Faris A7lemek, guy tells a girl he wants to be all she wants him to be, dreamy track with gooey music
09 - Ana Mosta3ad, I like the instruments on this track. Samo might have another song where to turn into a music video, a dramatic song with a big heart and regrets.
10 - Beta7lawy ( Remix ), a remix of a good song even made more club friendly, I would drive a stolen car to this music, but for now it's a good song to operate a heavy machinery to. 
11 - 7elemt Beeky ( Remix ) this one is made again for yet another club experience, I like the foreign language and the Euro feel. 


 El Ward El Ahmar - Samo Zaen الورد الاحمر - ساموزين