Canadian edition of 1995 album for the Algerian music star, probably best known in the U.S. for his hit collaboration with Sting on 'Desert Rose'. 11 tracks.
All Artists:Cheb Mami Title:Saida Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Original Release Date: 6/15/2000 Re-Release Date: 6/29/2000 Album Type: Import Genres:International Music, Pop Style:Africa Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:724384068028
Synopsis
Album Description
Canadian edition of 1995 album for the Algerian music star, probably best known in the U.S. for his hit collaboration with Sting on 'Desert Rose'. 11 tracks.
"If you like your rai over-produced and overtly western-sounding, this is for you. Otherwise avoid at all costs. Stick with the classic pop-rai from before Khaled's self-titled album on Cohiba/PolyGram, and anything produced by the late rai production genius, Rachid Baba"
I DIDN'T KNOW AN ALBUM COULD BE SO GOOD!
Emmeline | London, ON, Canada | 04/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In case you have already read my review of Cheb Mami's later album "Meli, Meli", you would know that I was completely impressed with the music on that CD. However, his cd "Saida" is even better! For anyone new to the musical genre of Rai, either one of these albums makes a wonderful introduction, but the beauty of the melodies on "Saida" is priceless. Cheb Mami's musical range, both vocally and in his diverse styles, is amazing to observe and he deserves to be better recognized in the musical world. I believe that we will eventually see/hear more from him.I recommend this album with the highest praise. For years I have been a hardcore fan of Spanish, Greek and Turkish music, so adding a new style to my collection was a treat. Cheb Mami is a musical wonder to my ears."
Like Usual, One Of The Best In The World
neffi | California, USA | 03/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think that Cheb Mami should be the King of Rai, because obviously, his music is a lot better than Khaled's. Cheb Mami has a talent, to sing the way he does. At first, I only listened to his music because it was the only Arabic CD I could find ( after listening to Desert Rose and watching him perform )because I want to learn Arabic. But in the end, Cheb Mami did more than help me get the hang of his language, his music inspired me. Whenever I listen to his music, it calms me down and helps me think of wonderful things. Especially, his song "Rani Maak El Youm", it helps me think of the nicest things I should do for my friends and family. But my family happen to think that his music is demonic or something because they say that if you are obsessed with something, then it has to be bad, and they see me listening to it all the time. But I won't let them take his music away from me, because that would be taking the headstart of my future away, and that, they just will not understand. But still, Saida is one of his best albums ever. Actually, all of his albums are the best in the world. They all inspire me. Khaled could never do that."
Cry of the Desert
Amaranth | Northern California | 07/13/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Cheb Mami's "Desert Rose" brought the Algerian superstar to worldwide fame. On his own, Cheb Mami is an electrifying singer. "Saida",from 1995, shows him in fine form. "Saida" shows Mami's range of emotions--from the passionate opening "H'babi" to his lament "Trab."
"Saida" is the cry of the desert. Cheb Mami's fluid,powerful voice reflects the merciless desert sun shining upon the endlessly shifting dunes. "H'babi" is an amazing cry of unrequited love. The follow-up,"Ma ma" is a less successful rap. Mami's singing is wonderful,but his duet partner does a lame rap in English. "Hay wadi hay galbi" shows off Mami's vocal skills. His voice leaps,ululates,as athletic as a gymnast. "Baida" sounds like it is from the Renaissance,another lovelorn song. A simple lute accompanies Mami. "Ghi N'ti" has a synthesized '80s sound. The closing song,"Trab",is a powerful,earthy lament.
"Saida" shows Mami at the beginning of his career,beginning to blossom. It's a desert rose."