Search - Junoon :: Azadi

An amazing CD!

roony17 | Glasgow, Scotland | 07/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Junoon: Azadi is the only CD by a Pakistani band which I have ever purchased. After hearing a friend playing it I just HAD to have it. The words and the music absorb you into a world of sound which makes you feel lighter and more content with life in general. The name 'Azadi' meaning freedom does the album justice.It is my definate reccomendation to anybody who enjoys music with some style and meaning.A must buy on my list!"

Junoon grows up

billy79 | NY, USA | 06/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't get me wrong, I liked Junoon's sound from the start, even when they were churning out semi-commercial pop-rock. But with the release of Azadi, they finally established themselves as serious, politically- and spiritually-aware musicians (and I no longer feel that tinge of embarassment when stating my admiration for them!). Azadi marks the perfection of an eclectic blend of music that has become Junoon's trademark. Junoon goes for a sound that is more acoustic than their previous works, but still wonderfully rich and full. Their rythm section relies more heavily on the tabla now, balancing the Western rock sounds of their guitars with a driving, Eastern beat. True to its name, Sufi-rock is one innovation Junoon can be very proud of. The lyrics in this album are just as important as the music, if not more. Among the playlist - Iqbal's opus, "Khudi", set to music (for those familiar with Urdu poetry, you know how wonderful that must be), a controversial rock rendition of a Quranic verse ("Wahda Hoo La Shareeka La Hoo"), the double-metaphorical Sufi-style "Mahiwal", and the politically charged "Kis Ney Sunna".Of course, this album has a lot to offer those who cannot understand the language. I've got quite a few "non-desi" friends who are addicted to their sound, without understanding a word they say!"

Simply the best album

billy79 | 04/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have all of the Junoon's albums and this one ranks among the top. This album titled "Azadi", meaning freedom in urdu, came out on the 50th aniversary of Pakistan's independance(1947). I went to see their concert in San Jose in 97 during their Azadi US tour. All I have to say is that they are just brilliant. There were many non urdu speaking fans at the concert but they were enjoying as they understood every word of it, i.e. you do not have know the language in order to enjoy this music.
I do not want to repeat what has already been mentioned below, but I highly recommend that you give this album a try. I can assure you that you will not only love this album but buy their other albums too!"