Search - Petrol Presents :: The Greatest Songs Ever: Middle East

Above Average Arabic Journey

Amaranth | Northern California | 04/19/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For a Petrol Presents "Greatest Songs Evah!!" world music compilation, the Middle Eastern one is surprisingly--sexy&diverse.One wonders if the former PR man for INXS was putting Putumayo's "Arabic Groove" and "Sahara Lounge" and taking down notes,it's that good.



Like the pomegranate on the front (which has great resonance in Mediterranean myth&legend,it was on the robes of the priests of ancient Israel,the sacred fruit of Aphrodite the love goddess),it's amazingly fruitful.There are electrifying selections from Yuri Mrakadi,the wonderful Lebanese diva Dania,Farid El Atrache and Shereen.The compilation bridges past&present with a song from the legendary Egyptian diva Oum Kalthoum,as well as a loungy piece from Oryx.



While it doesn't have songs from the great Natacha Atlas,it does have two disappointing ones from Fairuz&Cheb Mami,who get easy listening/adult contemporary pieces.(Had I done this compilation,I would've used Cheb Mami's "Baida","Hay Wadi Hay Galbi","Azwaw 2" or his duet with reggae heir Ziggy Marley "Madanite")



Overall,this is a fun&sensual Arabic compilation-perfect for those amorous Arabian nights!"