Search - Souad Massi :: Raoui

The voice of magic

Yacoub | Jordan | 06/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Depicting the melancholic tone of an Algerian urban story teller "Raoui", Souad Massi opened her second album with a heart wrenching tune consisting of nothing more than the sweetness of her voice and an a gently finger plucked acoustic guitar.

Massi is one of Algeria's most authentic and daring new artists, her work is a live example of how a musician can borrow from the sounds of foreign cultures and combine with his/her own roots to create a completely new direction that manages not to compromise the innovation of the new nor the authenticity of the old.

The album featured songs about different subject; while Bledi showed Massi's deep rooted passion for her adored Algeria, she delved into more into personal reflection with Hayati and Awham singing about illusions and a lover's betrayal, and extreme longing in Khsara Alek, Nekrah Alkeb and the sweet lullaby Matibkeech.

While some of the songs featured Algerian traditional instruments, the element of funky modern guitar and bass carried the rest of the album. And Massi, who is also an accomplished guitar player, made her presence very noticeable with some unusual rhythms and melody progressions.

Souad Massi is a good sign that reassures faith in the existence of exceptional talents in the Arab world, and the fact that she has established a decent fan base in Jordan and the Arab world, although her work receives virtually no promotion in the region, is a valid proof that our listeners do in fact seek quality and are not completely under the control of dogmatic commercial mass production and promotion. Massi should be taken as an incentive to all Arab musicians who try to present original material that doesn't follow the junk food standards of modern Arabic pop.

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Melodic

Christina | ABQ, NM | 01/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a beautiful acoustic CD. I gave this CD with Azam Ali's "Portals of Grace" to both of my mothers for Christmas and they loved them both. Massi's voice in this CD is beautiful, like a silk ribbon in the wind, but with expert control. I love "Raoui", "Matebkiche", "Hayati", and "Nekreh El Keld". I have this CD and "Honeysuckle". I like this CD better,, but the other one is great too. I still have to get "Deb" and "Mesik Elil"."

Great

A2 | Washington | 02/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heard Bel El Madhi (The Gate Of The Past) from the DEB CD on Link.TV and was intrigued by the wonderful melody. Bought the CD. Loved it. Bought the other three CDs that have been issued by this great Algerian group (including Raoui). Even bought some more to give to friends. THis lady has an absolutely wonderful, clear, crisp and sultry voice."