Summer is just about over, Ramadan is approaching faster and hotter than ever, Arabic musicians are scrambling to sell as many records as they can. The World Cup did not help them sell records, fast internet connection when pirates have a free hand to download their hard work for free. This summer had a number of much anticipated summer albums, few of those will be around for a while, fewer were actually good. While the mighty Amr Diab has yet to release his obligatory annual album, there have been tease from that album and we are not that impressed. Also very few women Arab singers came out with new albums this summer, not sure what that is. These summer albums tend to be a bit more loaded with romance, and tales of breakups than your average summer songs. There is of course some exciting music, but I hardly can name one song that has everything. Here is my take on this summer’s biggest albums.
Mohammad Fouad, the popular Egyptians singer that went missing for 7 years only to make a huge comeback in late 2007 with a solid album that featured all the themes and emotions he has the chops and the legacy to express best. His 2010 album “Been Edik“, was a treat to all his fans as there are at least four great songs in it (the entire 2007 album was gold) The Egyptian star took a page of Amr Diab’s book and had a makeover where he lost pounds and had a great haircut. His title song “Been Edik” is a good romantic song where a lover tells his loved one he is theirs and only theirs. “Ebn Balad” where Fouad visits his most original theme about being a good home boy who does the right thing even when he has been wronged, the song speaks volumes of Fouad’s fan base who tend to be proud of their tradition and love for their homes. You can really run to this song and feel the beats in your bloodstream. “Saat Bashtaq“, is perhaps my favorite song of this album where Foaud takes you on a tour down memory lane and counts all the things you loved about being a child and being with the family and your first touch of your loved one…those might sound like a Taylor Swift domain, but imagine Fouad, a grownup man with kids of his won making those sentiments relevant again.
Mohamad Hamaki, Egypt’s coolest and the most hip star. The one true heir to the legacy of Amr Diab, in terms of making great music and keeping his style fresh and exciting. Hamaki makes an album once every two to three years, and every time he releases his album he lets his fans do the PR, not conferences and agents. You know, he is the guy who seems down to earth, always dressed nice, and defining his voice and his music. “Haga Mosh Tabyeah” is the title of the album and it was a good song, but not all the original, however, the beat makes this song enjoyable. “Meataakad” is the song I enjoyed where Hamaki tells of his emotional state after going through three failed love experiences, the lyrics of this song is original, the theme and the atmosphere are both sad, but not dark. “Ehsas Fazze“, “Kan Mali” and “Lissa Bitkhaf” are both wonderful songs where the guitar and broken heart tales tell the stories, I am pretty sure young lovebirds in the Arab world will tear up once they hear this one. I like those songs for the same reason I like R & B. “Law Daayali“, one of those rare love songs where Hamaki talks about the things important to him, as his mom’s prayer to him and other things that keep him up at night. “Betdari” is the song to dance while the worlds count they hide and seek games lovers play in an attempt to hide their affection toward the other. Great job Hamaki and props to your sound engineers.
Marwan Khoury, the Lebanese one man show had his latest album this summer. This singer, composer, lyricist, producer when not writing hits for popular singers, when not creating new music, he is making his own album. Marwan can be found telling his lover to lower her voice in “Watti Sawtik“, a good song where he brags about not being out shouted by his lover’s loud voice. In “Al hoodood” “Mish Khayekf Ala Lebanon” two intimate accounts of what it’s to be a Lebanese in light of the frustrating political landscape, this is where Marwan showcases his wisdom and affection to his beloved country. “Mish Kil Min Ghana” Marwan’s gem about exposing half baked lovers and posers to the game of love. He is telling his lover that not everybody sings a love song has feelings….etc. “Raksah” is when Marwan takes a detour to the Euro Techno style music and shine at least for those who are into this type music. Marwans’ biggest asset is his continued success in elevating the taste of the Arab listeners by finding new ways to describe one’s emoptional status. “Fakrit Niseet” brings back Mawran 2005 back, where he was in top of the game, I do like the passion and the stories this song flaunts. “Definitely good album for Marwan, better than the last one, but no “Qasar Alshouq”
Abdell Fattah El Gerini, the Moroccan singer who has the best hair an Arab singer can get a way with. “3 Kalmat” is the new album from this funky young star that only has three albums under his belt. “3 Kalmat” is a wonderful song and he has done similar songs int he past, but his music keep it fresh. He might be the first Arab singer to sing about painkillers. “Ya Bakhit El noom” is a sweet song and I think is a new territory for Abdell Fattah where he gets to show off some of his voice chops. He gets to tell his special one that he envies sleep as he takes her away from him where she spends more time a sleep that with him. Maybe a bit creepy, but the song itself is nice. “Hob Gareeb” is where the singer is as his sweetest moment talking to girlfriend about their strange love tale. I happened to like the music of “Seebak Enta“, it brings rather a great energy and simple lyrics….tells her to forget what people have to say. Abdell Fattah El Gerini continues to shine and I am sure his fans are pleased with him, I am not sure if his music producers share that. Abdell Fattah El Gerini gets concerts and I think he did some ads where his signature hair comes in handy to make him stand out in a crowded Arabic music scene. I give him credit for not trying to get into the tasteless dancing naked women,his music videos are always about one person.
Eslam, in this age countless young Egyptian stars come and go, this young Egyptian singer that gets little media attention, but might be the hottest thing with college freshmen. He clearly sings for women as his voice is weak, his music is mediocre, but the dude looks like a million dollar. “Bahlam Ma’ak“, the title song that has better music video that words does not stand out. “Habethha” Eslam declares his love and falling in his lovers bait…ok. “Law Fat” growing old but never forgetting your first love is a noble thought if you are in high school. “Zay Ma Kan Fi Baly‘ I like the music, and the tone of Eslam where he brings the best in him, telling us that he has finally found the love that for long he has had in his imagination. His beau makes his love real and makes him a better person. “Nesseny Leh” karaoke perfect song to complain about being neglected by your loved one, not a new theme, but Arabs romantics like to cry on the spilled milk. “We De Feha Eih” a song that Eslam might have banked on to make it as a hit, I do not happen to agree. I do not see anything new about Eslam, there are at least five comparable Egyptian stars that rely on good looks and appeal to younger females. Mark my word, Eslam will probably star in a romance or comedy movie in the near future.
Black Theama, a boy band in America is an old idea, but when this man band is Egyptian, I am interested. The All boy bank Black Theama is back with their third album, and I was dazzled. They just do not sing much about love the same way everybody is doing nowadays. “Bahar” a song for the love of home and the good people one has in his/her life. A tribute song that will sure reminds you of Egypt and the fascinating beaches. The band members all sing and that’s a treat as every member add a new pleasant note of the song. If you like original music, creative lyrics, then you ought to give them a listen. “Zahma El Metro” you know the missed connections with that exotic looking person you saw on the metro. “Konna Seghar” about being a child looking to grow up and the role friends have in one’s life. “Eflet Zemam” a song the voices of the singers save the song as the music is supporting them not the other way around. “Aalo Aal Hob” if you had any doubt this band is confident, this song erases that doubt. Coming to the defense of old fashioned love where lovers are considered gullible. “Ensan” is all about the imperfection of the human and the complexity of the individuals in this modern era. Singing for an imperfect sheik, cowardly knights devils disguised as humans, if you want some wisdom this song will give you a dose. The great thing about this band is that they explore new themes very few mainstream singers pay attention to is refreshing. This is the kind of music you will hear outside big cities where you can afford to kick back and reflect. I bet anything if Egypt wanted a band to speak for them outside, Black Theama would be the best ambassador. Folksy, hip and smart that sums Black Theama, they are from the people, hear their stories and express them in a original voice, the equivalent of country music here.
Suma, the Egyptian singer turned actress released her summer album, to her credit no one expected it to be any good, until it was the best female album this summer season. “Da Habibi” is the title song and the one Suma choose to make into a music video (do yuo see Miley Cyrus resemblance?), it was a good choice to re-introduce Suma to a larger audience. There is the an uplifting suicidal-like tone, but the music props the lyrics to make an exciting song better. “Suma went out for this album and incorporated Euro (Ana Law Ba’ol), Karaoke, pop, and good old school Arabic tunes (Allah Ya Sidi). “Ana Law Ba’ol” “La’eeet Maak” remind me why Arab women make great lovers, they always stand by you, just do not be a jerk about it. I like the lyrics of this song plenty. Suma gets to hit all the notes without hiding behind the music. “Allah Ya Sidi” this song seems like coming from the deep history of the golden age, it’s duet where Suma steps it up a notch and showing a side of her voice that was hidden till this song. There is good Eastern instruments in this song, but do not worry it’s upbeat. If you like older Arabic duets, this song is for you. I love a great album from a female artist who refuses to be defined by others, she moves from one theme into another and the fan has a lot to celebrate. For me “Etkhadaat Feek” is where Suma feels comfortable and gives us a gem where she has been wronged and she sings for moving on without chickening out. She takes her so called lover to task and she smacks his face without lifting a finger. If this person who did her wrong does not tear up by the end of this song, he/she is dead from the inside. Not a boring album and Suma should be rewarded for her hard work to put Egyptian female singers back on the map. I know Suma has a fan in me and hope other Arab listeners can agree with me.
Asala, the Syrian Diva (now citizen of Bahrain) is sick of singing in non Gulf dialect so she has released her second all gulf dialect album. Asalah is a legend and she defiantly has nothing to prove, she has done it all and sang in all Arab dialects and doing so well too. “Qanoon Kefak” is the title song and you see a powerful woman who refuses to cave in every time. “Bas De’keke” is features new musical style, think Pink Panther theme music blended with Gulf tones. you know when you have an all Gulf album that you will be receiving a lot of poetry and wisdom. “Ella Mita” is my favorite song in the album, I like the theme and I am pleased with Asalah’s voice in this song, I do appreciate the wisdom of it too. “Sam O ‘Asal“, translated into “honey or poison” where Asalah asks her loved one for advise on what to do with his love. This song is very close to the classical Fus’ha Arabic language. “Shakhs Yotaham“, a person to accuse sounds like a innovative title. Asalah is once again commiserating with her heart telling it to toughen up because there is still hope that someone will come along and care for that poor little heart. Asalah and her team did to the Gulf music a favor by blending new themes into this largely musically poor genre. I think Asalah should make more songs that way, maybe people start actually listening to those powerful words poets in that part of the Arab world come up with. I know many critics shun the all Gulf albums, I can see their frustration, but it’s a great business decision that adds to this traditional form where Asalah’s high pitch voice is well served. If you are on a quest to find new lyrics and mature themes this album is for you, if you want something catchy and danceable, skip this album
Mai Slim, the Jordanian (maybe actually Palestinian) is the biggest star of this summer in the Arab world. Mai stared in the Dealer, Egyptian movie along aside Ahmad Saqqa and she has ruled the summer. Her album “Leena Kalam Badeen” was released early July By Rotana and as a singer that has yet to define her, the album played well and she had headlined a number of concerts in Egypt. She is also busy filming Ramadan TV shows. I like the cover art for Mai’s album, it shows a pop star that she is. “Ewe’edni” is one song that we have heard before, an Arab singer tells her lover to be in true love with her and be just for her. “Farhet Omry” was the song that appeared in the movie the Dealer and I must say to Mai, good choice on describing the feelings and thought of a bride as she walks into a new life during her wedding night. Wow, Mai is a first rate lover and this song that no other Arab singer has tackled. Then came Mai and there was a hit with fresh lyrics. “Meen Elly Qallak“,”Kalam Ketir” Arabs love juicy gossips about couples, just like those Hollywood paparazzi. Mai delivers a song about the very subject as now people talk about her since she saw her with her lover to be and then there are trash talking to separate them. “Kont Mashya” is a quite song where Mai lets her emotions out and puts the listener at ease with the tale she tells of running into her old loved one in their first year anniversary of being apart. “Leena Kalam Ba’dain“, Arab guys just like all guys we get scared when the girl tell us “We have to talk about it later” Mai Saleem does it with this song by the guy does not freak out becasue she tells him they have to catch up on stories and longing. “Leena Kalam Ba’dain” proves to be a catchy song, along with “Saktalou” they make the coolest songs and perhaps best beat as you can dance or do something physical. Mai gets spiritual on us with “Sam’aa” where she overhears him praying for them to be together. Mai says Amen to that of course. It’s as good of a time as anytime to say that Mai gets better with every new album, she seems to be on the right track to establishing herself as a household name without having to show too much skin or pick a fight with Haifa.
Tamer Hosny, there was a time when Tamer Hosny was the coolest thing in Arabia; there was a time when Tamer was making great music; there was a time when Tamer Hosny thought he had to make hard to earn your fascination. Unfortunately this time has long passed. To be honest, Tamer is still the hardest working Arab musicians, it seems he is capable of releasing a new song every three days, staring in a new movie a month, and selling you cool stuff. He still can do that, but It was a letdown with his latest album “Ekhtarit Sa’H” in which he proclaims to have made the right choice. A new album with 14 tracks will sell as he is one marketing machine and his young fans would do anything he asks of them. Let’s talk about his album “Sweet Melody” or Ya Salam, the world does not need another Trashy song that has no soul. Auto Tune is not cool anymore and Tamer is late to the party…so feel free to dismiss this song. “Aflet Alby” the new emo song by Tamer where love is not worth it and he is giving up. He even does not want to open his eyes to avoid seeing other than his girl. “Ain Shams” perhaps a cool song if you are stalker, Tamer stalking college girls in Egypt where he left his car and kept following her around. The music of this song and the rhythm are not bad. “Bets’aab Alya Nafsy” Tamer is feeling bad for himself for all the trouble he had to go through for love. This is the kind of song you know Tamer is really good at it…he is a master of this style romance and the trouble of being in love and having a to deal with a broke heart. “Ekhtarit Sa’H” Spanish guitar wins, Tamer does a song that he has done better in the past. What kind of girls does Tamer fall in love with? They must be brutal…he cannot seem to learn his lesson. “Kam Wahad Fina” the song Tamer marketed by asking his fans not to play near their loved ones since the song is about “What ifs?” and settling for second best because our first choice was not something we can make work out. A new subject that Tamer has not sang for in the past so he brings out to his credit this is a decent song. “Seh’it ‘Ala Sotha” Tamer here is trying to mimic Amr Diab style and it turn out an OK song, but nothing special. Tamer has a way of making girls feel special, I am not sure that translates well with older women who can look beyond the looks and cool factors. But that’s why many young Arab men love him since he expresses a lot of the thoughts that crosses their minds and since they like to play his music on their phones in the hopes their female peers will notice them. Sorry Tamer, I could not find one worthy song in the entire album, no hits, but no flops either. “Yana Ya Ma Feesh” I compere Tamer of this album to Justin Timberlake, if you like him then anything he does is good enough. There is one catch song in Tamer’s album the one song might not forgive a weak album. It was the promo song for his summer flick.
Hany Shaker, I love a hard working man, what I love even more a man who has been working hard on his craft for 40 years. the prince of Arabic music had his album out for now a month, it’s all about romance, love , missed connections, and heartbreak. Those are the same things he has been singing for 40 years and he still not done. I love his latest album. “Baadak Maleesh“, “Ahla El Ziykryat“, “El Ekhlas“, “Alemny Asbab El Farah” “Hkyat El Donia” are only good songs with words that actually make sense, although mostly dark songs where the lover ends up losing what he values the most. “Sa’ab Gedan”, the very special song Hany wrote for his daughter who is currently in hospital in the States for medical attention. Hany, what is your secret, have you discovered the fountain of youth?
Rashidi, a new singer from the land of Pharaohs, I never saw this guy coming, nor I know anything about him, but I sure like his style and the energy he brings into the Arabic music scene. Try, “Leek Talabat” if you want to remember the funny things your loved ones used to ask you to do for him/her. Feeling down “Hasheel Alby” will cure your broken heart and gets you moving on in no time. “Mish Zay had“, you know the first days in your new relationship and you are giddy and stomach sick when you are away from the one you love. Rashidi soars in this album and I am glad to have listened to it and enjoying it to the last minute. Rashidi has the charm, the looks and the charisma than many new stars need to learn–he has is all naturally. Rashidi will be embraced by the contrarians as he is not a huge star, but he is on his way and this album brings him closer
Natasha, Nancy Ajram is so last decade, I introduce the next big thing, Natasha is only 16 years old, but has a funky already to her name. I first heard her single and waiting for the album. She is from Lebanon, she got the energizer bunny going for her, Doubts? Sure Listen to “Ana Zay Zykom” and you will know she is the girl that all men cannot say no to. She can do that with her style and grace, she just seems like the nice girl that knows how to make you like her. I am impressed with her team who got her an album in under 6 months. I can see a bright future for this young singer, she has all the right stuff and has already a serious song in her resume (it took Nancy Ajram 5 years to come up with on) “Ba’ad Bakeer” another song from her album has its music video out now, see good Natasha is, and how innocent she is. The musicians and the composers worked with her really and truly believe in her talent.
