Raoui

All hail Amazon.com for making this fantastic CD available to the US market! Saoud Massi is a bright young French Algerian singer now living in Montmartre. Her guitar work, her voice, her songs themselves have set her apart on the folk roots, world music scene as an artist to be reckoned with. By comparison, her North American sisters pale as poseurs, be they Alicia Keyes, Idia.Arie or the shrill or self consciously poetic songwhiners. This is a woman with something to say and the sophistication to get it across.Like Rokia Traore and Huong Thanh, she is infused with the wealth and the subtleties of her culture, yet confidant enough to advance its treasures through her own voice. The crack musicianship surrounding her is absolutely perfect on every tune. This is the kind of soul and spirit that Bonnie Raitt summoned early on, and you'll find with Massi that she has that same sense of strength, passion, vulnerability and resolve to be her own woman. Songs are in French, but there is that Middle Eastern smokiness to the vocals, a sensual and ... line to the guitar work, and a rhythmic intensity to the bottom end that makes this music get under you, inside you, possess you. Miles once said he made music for "copulating", in all its sensual and spiritual ramifications, and so is this.Absolutely, purchase this CD. I first heard a tune from this on a sampler from fROOTS magazine, an absolutely essential publication for anyone whose need for genuine music exceeds what is programmed in North America. With one deft release, Saoud Massi has made the sirens of the US record industry totally and categorically irrelevant. This is music that matters. Get it.

It’s a lovely album and by now a classic collection by this singer.

Very interesting phenomenon in Arab music. But... this CD is almost worthless. It you are interested in Massi, BUY the Albom DEB instead. Her work is interesting melange between Arabic and Euopean influences.Most Definetely buy the albom DEB, you WILL enjoy it immensely. Guaranted!If you are interested in modern classical arabic music, considerLebanese singer Fairuz, another terrific experience.For old classical tradition consider Egyptian Oum KhalsumAgain, you have to experience her music, but not through this CD

This is the second album I have heard by the reknown Souad Massi (of Algeria). This was actually her first major release in the United States (2001). "Raoui" ("Storyteller" in Arabic) is a mix of acoustic accompaniment, expressive rock and soulful duets.While "Deb" (her 2004 release), is more of a fusion piece (done masterfully and with great energy), "Raoui" is rooted more in the traditional and haunting sounds of Algeria. We hear the melodious guitar introduction and then Souad's soaring vocals. In some ways, the tone of her voice is comparable to Shakira (without the edge). She sounds like she is trying to choke back the tears and cry out in sweet release. Great examples of her musical interpretation are on the title track, "Noir Et Blanc" ("Black and White" in French--a duet with Ismael Lo), "J'ai pas de temps" ("I Don't Have the Time"/French), and "Lamen" ("Trust" in Arabic).More English speakers should get to know this underrated and underappreciated vocalist from North Africa. This is a great introduction to the world of contemporary Algerian ballads, rock and gorgeous musical arrangements.

This is a reissue of her chart topping first release, with three extra bonus tracks, two of which are pleasent surprises, while the third is an editied version of a previously recorded song.What distinguishes Massi from many other 'World' music artists is her beautiful voice..It is simply heavenly, strong and full of emotions, while the music is truly universal. It is a blend of oriental and folk a la Tracy Chapman,with a touch of rock and reggae.The mood of the CD is mellow, and Massi shows her obvious talent at writing songs that are intimate, and very accessible.Massi like many Algerian artists living in France, sings with a lot of passion for her country,lamenting the war,(Bledi) but also offers the listener very personal songs about her roots,(Raoui) about love,(Hayati) illusions,(Denya and Awham) betrayal (Khsara Alek, Nekrah Alkeb) and longing,(the sweet lullybye (Matibkeech) .The reissue has a duet with the excellent Ismael Lo, recording the brillaint Bernard Lavillier song Noir et Blanc, as well as duet with Marc Lavoine, singing his own song Paris, and adding a lot of spirit to it.In short, you have to BUY this CD if you really like a music that is very original, sensitive, and fresh, and even if you do not understand the words, I am sure Massi's voice will carry each word like music that will touch you every single time.

This is the second album I have heard by the reknown Souad Massi (of Algeria). This was actually her first major release in the United States (2001). "Raoui" ("Storyteller" in Arabic) is a mix of acoustic accompaniment, expressive rock and soulful duets.While "Deb" (her 2004 release), is more of a fusion piece (done masterfully and with great energy), "Raoui" is rooted more in the traditional and haunting sounds of Algeria. We hear the melodious guitar introduction and then Souad's soaring vocals. In some ways, the tone of her voice is comparable to Shakira (without the edge). She sounds like she is trying to choke back the tears and cry out in sweet release. Great examples of her musical interpretation are on the title track, "Noir Et Blanc" ("Black and White" in French--a duet with Ismael Lo), "J'ai pas de temps" ("I Don't Have the Time"/French), and "Lamen" ("Trust" in Arabic).More English speakers should get to know this underrated and underappreciated vocalist from North Africa. This is a great introduction to the world of contemporary Algerian ballads, rock and gorgeous musical arrangements.