Listen: Hot Single Assala - Ma Tghiar Shi2 / أصاله - ما تغير شيء

She went to Qatar for this song, a live performance of a never heard song by the Syrian diva cum political activist and TV hostess. She fears no-one and she she knows her way around a live orchestra in a multi-million dollar concert hall.

The stars in attendance are many, but I saw Amal Maher sitting next to Angham chatting as they sat in the audience enjoying the music of Assala. Note, those older men who hog the best seat in the house.  This is an epic poem turned into a classy song by the lady with grace.

I love the music, it's so well-composed and actually does something new by reaching back in time when such music was the only way Arabs knew. It's a triumph for the many of us who like live songs with original content. Those are nearly impossible to make today. It makes one happy and wishes he has more time to listen to this track over and over.

It looks like the night was something to remember  you do not get to see songs like this being made, recorded and made live. This would be the closest thing to us at touching the time when Om Kalthoum took the stage. Prince Badr Bin Abel Mohsen wrote those delicate words, and the music is that of Saleh El Harshy. Whoever really did it, she get a big thank you.

Assala - Ma Tghiar Shi2 / أصاله - ما تغير شيء

Listen: Yuri Mrkadai's Best Song In A Decade

I danced, I cheered and I got in the zone when I heard this song first. But this song keeps getting better the more I listen to it. Yuri is not 20 years old anymore and he does not care to make average pop songs that no one remembers. He makes contemporary classics rooted in poetry but also offering upbeat music.

He makes no secrets about his love and admiration for Arab women, always has. But his comeback singles more exciting lyrics and really impressive mixing. The way he reads poetry, sings then slows down to read more poetry only to go back into the singing mode perfect the song.

Mrkadai's songs are meant for gentlemen who want to get closer to women in the classic fashion. It's not a shame to be outsmarted by them--the song is about a fighter who has never lost a a battle until he has met her. She handed him his first defeat and he was proud of this defeat.

Yuri mrakadi - Ana Elmowaka3 Adnah يورى مرقدى - أنا الموقع أدناه

Listen: Abdel Majeed Abdallah New Single مجنون صاحي عبدالمجيد عبدالله

Saudi Singer Abdel Majeed Abdallah is not the one to talk about himself to the masses. He is a shy artist and a Saudi which makes him bad at talking about himself. But the man makes good music and his fans and the industry knows this.

I wish he was a bit more engaged by releasing more songs, but it seems singles from him come once a year and land as a surprise. He has a fresh songs out there and the music is so beautiful as it is authentic. Enjoy this single and its distinctly classical Arabic with poetic justice.

مجنون صاحي عبدالمجيد عبدالله


اغنية عبدالمجيد عبدالله - مجنون صاحى | النسخة الاصلية

Iraqi Folklore (فولكلور عراقي ) Gets Serious With Shatha Hassoun

We always seek advise from older people, thus making assumptions that they must know better. It makes us feel better when recount our trouble to someone who at least looks wiser. Many folklore songs do just that, a singer tells what's troubling him to a mother, an uncle, a grandpa, but almost never a father notice.

Checkout Shatha Hassoun a young women from Iraq/Morocco performs an old Iraqi song in one of his concerts. Her vocals are the only thing that matter, but also her stage presence is the one most people would not miss. She sounds very mature as this sobering song requires a certain level of zen and calm to do it justice.

I love those intimate concert formats, but the number of the backup singers tells me this is a serious performance. I love the live orchestra with men wearing their traditional dresses. There' no playback and lip syncing here.
Shatha Hassoun فولكلور عراقي - شذى حسون - ياعمه

Listen: Angham 2013 And Many Single أنغام | لا تسرق الوقت من غيري (جديد)

Something strange has been taking places, Egyptian pop diva Angham released her fourth single in the month of February  She has been missing for few months, and when she wants to give us something new, she gives four awesome songs in more one Arabic tongue. She is noe the only one to do this this month, Assala has also done the same, releasing at least three singles this month.

I do not know what to make of it. It's like if they both took a break for two years and all of sudden decided to step up their efforts and release a number of songs that appeal to different fans. Both Angham and Assalah released romantic songs, and also songs in Gulf poetry....

The good news, those songs are all goof and I say, enjoy them while they last.
اغنية انغام - لا تسرق الوقت | جديد 2013

Listen: Asalah Blazing New Single اغنية اصالة - تصدق | جديد 2013

What cannot Syrian supernova Asala do? I really would like to know that....she is a top family woman, a mother of four children, a very good daughter! A loving wife, and by the way a platinum record and hit maker. And if that's not enough, she also has a top rated TV show where she hosts celebrities and singers to talk and sing at her home...

She has a new single out, a poetic one recorded in the Khaliji dialect, yet accessible to most Arabs who like good music. Asala is like an endless candle burning so that those around her can enjoy a little bit of light. I am a sucker form such songs...few non Gulf stars can draw me to listen their Gulf songs, Asalah is one of those voices....

She has created a modern day gem...I do not know how she is able to portray such fined emotions, she is awesome like that....she has always stood tall and never came across as a jaded soul. This "Tisadik" song has been playing on various radio stations around the Gulf, and folks have been asking for more. The song's message, life changes, one day you are up, another day you are down.....unlock your heart.

اغنية اصالة - تصدق | جديد 2013

Amal Maher Of Egypt Sings With Mohamed Abdu Of Saudi تفاصيل الجمال دويتو محمدعبده و امال ماهر

Legendary Saudi Singer Mohammad Abdu is out with anew duet where Egyptian diva Amal Maher is the vocal guest. The duo seem to be the best of friends  as they have sang before live and on records. Amal Maher is the jewel of Egyptian vocal strength and graceful style.

She meets the historic and prolific Saudi vocalist who might as well be the honorary king of the entire Gulf region. Together, the performed one hell of a song about beauty and those who are in its presence. Abdu remains one of the most active singers who branches out with this song to the bigger Arab market. Amal is a worthy entertainer to stand in his shadow....

She hold her ground and make one of the finest guests, no doubt she is a diva with a global name recognition  . This feels like a song made for a special occasion, like the wedding of Mohammad Abdu's little girl...hence comes the names. The song is written for a princess and having Amal Maher add her voice to the track make sure more people listen to it.

The song has well wishes to the couple, I cannot see the details on this song and the occasion, but it's a common practice for royal Saudi to celebrate happy occasion with poems that are turned into songs. The personal nature of this song. Though the name Noora canbe heard throughout the song, the name of Mohamed Abdu's older daughter whom he has written songs about in the past.

تفاصيل الجمال دويتو محمدعبده و امال ماهر 2013

The Incredible Old School Throwback By Shayma Helaly شيما هلالي - إمتى نسيتك

Whoever suggested that the Tarab song is dead poke too soon. Tarab songs are the old sounding real songs with minimal computer affects, real instruments, slow moving melody, strong vocal showing "forte", and the magical overall feel.

That formula has been working for generations, but it seems to have been lost due to the overcrowded pop music scene. But an unlikely star is bringing it back with a new style of her own. Tunisian Shayma Helaly who had a good run in 2007 and 2008 is making her much needed comeback noticed with her new romantic ballad. One of things about Shayma is her obsession with the golden era songs since she was a little girl.

I am encouraged to hear and watch the song, because most stars are now banking on doing Gulf songs instead of trying for the real deal. This is a like giving CPR to this old style that has been buried for at least two years. Shayma came a long way from her days at the Star Academy show, her delicate persona and strong voice offer the perfect formula for a warm and soul- friendly sweet performance.

"Emta Nseitak" turns little boys into men and teaches woman all about the emotional complexity of that thing we call love. The music video was filmed in Lebanon, and Shayma wear five different outfits in the duration of the music video. While no one can miss the artist's good and stylish look, her voice stole the show in this golden performance.

Note the special and visual affects the music video director Fadi Haddad puts to a good use. The lyrics are the work of the A lister, Mohammad El Refaei and Ameer Mahrous and We are hoping for her comeback album, due this year.

Respect Shayma Helaly! This lady can rock!

Shayma Helaly - Emta Nseitak / شيما هلالي - إمتى نسيتك

Listen: #Egypt Is A Women By Amal Maher امال ماهر - انا بنت من البنات

Amal Maher has released her second single in a row for Egypt. She is a proud lady whose success was only possible in Egypt with all its rich history in music. This time though, Amal Maher declares her love to Egypt as a women, among many.

This is the kind of song grownups will appreciate. Egyptian women are often overlooked in many fields, but they are as patriotic as any of the boys. They go to school, they lean despite many unique obstacles, and they also excel. Amal Maher is nothing short of passionate in this song, the often romantic and heart broken songstress has finally found something that gets her in the mad as hell zone.

The song is about celebrating the achievements of the women of Egypt, they get all their positive attributes form the land and from its story. I need not to declare my love to you Egypt, because I was born one of you. It's about raising up to the challenge and making something good. The song starts with Amal Maher reading the lyrics of the song, then speeding thing up.

I am one of the girls, goes the song. A very timely song to help the women, young ladies, girls and older ones who are living in troubling times. I have grew up to become a school principal, a minister, a judge and an ambassador.

Amal Maher - Ana Bent Mn El Banat | امال ماهر - انا بنت من البنات


أنا بنت من البنات

Marwan Abado Rocking The Palestinians Music Scene From Austria

If you call Palestinians composer/singer Marwan Abado Mr. Alternative music and Mr. Independent scene, he will be a happy man. Based in Austria, a world class lute player who is beloved by his countrymen and those who appreciate originality around the world. He sings poems and changes hearts with every stroke on his instrument of choice.   

He left the Palestine refugee camp on Beirut at age 18, he joined his older brother in Austria. In Beirut he heard his grandfather singing old Arabic songs, and he was drawn to the music boy scouts play at every turn.   He has become philosophical about his music and his appear to those who do not speak Arabic. Aside from his bleeding Palestinians heart, he is a musician with a message. He writes most of his music after midnight when people go to rest, he goes to work on his art. 

Here's a kicker, he has co-authored a book about Palestinian seasonal cooking. I do appreciate his stand on performing on Palestine he urges all those who can travel to Palestine and perform to do so as a token of support. His style has always been more fitting for slow music, but slow can be fast. Marwan continues to tour Europe performing on its concert halls reaffirming his believe in a better tomorrow. 

مروان عبادو - القمر كنو 

LISTEN: حسين الجسمي و راشد الماجد - اسأل مجرب جديد Khaliji Duet

Some artists do not sing for the love of money, they sing because it's they only way they know. Most seasoned and celebrated stars in the Gulf are affluent  they do not sing out of hunger for materialistic goods.  Instead they sing out of hunger for fame and higher stature.

The new duet from the two richest stars in the Gulf-Khalij region does just that. A song that made for the fun of it. Hussein Al Jassmi, the pride of the UAE and Rashid Al Majid, the pride of Saudi Arabia meet once again. Those are the biggest names who are still working.  The song is an original poem written by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoom, from the prominent family that has been ruling Dubai. Fazza'a also contributed to the writing.

The music is the work of Fayez Al Said,  this is a new single from those two fixtures of Khaliji pop song. Hussein has been releasing many singles, and no word on his upcoming album. Rashid has released his album just few days ago. I know people of the Gulf love nothing more to see their favorite stars collaborate. I have to give credit to Fayiz Al Said who seems to bring more stars together than any production company cares for.

This is a romantic song from two lovers having a long due talk, about one being selfish and the other feels to be taken for granted. I like to hear both artists voices, they are grown men who wear their emotions on their sleeves. They have shown once for all, they are worthy of each title they have been granted. I love poetry, just like every Arab...we like imagery and dazzling tales. I like the collective wisdom the song parades.

 حسين الجسمي و راشد الماجد - اسأل مجرب 2012 جديد

Amr Katamesh Is Not Sorry اغنية انا مش اسف غناء عمرو قطامش و علي الألف

Oddball poet Amr Katamesh  is back from his slow season and this time he wants us to know he is serious about being funny. It's hard to deliver a serious topic when you are half joking in slang. This is the twitter poet who put together this song with so many crass references. The activist Wael Amr composed this one, Amr wrote the lyrics and his buddy performed them next to him.

The talented Arabs Got Talent bring s lute and a political brain to his new music video, it's a little sad and dramatic about today's Egypt and politics. I really love the backup chorus. While Amr is not singer, he brings a guy with a sweet voice, Ali Al Alfy. Their collaboration is called "I'm Not Sorry", they are asking people to scream louder and make their voices heard.

I love how those entertainers get paid big bucks and pose as heroes  They never die--I do not want them to, but they charge the other people to go die. This is irresponsible, words have meaning. This is not bold, this is a farce, on TV, they stand as heroes and in real life they are spending their time playing video games. The well-meaning people with bleeding hears die and the ones who want to live are making music about dying and sacrificing.

Do I like this song, yes! Do I take it seriously nope.

 ana mosh asef - اغنية انا مش اسف غناء عمرو قطامش و علي الألف

DOWNLOAD: Rashed Al Majid "Mosiba راشد الماجد "مصيبه"

Saudi hit-maker Rashed Al Majid records in secret in large part to avoid the too many composers and poets who want to give him their finest works. In that department he has too many choices, and he seems to only record the cream of the crop.

His new album comes in January 2013, the and release of his album which he has titled "Disaster", or perhaps "Catastrophe" soars high with 15 golden tracks. Mark my word, this album will sell like those hot Eid cookies. He will conquer the music charts and stay there until he has had enough. 

This is a different album that comes in different shades. It will give you the soul scratching romance, the poetic lyrics that have rich meaning, the happy and upbeat dance melodies, and life wise lessons that Rashed shares with his listeners. Rashed has been a household name in Arabic music for 15 years or so. But in the past 7 of those he has focused solely on the local music from the Gulf region. And just like he made a name for himself outside that region, he brings us all to this region.

He has been dubbed as the golden boy, the voice that has the golden touch whose audience include kings, emirs and people of power. This is not so strange since his music is so empowering and liberating at the same time.  

01 - Garebi

02 - Majani El Noom

03 - Tehedoona

04 - Al Baie3

05 - Wailoh

06 - Te7seb Enak

07 - Mosiba

08 - Keln Teghnali

09 - Zawedtha

10 - Tazakareen

11 - Rahat Alai

12 - Halal Fih Eljarh

13 - Ya Qalbi

14 - Mahlah

15 - Yegool Rashed

Rashed Al Majid "2013" RBT Promo 3 | راشد الماجد "2013" نغمات الأنتظار

Rashed Al Majid "Mosiba" Soon | راشد الماجد "مصيبه" قريباً

Listen: اغنية يارا - ياليل | Yara - Ya Leil Assala - Talabtak / اصاله - طلبتك

The listener in the Gulf have to be among the most pampered listeners out there, they get catered to by just everyone in the singing business. They are so generous with those who chose to sing the local songs. Two ladies who are no strangers to the Gulf song, just released two singles in the local Khaliji dialect.

As for the Yara song, it lacks the heart and energy  but I know this is how some like it, a sober song with a strong vocal showing, no drama and no shouting. Yara has been working extra time lately with her Christmas album, her TV appearances, dozens of concerts and weddings she has hit the big leagues and she is not turning back.

Assala, you cannot really ask for more, she is a screamer and it shows anytime she sings, her mighty voice is well known and in this song is well used. Assala is a big ticket, she has been doing great while keeping a watchful eye over her beloved country. She is a diva who packs so much passion and energy. She has not given up and has only gotten better with time.

Those are poetic songs, so the lyrics are often the strong suite, the music might be boring or dated, but when you have a strong voice and sweet lyrics like those we hear here, we are hale way to heaven.

I think the Gulf song will continue to dominate the scene  and by the end of 2013, all our beloved entertainers would be speaking that dialect and we will not find one good song made in other dialects. That's fine, we are all the same people.

Assala - Talabtak / اصاله - طلبتك


اغنية يارا - ياليل | Yara - Ya Leil

Aseel Omran Making Pop Poetry اسيل عمران انا وحبيبي

She is a full blown Saudi with some serious talent, and she is not going to hide that to please some jerks and people who want women to live couple of centuries behind. But this is about pop not about social commentary, here's Aseel new single.

Simply titled "My Lover And I" Aseel returns to singing after dabbling into acting when she played the role of  marathoner. This is Aseel's first single since the release of her 2011 album. I really hate all those piggish comments Saudis make toward Aseel and other entertainers in their country--they would love to see them disappear. But guess what, Aseel has a good head on her shoulder, so she knows what she is doing. She is also a family woman!

Enjoy Aseel's single, and appreciate
اسيل عمران انا وحبيبي

The Song Arafat Loved عبد الله حداد التكتيك العربي

Arafat have always understood the power of music, he is a big fan and he would often go to concerts, support singers and listen to music. He is a man of the people whose life has ended leaving us with many questions.

He likes old school--usually old men who believed in him who were feeling nostalgic about the golden days, about Arab unity and never giving up. The footage were taken in the 80s where you can see top Fateh leaders that were all assassinated around the globe.

Abdallah Haddad is the name of the artist who singer and plays the lute, the poem is about regrets for being a decent person--decent persons finish last. Born in historic Palestine then to Syria were he was made a refuge then to Lebanon where he worked in radio, theater and then writing. He worked in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The bulk of his work is focused on reviving the Palestinian heritage and folklore. He would move to Denmark in 1990 and died there in 1994

There is a funny line in the song where you see the audience cracking up.

 الفنان عبد الله حداد التكتيك العربي YouTube

Rajaa Kassabni And Her Broken Glass Song

It has been many many years since we have heard a good song from the X Factor graduate Rajaa Kassabni, the Moroccan romance butterfly. Rajaa showed a lot of talent in her debut album, and all of her songs on that album were instant hits. She sang about people who change, lost romance, and the way of life.

Through it all she has always sounded dreamy, and hopeful. I like that. Now she is returning with a new single where she sings her blues in the Gulf Dialect. It's a fine art song where classical music meets stunning poetry. It's a dramatic song about the innocent relationship between a man and a woman. The song's title is "Her Broken Glass", as we all known some women are like glass, once broken they can never be brought together again.

The new single has been filmed in Beirut for a the music video, EMI is the producing partner. I am reading this is the first music video where Rajaa looks her age where her older music videos made her look older. She is attractive her and looking her best.

This is a wonderful song, for the first time in some time now, I find a female voice capable of performing complicated songs with ease. It's a breeze and the emotions are perfectly aliened with the sounds Rajaa makes.

To watch the video in the United States, click here , anywhere else, click here or here
رجاء قصابني ‫كاسها المكسور‬‏ اغنية خليجية 2013

Umm Kulthum "Nahj El Borda" Epic Poem / Song

The world of Umm Kulthum seems like a never ending universe  Every time you think you knew the lady and her best songs, you quickly change your mind when you hear the next song that you have forgotten.

This legendary hit making Egyptian diva has managed to enrich the Arabic music library for more than 50 years. She has shaped Egyptian culture, befriended composers, politicians, kings and presidents. She has also waged wars against her rivals.

She is many thing to different people, no two people can agree on what makes the list as her best songs , she has so many of them. Among those songs is a poem for celebrated Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawki, a poem he wrote to honor prophet Muhammad.  Nahj Al Borda is the title of this beloved poem and its refers to another poem that was written in the 12th century to celebrate the prophet. The original poem is considered one of the best poems in honoring the prophet.

It's worth noting, that both poems are well received by the people, the religious folks and the poets. No wonder Umm Kalthoum wanted to bring that poem to life.

 أروع ما غنَّت أم كلثوم ــ قصيدة نهج البردة ــ كاملة

This Generation Poet, Mahmoud Abdullah

Among Egyptian lyricists, one particular young talent, Mahmoud Abdullah. He is new to the scene, met few people around through a friend and then he met Hamid El Shari, a producer who is always scouting new lyrics. He says it's about networking. First a friend introduces him to another and so it goes. I like young talented, they are often hungry for work and fame.

I like his bit about how he writes for singers and composers through Facebook, this is true because. He does also say, it's time consuming. He picks his words and poetry from incidents and situations that happens to him. That does keep his lyrics relevant and not too smart. See his interview
   
عز الشباب - الشاعر : محمود عبد الله

Listen: Rashid Year 2013 Single كل عام - راشد الماجد - 2012

The most serious singer and safest bankable Khaliji singer Rashid Al Majid is out with a new song about the new year. The year he has spent with his new love and he wants to enjoy the time with her. It's a poem and he knocks that one out the park.

I love Rashid and know he can afford to chose the finest songs. He gets a butt load of poets lining up for him to pick their songs--he only chose the ones he feels. To escape all the pressure he keeps his recording sessions a mystery. He can make a new song each week and he he won't run out of money or good songs, yet he chose to give us a new single every tow to three months.

The new song of his is about the new year where it brings a new anniversary of love and romance. The song is never dull, it's passionate and it makes you feel happy and yes, there will be dance there too. Thousands of people have already heard and approves of the song. The poet behind those lyrics is Dr. Mane'h Bin Said Al-Attbah and the music is the work of Ali Kano


كل عام - راشد الماجد - 2012