Ofra Haza - Shaday

Ofra Haza

This is the more rare side of Ofra Haza that Israelis know. Yes, every one and one of them will tell you that Ofra, upon gaining fame and success abroad, packed her bags and left Israel in a traditional Yemenite dress, ready to take over the music world (that was in 1988). But first and foremost, they know the pop star Ofra Haza, with the Farrah Fawcett hairstyle and the glitzy 80s outfits that crooned pop tunes and israeli folk songs for most of the decade. Ironically, "Im Nin'alu", undoubtedly her biggest hit around the world, is not one of her most popular hits in Israel. This CD, however, stands out among all of her recordings. It is consistent in quality and Ofra's voice is pure, angelic and heavenly as always. I get goosebumps everytime I hear "Im Nin'alu" and "My Aching Heart". The latter is definitely my favorite cut on the album (originally "Hake'ev Haze" (This Pain) from her Israeli 1986 release, "Broken Days"). Don't miss out on this one, Ofra has one voice you don't want to miss! July 15, 2007

Beautiful voice, moving songs, great beats

I first discovered Ofra Haza as a kid while rummaging through my mom's extensive cd collection on a rainy day. I saw "Shaday" and the beautiful, mystical-looking cover and decided to play it and see what it was all about. Boy, am I glad!
Before the first song, Im Nin Alu, was even over, I was captivated. I listened to the cd over and over and over again, enraptured by Ofra's haunting vocals. Her voice is pure beyond belief, full of passion, and goes soaring into great heights with a beautiful trill. Her charming Israeli accent creates a sense of ethnicity and beautiful foreigness.
I am a fan of 80's music, I admit, but Shaday, and all of Ofra's albums, stand out from the pack. Her magnificent voice, which can be compared to none other, combined with Middle-Eastern intruments, tunes, and flair, in addition to the dance beats (such as on Im Nin Alu and Galbi) create a unique sound that has aged well. I have looked, and to my dismay, have found no other artist that sounds quite like Ofra Haza. Even though she is no longer with us, her music, spirituality, and stance for peace will carry on. April 24, 2006

voice of an angel....

Ofra Haza was someone I had only heard of, after her death (due to AIDS related illness) in 2000. After reading much about her life, her beliefs and her talent, "Shaday" really peaked my curiousity. I hadn't been exposed to Yemenite music (from Israel) in the past, and had only heard the samples on Amazon, but that was enough to motivate me and buy the album. This is something I am very glad I did.

"Shaday" features "Im Nin' Alu," a beautiful and catchy song that caught the ears of many worldwide. Though, the arrangements are distinctly from the 1980s (the arrangement and synthesized accompaniment), it still remains a stellar example of Haza's vocal ability and her expression as an artist. Haza's voice is best described as soaring, clear and just gorgeous. You need to hear the samples, for yourself, to really get a picture of this woman and her talent. Another exceptional song is "Love Song," which is acapella and a traditional song, and is achingly beautiful and full of longing. Though, she sings in her traditional dialect, she also mixes in English, and blends Middle Eastern accompaniment, with more Western elements. This is a fusion and blend of two cultures coming together as one. The lyrics are full of meaning and thought, and are really best described as poetry set to song.

It is tragic that such a beautiful artist had to die at such a young age, but at least her memory lives on in her song. We are fortunate to have that...... October 6, 2005

Ofra Forever!

I bought this CD because I liked the cover, I had never heard of Ofra. After listening to it I had to buy more recordings from her. It's a shame she is no longer with us. But her music will live forever. Ofra R.I.P June 28, 2005

Pure Love

Isn't it remarkable how a people subjected to so much hate-the Children of Israel-can come up with something that is pure love

Only the People of Israel could do this. Shaday brings out the fantastic Middle East flavour , mainly with lyrics in English , and in a way that all lovers of good music can appreciate. This is real bliss and a real classic , that all lovers of good music should have in their collection.

It shows such humanity and beauty. February 6, 2005

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