Various Artists - Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms

When Sting collaborated with Cheb Mami on the Brand New Day track "Desert Rose," he created a surprising demand for Arabic crossover pop. This collection provides a suitable next stop for those whose taste was whetted by that collaboration. Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas opens the album with "Mon Amie la Rose," a maudlin little French tune she twists through her wringer until it is utterly transformed. "Desert Rose" turns up as a frisky remix by Victor Calderone, while Rachid Taha and the trance choir, B'Net Marrakech, appear in the compelling, orchestrated "Qalantica." Mami is heard on his own on one tune, but is eclipsed by the gut-shredding Khaled, the undisputed king of Algerian rai. The harder-edged electronic outings are standouts, while the tracks that are the Arabic equivalent of adolescent pop don't hold up nearly as well. This compilation, however, mostly eschews the dross in favor of tunes that go the distance. --Christina Roden Amazon.com

Mix down the vocals, and maybe

I loved Arabesque and Arabian Travels, but this is not trance. This is more like Arabian pop music. The vocals are irritating to me. Sting even shows up on one track. If you are looking for world trance, or something to chill out or relax to, forget this one. June 3, 2007

Kind of disappointing

I love world music and Putumayo CDs.
I also loved that Desert Rose song and the amazing voice of Cheb Mami with Sting.
I bought this CD expecting a sexy "One Thousand and One Nights" music style, or a good fusion of traditional and modern sounds, but instead, what I got was a KITSCH POP version of arabic songs.
Some of the songs are just bad taste, you just want to forward them as quickly as possible.
I should have guessed just by the look of the cover. It reflects the music as well. The painting might be nice, but the mix with the modern computer added photo image and the strange balls of roses just don't work well together. The same goes for the songs.
I don't recommend it, unless you're looking for cheesy disposable pop.



February 2, 2007

Mediocre Middle Eastern collection

This compilation of Arabic pop hits around the same time as Sting&Cheb Mami's "Desert Rose" hit and Putumayo's "Arabic Groove" album,not surprisingly.It's disappointing,since it focuses more on westernized Arabic hits than genuinely Arabic ones.For its surprising blandness,there are highlights-
1)A remix of Cheb Mami&Sting's hit song "Desert Rose." It's very danceable,and in sync with the spirit of the original.Cheb Mami and Sting had one of those rare great celebrity duets.They powerfully melded their styles,making something wonderful.
2)Khaled is always great.His songs are never a disappointment--no wonder he's called the King of Rai.
3)Amina's "Dis Moi Pourquoi" is an excellent dancefloor song.It was a hit in France,and musically,it works.It's French chanson meeting Tunisian pop.
4)Speaking of French chanson,Natacha Atlas radically re-imagines Edith Piaf's "Mon amie la rose",transforming it from a Gallic weepie into a sensual Arabic serenade.
5)Hakim,who is considered a prince of rai,has a great song.
6)Cheb Mami's "Hay wadi hay galbi" is amazing.While Khaled is almost Arabic R&B,and Hakim is a Middle Eastern boy band sort,this song shows off Cheb Mami's musical gymnastics.It's quite stunning.After hearing this,I got his "Saida" album.

Instead of getting this,I reccomend Putumayo's "Sahara Lounge" (its best Middle Eastern compilation)and "Arabic Groove." "Desert Roses" has a half-dozen hits,the rest are forgettable.If you like Middle Eastern music,explore Putumayo's compilations instead. December 21, 2006

Awesome CD

I just bought this CD along with a bunch of other and I absolutely love it. It's great for belly dancing too as well as just listening to while you're doing housework. July 23, 2005

Excellent Foray to Rye Music

This album is a splendid way to get into Rye music. Sting's hit single performance with Cheb Mami sparks interest, and the rest of the more obscure (in America, that is) tracks are all beautiful. Fun gift for somebody who is learning French (Maghreb music is often sung in French,) or just seeking out some more exotic music. Also, fabulously sultry dancing music! December 16, 2004

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