Track Listing

1. Ya Kelbi (Oh! My Heart)
2. Ghir Enta (I Only Love You)
3. Ech Edani (I Shouldn't Have Fallen in Love With You)
4. Yemma (Mummy, I Lie to You)
5. Yawlidi (My Little Boy)
6. Le Bien et le Mal (Good and Evil)
7. Houria (Freedom)
8. Deb (Heart Broken)
9. Moudja (The Wave)
10. Passe le Temps (As Time Goes By)
11. Theghri (I Send an S.O.S.)
12. Bel el Madhi (The Gate of the Past)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #73450 in Music
• Released on: 2004-06-29
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
The Algeria-born Massi is sometimes referred to as the "Arabic Tracey Chapman"--but given her espousal of social and political issues, comparisons to dauntless advocates like Joan Baez, and especially, Israel's Chava Alberstein are far more apt. For her second album, the gently courageous singer applies her cool, sweet, preternaturally flexible voice and folk-influenced guitar to tales about love, parental concerns, and the universal longing for personal freedom. That she has made a serious study of the intricate, sensual Arab-Andalusian tradition is plainly audible in her compositions and arrangements, but sounds from the Indian subcontinent, French chanson, and American soft jazz have also seeped in. She is outspoken without rancor, passionate without disorder, and poetic without sentimentality--a beautiful woman with an aura of grace, intellect, and empathy, a modest yet arresting presence. In an age of loud-mouthed self-interest and garish overkill, she glows quietly, like a perfect pearl. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

fantastic
Heard Bel El Madhi (The Gate Of The Past) on Link.TV and was intrigued by the wonderful melody. Bought the CD. Loved it. Bought the other three that have been issued by this great Algerian group. Even bought some more to give to friends. THis lady has an absolutely wonderful, clear, crisp and sultry voice.

More people need Souad Massi
Ghir Enta alone is worth your money, but this whole album is utterly fantasitc. Some songs are catchy, some are soothing, but they all share her fantastic voice and instrument playing. I'm not even a huge fan of world music. I'm more of a metal and electronic person, but the first time I heard Souad Massi I was hooked. You will be too.

beautiful
I heard this reviewed on NPR and immediately knew I wanted it. Even though I don't know what she's singing about most of the time, her passion is universal.

This is great music to do it to.