Aline Khalaf - Sodfa

Though her voice may not turn heads, when it comes to Aline Khalaf, you can always count on there being an extremely catchy single. La Li Leih, Az Alaya, Law Andak Kalam, Ba'dak Aal Bal, and her latest Farhet Ainayeh stick whether you like it or not. Bardo Sodfa, the story of lover who stalks her, is no exception thanks to Mohamed Yehia and Medhat Khamis. It is followed up by Menni Lik, another catchy maksoum song, and Kelma Fi Albi, an R&B-style song composed and arranged by Khaled Ez. Rah El Wafa (Mish Inta), a Tarek Abou Jaoudeh-Hadi Sharara collaboration, is in the duo's signature style and easily the best ballad on the album. Another ballad worth mentioning is Addet Sana, and Khaled Ez does a great job incorporating swooping strings and ney into the song. Gani We Alli is another infectiously catchy song by Mohamed Yehia, albeit in the upbeat oriental style that suits Aline best. From beginning to end, Aline's 2005 album is thoroughly enjoyable, and even the less interesting songs, like Eyounak Shaghleh, are still good and listenable.

Track List:

1. Bardo Sodfa
2. Menni Lik
3. Kelma Fi Albi
4. Ta'raf Tebtesem
5. Rah El Wafa (Mish Inta)
6. Gani We Alli
7. Ezay Ansak
8. Eyounak Shaghleh
9. Addet Sana
10. Adda Alaya
Download

Hind - Hind 2008

When asked about her talent, the great Mayada El Hennawi called Hind "one of today's greatest, most beautiful voices," and for good reason. The young Bahraini singer's soulful approach to everything from traditional Saudi and Emirati songs to pop and ballads, is a refreshing change in a genre where young singers tend to stick to simple, non-challenging songs. The album has an impressive list of musicians, with Dr. Abdelrab Idriss, Nicolas Saade Nakhle, Michel Fadel, Tarek Aakef, Nizar Abdallah, İsmail Tunçbilek (on bouzouk), and Ali Bin Mohamed (who duets with her on the "Khaliji blues"-style Yeji Mennak). The album is very diverse, for example Thebahni El Shoug employs an Iraqi beat, while Teshteki has delightfully classic approach, and the Lebanese hit Maw'ed Omur brings in electric guitars and bongos. So even if you don't like one song, you will definitely find one you love. This is a high-quality production from beginning to end; synths are kept at a minimum and the instruments range from traditional ney, oud, kanun, and rebab to guitars and saxophones. Understandably, Hind recorded in Cairo, Bahrain, Dubai, Beirut, and Kuwait, with musicians from the Gulf, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey playing the various instruments. Easily her most hyped album to date, Hind's 2008 album is definitely worth a thorough listen.

Track List:
1. Meridh El Mahabba
2. Yeji Mennak
3. Thebahni El Shoug
4. Eb Kel Basata
5. Abih Yeshouf
6. Aaf El Farah
7. Hameti
8. Tawwek Ala Bali
9. Jaitek
10. Teshteki
11. Men Int
12. Maw'ed Omur
Download