Mesk Elil

1. Mesk Elil

2. Kilyoum

3. Ilham

4. Khalouni

5. Denia Wezmen

6. Tell Me Why

7. Miwawa

8. Dar Djedi

9. Malou

10. Hagda

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
For her third album, which was a strong presence on the European world music charts throughout late 2005, the Algerian-born, Paris-based singer-songwriter has chosen to operate on a much larger scale. Mauritanian vocalist Daby Touré (a star in the making if there ever was one), Pascal Danaë, a French-born musician of Caribbean ancestry and the versatile Mino Cinelu on percussion are only a few of the capable artists appearing on the recording. The tunes are a mixed bag, jazzy, sophisticated yet for the most part true to their sources; clearly Massi is trying her wings as a composer. Ilhem ("Inspiration") a percussive gem fronted by chiming plucked strings, is infectiously extroverted and packs a strong West African/Touareg flavor, while Khalouni ("Let Me"), a North African-Iberian confection sung with a wonderful male singer named Rabah Kaifa, gets the blood moving. But the title track, with its limp Brazilian-inspired melody and MOR-like string arrangements, is less effective. Ultimately, although Massi's former one-on-one, almost perilously intimate rapport with the listener seems somewhat refracted these days, her message is as timely as ever. Her sensuous alto voice remains swooningly flexible yet serenely unadulterated, a miracle of confident, sensitive femininity. --Christina Roden

Product Description
Souad Massi's melodies-at once exotic and familiar-are influenced by shaabi music, French chanson, flamenco, 1960s American folk, and a variety of African musical traditions. Accessible and engaging, her delicate guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment to her beautiful lyric. "Mesk Elil" the highly anticipated 3rd album follows on from 2004's "Deb".

Mesk Elil

Mesk Elil,Souad Massi,Wrasse Records,Algeria,Int'l & World Music,International,Pop

Average customer rating:

wonderful sound

one of the most beautiful contemporary North African singers today....

She does it again.

A voice like honey

An Algerian In Paris

Mesk Elil
Souad Massi
Manufacturer: Wrasse Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music
General | International | Styles | Music
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Deb (Heartbroken)

Raoui

Solo in Rio 1959

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ASIN: B000BCKFJ8
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Mesk Elil
Kilyoum
Ilham
Khalouni
Denia Wezmen
Tell Me Why
Miwawa
Dar Djedi
Malou
Hagda

Amazon.com

For her third album, which was a strong presence on the European world music charts throughout late 2005, the Algerian-born, Paris-based singer-songwriter has chosen to operate on a much larger scale. Mauritanian vocalist Daby Touré (a star in the making if there ever was one), Pascal Danaë, a French-born musician of Caribbean ancestry and the versatile Mino Cinelu on percussion are only a few of the capable artists appearing on the recording. The tunes are a mixed bag, jazzy, sophisticated yet for the most part true to their sources; clearly Massi is trying her wings as a composer. Ilhem ("Inspiration") a percussive gem fronted by chiming plucked strings, is infectiously extroverted and packs a strong West African/Touareg flavor, while Khalouni ("Let Me"), a North African-Iberian confection sung with a wonderful male singer named Rabah Kaifa, gets the blood moving. But the title track, with its limp Brazilian-inspired melody and MOR-like string arrangements, is less effective. Ultimately, although Massi's former one-on-one, almost perilously intimate rapport with the listener seems somewhat refracted these days, her message is as timely as ever. Her sensuous alto voice remains swooningly flexible yet serenely unadulterated, a miracle of confident, sensitive femininity. --Christina Roden

Album Description

Souad Massi's melodies-at once exotic and familiar-are influenced by shaabi music, French chanson, flamenco, 1960s American folk, and a variety of African musical traditions. Accessible and engaging, her delicate guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment to her beautiful lyric. "Mesk Elil" the highly anticipated 3rd album follows on from 2004's "Deb".

Customer Reviews:

wonderful sound.......2007-02-08

Heard Bel El Madhi (The Gate Of The Past) from the DEB CD 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 (including Mesk Elil). Even bought some more to give to friends. THis lady has an absolutely wonderful, clear, crisp and sultry voice.

one of the most beautiful contemporary North African singers today...........2006-08-10

If this is your introduction to Souad Massi, this is definitely a strong example of her beautiful and haunting body of work. "Mesk Elil" is album #3 for this Algerian-born, Parisian based alto. Souad combines the haunting Arabic-inspired percussive rhythms with inspirations spanning everything from bossa nova to ballad, flamenco to trip hop.

The strength of "Mesk Elil" is in Souad's strong delivery of the songs. Also, the tone of this album and its pieces are delivered in an introspective and very poetical way. After you are done listening to this album, I suggest you check out "Deb," her 2nd (and in my opinion) strongest album. You will fall in love with her (you'll have no choice!!).

She does it again. .......2006-06-06

Ilham is a really fun tune. Dar Dgedi is a really sad and touching song even though I can't understand the lyrics! I can't remember which tracks are my favorite right off hand. While I don't think this song has as many catchy tunes, the production overall is better than her previous two albums. Like her first two, it gets heavy rotation in my home and car stereos. It's a must have album

A voice like honey.......2006-02-26

This is the best of Massi's albums yet. The range of her voice is extraordinary. With a touch of South America, a little Africa and her own magic added for good measure. There are no filler tracks on this CD !!

Outstanding and thoroughly recommended.

An Algerian In Paris.......2006-02-09

Algerian born Souad Massi continues with another strong performance in her third CD 'Honeysuckle/Mesk Elil.' Her voice doesn't appear to be as strong, or her range as vast as some of the other more well known female voices in the genre of Middle East/World Music, it is none-the-less an immensely enjoyable exotic sound incorporating all the traditional vocal nuances that one would hope for.

While the upbeat, festive tracks like 'Inspiration' and 'I Won't Forget My Roots' are a nice change of pace, I think the poetic, melancholy love songs like 'Honeysuckle', 'There's Worse' and my personal favorite 'Why Is My Heart Sad' are Souads' real musical strength.