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My dance instructor choreographed "Mahlabeya" for the session I am taking now. I always purchase the music so I can practice at home. I understand why Natacha Atlas is so popular in Lebanon she is really good.
I don't think this CD has a sound that will appeal to a wide audience, and I recommend that you listen to a few of the clips before purchasing. Natacha is beautiful, no doubting that, and this is, as many state, a refreshing change from the homogenized Western Pop and R&B.
Many of the other reviewers rave about this CD and give it a 5 star rating. This is a decent, not outstanding, CD by the Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas.
Perhaps many of the reviewers believe in the adage that the fewer clothes she wears, the better the music. It isn't a bad CD, but it isn't outstanding.
I don't understand what the hubbub is about. She does blend traditional and modern sounds into this album, but it is really more modern than traditional, and many of the songs almost have a techno beat.
If you are looking for music from the Arab world that offers a broader appeal and a better balance of traditional and modern sounds, try the Lebanese singers Najwa Karam or Nawal al-Zougbhy.
I really think you'll be sorry if you don't get this CD. It's great and upbeat. I've watched Natacha Atlas' concerts on Arabic TV Channels before and she is great.
Natacha Atlas has a lovely voice, and this soulful CD has plenty of good belly dance music that is enjoyable to listen to even when you're not dancing.
The second half of the disc is much weaker, but still contains interesting tracks such as The Righteous Path. This is arguably the best showcase for the talents of Natacha Atlas, with its combination of Egyptian seductiveness, traditional instrumentation, and modern grooves built around that enchanting voice. Close your eyes and you can almost smell the air and taste the mysterious aura of the Egyptian culture.The first half of the disc is the best, with Aqaba, Bahlam, Ezzay, and the irresistible Mistaneek shining the brightest. But the power of the first part of the disc makes up for the weakness of the second, and is still worthy of being heard. So do yourself a favor and pick up this disc, especially if you are a fan of world music.
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