O Houria

I really enjoyed Souad Massi's earlier albums Deb ("Heartbroken") and Mesk Elil ("Honeysuckle") which featured Arabian instruments and styles and a sense of personal longing and heartbreak at the political repression and rigidity in her native Algeria where her westernized music lead to death threats an her decision to flee to France.This album seems to be more westernized and pop styled to appeal to a wider audience. As a result I ound it much less unique and interesting.

I recommend this CD. You will enjoy all the songs from one of my favorite singers and the backing instruments as well. Enjoy.

I'm happy to report that with Ô Houria Souad has released another great recording. For the uninitiated, among Souad's special qualities is her earnestness, soulfulness, earthiness, and great music sensibility. Though I don't understand Arabic or French, two languages she consistently sings in, the greatness of her music transcends language, as it does for other great singers like Piaf, Amalia, Vusi, and Yossou. Souad's music is also very refreshing because of the instruments used and the sense that the topics of her songs are not trivial. The title song shows Souad's intimate, earnest side, with her voice in the forefront. She has an amazing, honestly emotive voice that can be low and soar high. Other songs along these lines are "Samira Meskina" (beautiful), "Nacera," "Un Sourire," and "Aalache Ya Denya." It was fun to listen to two Country flavored (wow - and why not!) songs, "Une Lettre A...Si H'Med" and "Enta Ouzahrek." There's fun, jazzy "Stop Pissing Me Off," that reminds me of Paolo Conte. And there's "Kin Koun Alik Ebaida" that has a bit of a rap flavor to it. One of my favorites is "Tout Ce Que J'Aime," - it's very catchy, and it's easy enough to fall into singing the chorus - something that's also true of some of the other songs, such as "Samira Meskina," and "Kin Koun Alik Ebaida." There's some English thrown in a few songs which fits perfectly. There are also two nice duets. Another fine album from a wonderful, talented, original, world-class artist.

Massi's recent album flies, through her flawless and true mastery of her genre, which is obscure in the United States but universal in its musical appeal. Her work is vibrant in the living folk tradition reflecting her personal and political narratives, reflecting those of people throughout history. So what if I can't understand the lyrics? The power of her work is irresistible.

Always lovely to hear her voice. A little foray into the mainstream & a duet with Paul Weller. Half Arabic , which I don't understand (& sounds beautiful), Half English.

I love Souad Massi\s work.

..aber nicht mehr so großartig wie das Album "Deb". Soud Massi klingt gefälliger, mitunter gar nach Country, die Arrangements sind nicht mehr so filigran wie auf früheren Alben. Auch die orientalsichen Percussions kommen eindeutig zu kurz. Irgndwie kann man sich nach dem Hören an kaum einen Song erinnern.

Un sentimiento intenso provoca el oír su música,te traslada a un mundo que se convierte en atractivo,seductor,apasionante,único y,por supuesto,muy especial y característico.

Per completezza lo ho acquistato, ma per chi stesse scegliendo il primo album di Souad, suggerisco Deb, questo è un po' meno personale ...

I love this CD: It is the first time I've bought this kind of music. And I keep playing it. The songs quite varied as are the moods but with superb tonal mixtures. Highly recommended.

Souad Massi a une voix chaude et claire qui s'accorde tellement avec sa langue d'origine . Du coup , un peu trop de chanson en français pour moi . très beau morceau avec Francis Cabrel .

Bel album en coopération avec la bande à Cabrel (Paganotti, Benamroch……) de beaux moments à partager avec la belle voix de Souad MASSI