Being somewhat of a puritan when it comes to sufi music (which encompasses such magnificent, spiritually uplifting genres as the qawali and the ghazal), I find this album a bit of a let down. The mixture of eastern lyrics and western orchestration has been attempted numerous times in the past (e.g., check out Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s collaborations with Peter Gabriel); unfortunately, Shafqat Ali is no NFAK. Still a pretty nice CD for those generally curious about Sufi music, and for its lyrics, which (thank heavens) are still traditional.

Track 1, Ish Kamal : Begins with a vocal call, then joined by programmed drums, sax, and electronics that mix a modern cadence with the timbre so typical of qawali singers. The lyrics express the sadness of the love-torn Sufi and -- according to some Sufi experts -- that of a God longing to be known as well.

Track 2, Yaad : tale of sleepless longing featuring tabla and mandolin.

Track 4, Sitara : Like #2, #4 is also relatively free of electronics, though it sports a modern bass line.

Track 5, Raqsay Bismil : has a reggae-like feel to it, which merges with the wailing exclamations of the qawali.

Track 7, Journey to Marwa : A return to primordial India. In this lengthy piece Shafqat uses his voice as an instrument, under the accompaniment of sitar music. Moody night raga.

Track 8, Putah Butah : Shafqat performs the well-known ghazal as a ballad set to contemporary music, with mixed success.