Rachid Taha – Bonjour
Reviewed by Sadie O., 6/10/10
Lovely folky multicultural stuff from the Raï-punk master. Mostly very pretty and tender, which is not what I expect from Rachid Taha – he’s switched gears a bit and really done a record of love, I think both on a personal and global kind of level. No “Rock El Casbah” here, but some really gorgeous stuff anyway. Track 5 is awesome, track 8 is really cool, all are worth playing…
1. 4:01 ***slow fade in to acoustic guitar, slow, low and mellow. Love song in French/Arabic, startlingly pretty for Taha. A bit psychedelic, interesting production. Ends a bit early.
2. 3:40 **upbeat, seems rather commercially produced, but with Taha’s familiar growl. Builds nicely.
3. 3:43 **sweet, very traditionally-based love song in Arabic. At least, I’m pretty sure “Ha Baby” is a take on the Arabic “habibi” – beloved. Simple song, interesting musical mashup.
4. 3:24 **folksy acoustic ditty in French/Arabic. A bit 60’s, slight exotic hints.
5. 4:13 *****drones, middle eastern traditional influences and swingy beat, mad vocals – really interesting combination. This is what I love Rachid Taha for…
6. 4:01 **pretty, low-key acoustic, chorus has a bit of forceful complex beat. Chorus of children…
7. 4:08 ***very low bass intro, builds into a slinky, mysterious vibe with whispered lyrics. More interesting than I make it sound. Spose I should mention that he’s not saying “fuckry”….
8. 4:05 ****also low-key with a few horn squeals and oud flourishes. Very pretty, nice guest vocals, too. Vocals in about 3 languages.
9. 4:01 **more rather folky-60’s feel, swingy. Gets a flamenco groove (mostly in the handclaps) midway along.
10. 3:08 *fades in to sweet folky pop with tinkly piano.