Kenza

Description

EDITORIAL REVIEWS AMAZON.COM Since the early 1990s, rai pop star Khaled has steadily smoothed over the rough edges of the carefree North African dance-pop sound that brought him great acclaim--and criticism--in his homeland of Algeria. Since then Khaled has lived in Paris and aimed toward more Western horizons, exploring the sounds of R&B and reggae with mixed success. On Kenza, recorded mostly in Paris and London, Khaled has found just the right balance of Arabic elements and heavy Western rhythms--not to mention memorable melodies. In a move of taste and poise, he duets with Indian singer Amar. The effect is infectious as Khaled's vocals dance and tumble while a fire of horns, keyboards, strings, and percussion blazes on. Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramzy lends his talents to a few tracks, and the overall feel of Kenza is one of a rebellious Algerian rai star reaching full artistic maturity and grace. This is his finest yet. --Karen K. Hugg