Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms
WhenStingcollaborated withCheb Mamion theBrand New Daytrack "Desert Rose," he created a surprising demand for Arabic crossover pop. This collection provides a suitable next stop for those whose taste was whetted by that collaboration. Egyptian singerNatacha Atlasopens the album with "Mon Amie la Rose," a maudlin little French tune she twists through her wringer until it is utterly transformed. "Desert Rose" turns up as a frisky remix byVictor Calderone, whileRachid Tahaand the trance choir, B'Net Marrakech, appear in the compelling, orchestrated "Qalantica." Mami is heard on his own on one tune, but is eclipsed by the gut-shreddingKhaled, the undisputed king of Algerian rai. The harder-edged electronic outings are standouts, while the tracks that are the Arabic equivalent of adolescent pop don't hold up nearly as well. This compilation, however, mostly eschews the dross in favor of tunes that go the distance.--Christina Roden