[Mondo Melodia]
He's sold 30 million albums worldwide, but to those not of Middle Eastern origin this Iraqi superstar is a mystery. However, this could change all that. While he's worked with large orchestras (and does so here too), his emotive ballads also get the loops and beats treatment, notably on "Aghazalek" and a Transglobal Underground remix of the title track. Al-Saher stands proudly in a line of classical Arab vocalists dominated by Oum Kalthum (indeed, Nizar Qabbani, who wrote lyrics for her, also wrote for Al-Saher, with "Al Hob Al Mustaheel," his final work, appearing here). It's epic stuff, with superb singing and writing, the thing to tighten the heartstrings, and make you understand exactly why he's so revered. Chris Nickson