Search - Kazem Al-Saher :: Impossible Love

Outstanding; Confirms Kazem's Mastery of His Musical Tools.

Laith Alattar | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 11/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kazem Al-Saher hails the millennium with this long awaited release The Impossible Love (Al-Hob Al-Mustaheel), which has proven to be an outstanding album that confirms the diversity of Kazem's musical capabilities. Not only does it hold the beautiful ballads for which Kazem is renowned, but also an exhilarating mix of dance rhythms that reveal a Kazem that has not been known before. Kazem's two personas jointly present in The Impossible Love a collection of simple melodies that capture the senses instantly, along with some of the most difficult and intricate compositions in Kazem's career. The works include collaborations with the Arab world's most distinguished poets, as well as a fine team of music arrangers. This Mondo Melodia release, also Kazem Al-Saher's first U.S. release, includes a diverse selection of Arabic and Iraqi music styles, and is therefore a very appropriate introduction to classical and contemporary Arabic music. Furthermore, this Enhanced CD is an upgrade to the original Impossible Love album. This release has two new tracks not available in the original release: Masikan Udi and La Titnahhad the remix. Masikan Udi, one of Al-Saher's most poignant songs, is released in this studio recording for the first time ever, years after its first concert presentation, and at a time when the authenticity of patriotic songs has come into wide uncertainty. La Titnahhad is remixed by the notable Transglobal Underground. In addition, this ECD includes the music video of La Titnahhad, and that is quite a treat. The music video of La Titnahhad has earned the highest ranks in Arab charts since it started airing, and not with out merit. It serves as a visual indication of the fresh soul that has invigorated Kazem's distinguished classicism.Altogether, this album is worthy enough that I can recommend it with much confidence to all those who appreciate the arts of music and song, hoping that music enthusiasts everywhere discover the treasures of the Middle East that Kazem has started to uncover."

A world music idol

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 01/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kasem is a charismatic superstar of international fame who has sold over 30 million albums, and whose beautiful, agile voice has made him one of the premier interpreters of Middle Eastern music. Using a traditional orchestra, rather than the synthesizers many use today, he sings in a classical style that was more prevalent a few years ago, and his songs are rhythmic, moderately up-tempo pieces, many of them which he has composed himself.The musicianship is top notch, and I especially like the arrangements that feature the zither. All the tracks are good; track # 3, "La Titnahad", has a catchy refrain that will keep you humming long after playing the CD, and is repeated as a re-mix on track # 12. Being an enhanced CD, it includes a video of this song, which is about a store mannequin who comes to life when a certain pretty girl looks at him, and one can see that Kasem is not only wonderful to listen to, but very attractive as well.Born 41 years ago in Iraq, Kasem was a child prodigy and received extensive musical training, specializing in the oud, and was writing poetry at an early age; he is one of the most critically acclaimed artists of this musical genre, and this CD is a fine addition to any world music collection. It comes in a sturdy fold-out cardboard case with the meaning of the lyrics translated into English. The sound is excellent, and the total time is 62'53."

The new generation

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 04/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kazem A-Saher is one of the few young singers who continues the great tradition of Arab music, of Abdelwahab, Farid, Um Koulthum and others.

While he does not sound like them, his music is rich, diverse and soulful. Each song is interesting in its own way, and both the vocals and the instruments are at a high level. I recommend this, and other Cd's by him, to anyone who wants to listen to great contemporary Arab music."