Search - Natacha Atlas :: Best of

The Better Of Natacha Atlas

Wil | AL | 06/07/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It would be hard to call this a best of album -- unless one considers taking songs that fans have grown to love and rearranging them, editing them, and remixing them into what one might think is an improvement, when in reality its not, as a sign of a best of CD. But that is exactly what this "best of" album is at its core; proof positive that the old adage "If it ain't broke..." is true.

Why would anyone feel that the perfection that was attained on those great tracks needed anything done to them? I can understand remastering, but to totally remake or remix songs is a travesty. Some are edited butcher jobs (Yalla Chant and Amulet); some are remade and remixed (Mistaneek) and some of her actual "hits" (such as When I Close My Eyes and Mish Fadilak) are completely omitted. And why is she including three different versions of Layesh Nat-Arak, none of which are the original??

It's a head-scratcher to be sure. And a shame, as Atlas is such a great performer. Maybe one day a true "best of" will be released. Or maybe her fans should simply burn their own and buy the DVD companion instead. This one is for completists only.

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An Introduction to Natacha Atlas

Emicheri | 08/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I treasure this album. While some people may be bothered by the remixes I think they freshen up things a little. Granted that the originals are gold as always from her, I never get tired of listening to her voice. The special treat on this album is Leysh Nat'arak. It is my favorite of all her songs. While none of the three versions here are the original (which is sadly out of print on Dispora), I'm so glad it is well represented. I feel it was a good choice to include each version, even if other songs I would mark as worthy didn't make the cut. I suppose this album would serve more purpose as an introductory CD. It covers roughly ten years of her career and gives a taste of her many vocal styles ranging from traditional to club dance. It also contains songs in three of the four languages she sings in proving how versatile of an artist she is."

Good, But Could Be Better...

Wil | 06/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think Natacha is the most successful world artist in the business. If you read the booklet, it says that she was elected to be in the U.N. as an ambassador for something about racism and has worked w/ numerous artists. She is beyond beautiful and has added class to the big, bad world of music. But I have to say that although Natacha Atlas did pick some wonderful music and even re-made some songs like Leysh Nat'Arak (3 different versions to be exact...) and Mistaneek, there were some songs I didn't get why they were on there like You Only Live Twice and Fun Does Not Exist. I do like all the songs that are on there. But this is my version of Natacha Atlas: Leysh Nat'Arak, Duden, Dub Yalil, Gafsa, Marifnaash, The Righteous Path, Aquba, Kifaya, Shubra, Le Preintamps, Eye of the Duck, When I Close My Eyes, Like the Last Drop, Mistaneek, Diaspora, and probably Ya Weledi. She is a talented woman and I cant wait for Beledi Roots in 2006."