Rachid Taha - Ida

Review by Paulo R. Santos

Ida, the latest album by Algerian musician Rachid Taha, is a stunning blend of North African rhythms, rock, and electronic music. The album's title track opens with a pulsating beat that immediately grabs the listener's attention, while Taha's distinctive voice adds an emotional depth to the lyrics. The album's second track, "Like a Dervish," is a frenetic blend of electric guitar riffs and Arabic percussion that showcases Taha's versatility as a musician.

Throughout the album, Taha explores themes of identity, love, and loss, often drawing on his own experiences as an immigrant and a Franco-Arab artist. His lyrics are poetic and insightful, and his delivery is passionate and raw.

One of the standout tracks on Ida is "Wahdi," a haunting ballad that features Taha's voice accompanied by a lone piano. The stripped-down arrangement allows Taha's vocals to shine, and the song's melancholic melody is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Summary by Paulo R. Santos

Ida is a powerful and engaging album that showcases Rachid Taha's unique blend of musical styles and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level. Fans of world music, rock, and electronic music will all find something to love on this album.