Cheb Mami's "Desert Rose" brought the Algerian superstar to worldwide fame. On his own, Cheb Mami is an electrifying singer. "Saida",from 1995, shows him in fine form. "Saida" shows Mami's range of emotions--from the passionate opening "H'babi" to his lament "Trab."
"Saida" is the cry of the desert. Cheb Mami's fluid,powerful voice reflects the merciless desert sun shining upon the endlessly shifting dunes. "H'babi" is an amazing cry of unrequited love. The follow-up,"Ma ma" is a less successful rap. Mami's singing is wonderful,but his duet partner does a lame rap in English. "Hay wadi hay galbi" shows off Mami's vocal skills. His voice leaps,ululates,as athletic as a gymnast. "Baida" sounds like it is from the Renaissance,another lovelorn song. A simple lute accompanies Mami. "Ghi N'ti" has a synthesized '80s sound. The closing song,"Trab",is a powerful,earthy lament.
"Saida" shows Mami at the beginning of his career,beginning to blossom. It's a desert rose.