Souad Massi
Honeysuckle (Mesk Elil)
[Wrasse]
This is Algerian singer Souad Massi's third album, and it crisscrosses North Africa and the Mediterranean for source material, incorporating Andalusian rhythms, flamenco nuovo, rai and Egyptian flourishes, Cape Verdean morna, Malian guitar music, and the odd nod to modern electronics. She's also the former singer for a metal band called Akator, but it's hard to imagine that lithe voice surrounded by stuttering double bass and heavy riffs when it sounds so good amidst the buoyant rhythms and cultural melting pot of songs like "Ilham" ("Inspiration") and the gorgeous ballad "Hagda Wala Akter" ("There's Worse"). Though she still sings in Arabic, Massi is now based in Paris, having unfortunately found that being an outspoken female artist in Algeria does not gain one many allies. Though her lyrics and singing are often sorrowful, the music frequently isn't, with songs like "Kilyoum" ("Soon") riding infectious beats full to bursting with flowing guitars and strings.