Lebanese singer Pascal Mashaalani last week released her latest album, Albi (My Heart), whose eleven songs range from Spanish tunes to Arab pop and even country rock.
The album starts with Al Hob Bliyah, an Arabic pop song. Aashan Waheshni (Because I Miss You) follows; it is a genuine Arabic pop tune set to the rhythm of a derbakeh drum. It has an Egyptian feel, which makes it danceable. Another song is Inta Al Mass’oul (You Are Responsible), which brings out Mashaalani’s fine voice.
The album also contains Law Betqoul (If You Say), which sounds just a tad overwrought, as well as Dandini, a Gulf-flavored song, Yani Min Gharamo and Khedni Bhilmak.
As seems popular these days, the album also contains a crossover between Spanish and Arabic music, Kello Minnak (All Because of You).
Mashaalani began her career in 1990 after being discovered by composer Ihsan Al Munther. She has released seven albums so far. Her most famous songs include Khayala, Dagdeg, Nour Al Shams, Mashaftilli Dammi, Banadi, Lamma Bashoufak and many others – Albawaba.com
