Various Artists - Sweet Rebels - The Golden Era of Algerian Pop-Rai (2025) [Hi-Res]

Classic work from a moment when the sound of rai was taking over the Algerian scene – music that mostly only ever circulated on cassette, and which appears here on vinyl for the first time ever! The tunes represent a great moment of pride and uplifting energy on the scene – as vocals soar over bubbling drum machine grooves, tight basslines, and plenty of sweet keyboards – often nice and lean, as if the Algerian artists were inspired by the sound of electro soul in the US in the mid 80s, then decided to take things their own way by using all sorts of exotic melodies on the keys, and allowing the vocals to really take off. Titles include "La Hbibi Ouaalah Ela" by Cheb Tahar & Chaba Noria, "Kindi Ebatal" by Chaba Amina, "Zinek Bekani" by Cheb Zahouani, "Ki Bghitouni Nabra" by Chaba Zohra, and "Ala Bladi Nebki" by Abderrahmane Djalti.

Tracklist:
1-1 Cheikha Djenia El K'bira - Chabe Rassi [4:38]
1-2 Cheb Zahouani - Zinek Bekani [6:13]
1-3 Chaba Zohra - Ki Bghitouni Nabra [6:15]
1-4 Cheb Abdelhak - Ghir Hbibi Ouana [6:11]
1-5 Abderrahmane Djalti - Ala Bladi Nebki [4:29]
1-6 Chaba Amina - Kindi Ebatal [6:00]
1-7 Cheb Tahar & Chaba Noria - La Hbibi Ouaalah Ela [6:53]
1-8 Djilali Tiarti & Chaba Zohra - Matczaafiche Omizi [6:51]