Devotional Songs

Having read a glowing review of this singer's devotional songs, I immediately ordered myself a copy...only to be disappointed as I discovered I had made a misguided assumption. I discovered the songs on this CD are in a language I'm unfamiliar with, and rather frenzied in pace. Though I'm sure these songs are rousing for many, for me - and I suspect many westerners, 'devotional singing' has a simplicity and gentleness - and is sung in Sanskrit....which these certainly are not!

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan widely considered one of the greatest voices ever recorded, he possessed an extraordinary range of vocal abilities and could perform at a high level of intensity for several hours. He is popularly known as "sultan-e-Qawwali", meaning "The King of Kings of Qawwali". This album for me is his best studio recording. A must have in any music lovers collection.

Superb Collection!!!!

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Around Christmas 1998, I purchased this my fifth CD collection by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I had heard most of the tracks on an audio-cassette around early & mid nineteen nineties. Listening to them again, was awe-inspiring with the "Mast Nazroon Se Allah Bachae" roughly meaning: 'God protect me from my over-engrossing eyes'. This was a brilliant expressive ghazal that hits home the beauty of love in spite of pain of separation - which are all intractably interlinked. The other amazing track and which later inspired me - personally was the very energetic "Haq Ali Haq Ali" lyrics which are about 'Imam Ali' Bin Talib fourth caliph of Islam & who married Fatimah Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) daughter. As the track 'Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam' is also about Imam Ali.However, the track "Allah Hoo Allah Hoo" is a Hamd, meaning: in praise of God (Allah) and which has been very inspiring to many new & upcoming global Muslim Nasheed artists since the turn of the century - to release their versions of "Allah Hoo Allah Hoo" & Sami Yusuf's track comes to mind. Also, the track "Yaad-E-Nabi Ghulshan Mehka" lyrics in praise of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are spiritually uplifting. The final track, "Ni Main Jogi De Naal" I had heard it so many times before & it reminds of a 'Jogi or Dervish' a wanderer in search of 'what is life or meaning of life' or the 'supreme creator'. This is what some Sufis and even non-Sufis can relate to very easily!Overall, this repertoire has more folk music behind it than to his previous recordings with the Real World label prior to Nusrat's appearance at the 1985 Womad Festival. The other obvious Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party's Collection worth buying are 'Shahen Shah', Shahbaz, & 'Love Songs'.

If you would like to truly experience the transcendent power of rythm, harmony and the human voice, and to explore some of the deeper recesses of the human spirit at the same time, then you really MUST listen to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his group.I first experienced Nusrat some 10 years or so ago on Channel 4 while late-night channel surfing. In an instant I was rooted to my chair, my remote-control hand frozen in mid-air. NEVER had I heard anything so utterly and literally entrancing. Indeed, without understanding a word of what was being sung, I involuntarily found myself on my feet, eyes closed, arms up, swaying and shuffling to the music. It was only when I fell over the coffee table that I came to my senses enough to scribble 'Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan' on a piece of paper.This was music I had been waiting my entire life to hear. So it seemed to me then, and so it does still. This really is so much more than music. Truly, truly, listening to this incredible human being is a spiritual experience. If your ears and your brain are susceptible to such things, it will enrapture you, transporting you with pleasure to another plane of experience. Which, of course, is precisely what Qawwali music has been crafted to do, over the course of eight centuries or so.This CD was the first one I acquired (a complete stab in the dark) and it turned out to be a superb choice. For me, the track highlights are Allah Hoo, Ali Maula, Ni Main Jogi and, particularly, Ali Haq, which has the most exquisite slow-building lead-in you'll ever hear.If you're looking for an introduction to the work of the great man and his group, I can think of no better choice than this CD (I now own 5 Nusrat CDs), and for existing fans who have not yet heard these versions of the above mentioned tracks, I would urge you to try them.This music will change your life! Very very highly recommended."Nusrat is a God to me" - Jeff Buckley

Nusrat is a very fine artiste.You don't have to be either Pakistani or Muslim to appreciate his music. That is the bearing of a superstar - transcend all barriers. Nusrat does that effortlessly with this album. Allah Bachaee really is a must listen, and Ali Haq is a close second followed by Ali Maula. Even the musical ensemble, complete with tabla, harmonium and mandolin is a joy to listen. A "Time" article once mentioned a flattering article about the man himself. It wasn't flattering at all - it was simply true.

You don't own the best song Nusrat ever recorded until you own a copy of him singing Allah hoo allah hoo. Uplifting, joyous, life affirming, and I haven't really got a clue what he's singing about. What a voice. Totally inspiring.