Habibi: Classics & Collaborations

Natacha Atlas’ back-catalogue has been open-cast mined in recent years, with both a Best Of and a cut-price box-set already available. This latest compilation offers an interesting selection of existing album tracks and a round-up of assorted collaborations. At first glance, it’s hard to know quite who this is aimed at – first-time buyer or avid fan – for it contains neither sufficient sparkling hits to win over the uninitiated nor much that is rare or previously unavailable. However, compiler Tatiana Rucinska has chosen carefully and there are some pleasant surprises. The first disc focuses on Atlas’ solo work and judiciously balances obvious choices, like her hit version of ‘La Vie en Rose’, with a recent live recording of the Rahbani Brothers’ ‘La Inta Habibi’ and different interpretations of old album tracks. The second disc of collaborations is a more mixed affair and unjustly does Atlas few favours. Her canny ability to layer semi-improvised Arab-esque vocals over just about anything has placed her in great demand by other musicians, but the listener’s interest can flag when these tracks are lined up one after another: there seems to be rather a lot of her moaning ‘ habibi over a synth drone and drum loop. There is plenty here to prick up the ears; however, you may want to choose your own playlist carefully.