Rachid Taha's fifth solo album asks the question
Tékitoi (Who Are You?). This is his exploration of himself through his sound. The answer to the question? Liberal doses of Algerian chaabi and rai, French aesthetics, Arabic lyrics. On the musical side alone, this is an astounding album, moving from French banter to a cover of "Rock the Casbah" with a different message in the lyrics back into
Taha's bread and butter with Arabic-infused rock. The rock slams as hard or harder than even the big hits from Made in Medina. Also, though, softer sides are explored a bit with love songs, complete with a female backing chorus and something of an underground hip-hop groove. Every aspect of his music previously visited in earlier albums is taken up again here with more energy, more raw power. This album would make a welcome introduction for curious newcomers and an excellent addition for fans of the contemporary Algerian master. [Some editions included the ¿Kienes? DVD of a Mexican tour, with bits of concert footage, sound checks, interviews with bandmembers, a massive number of press interviews with
Taha, and some surprisingly artistic footage from the travels throughout the country.] ~ Adam Greenberg