“Ya Rayah” (1998) – Rachid Taha * Written by Amrani Abderrahmane * LP (France): Diwân * Produced by Steve Hillage * Label: Barclay
Although the breakthrough success of the Algerian Taha’s Diwân album (produced by Steve Hillage, the former Gong guitarist) had plenty to do with his built-in pop star charisma, it also benefited from the magnetic pull of “Ya Rayah,” its leadoff song. This was a cover version of a 1973 single by Dahmane El-harrachi, whose entire catalog of festive acoustic chaâbi music features orchestral phrases that swoop across the horizon like frolicsome kites. “Ya Rayah” taps into another powerful emotion, though, for those who understand the lyrics: the allure and parodoxical sadness of emigration.