Cheb Mami: Dellali : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

A recognizable commodity in America since Sting's "Desert Rose" (which featured the singer as second vocalist), Algerian-bred Cheb Mami -- the most prominent Rai singer in the world -- is perched on the precipice of domestic stardom. In an apparent effort to make the final leap, this disc has been buffed, polished and practically removed from the World Music realm. Unlike his prior efforts, which were somewhat rhythm machine laden themselves, Dellali finds Mami's instrument of choice --the accordion -- mixed beneath the stylings of American session legends like the late Chet Atkins and Nile Rodgers. Rodgers, who also produced, is far too intrusive here, particularly on "Le Rai C'est Chic" -- a supposed tribute to his former band, albeit one that doesn't sound in the least like Chic's "Le Freak." "Rim Lachoua" is the standout here, partially because it eschews the semi-reggae, semi-old school disco beats, but mostly because Cheb gets to wail unfettered. Dellali has its moments, but the heavy hand of the marketers does more harm than good.

JOHNNY ANGEL
(July 2, 2001)