Album Review: The Devotionals Queen Of The West Indies by Alice Rambali
Let’s get one thing straight—Alice Rambali isn’t messing around. Released in 1980, The Devotionals Queen Of The West Indies is a hidden gem that blends Chutney and Hindustani vibes with the kind of raw energy you’d expect from someone who knows their craft inside out. And trust me, Alice does. Backed by producer Ruben Birtantie (who clearly had his coffee that day) and an ace band led by Kees Jagessar, this album feels like a warm hug wrapped in saffron silk.
Now, I’m not gonna lie—I didn’t think much about folk music until this record slapped me across the face and said, “Wake up, buddy.” Tracks like "Hai Bhaya Mai To Nadjawo" are pure ear candy. It starts off slow, almost shy, but then BAM! The rhythm kicks in, and suddenly, you’re transported to a village festival where everyone’s dancing barefoot under string lights. Alice's voice? Smooth as butter on hot roti. You can tell she wrote these lyrics herself because they hit deep—they’re personal yet universal, like your grandma telling stories over chai.
Then there’s "Bol Mere Rama." Oh man, this track sticks to you like gum under a table. There’s something hypnotic about it—the melody loops around your brain like a cat chasing its tail. By the time the bansuri kicks in, you’ll be swaying like a palm tree in a hurricane. What makes it unforgettable? Maybe it’s how Alice sings with such devotion, or maybe it’s just the fact that no one else could pull off those high notes without sounding like a squeaky door hinge. Either way, it works.
Here’s the kicker though: If you’re looking for polished perfection, go stream some pop playlist. This album has grit. It’s real. At times, the production sounds like it was recorded in someone’s living room—which, honestly, only adds to its charm. Plus, knowing it came out of the Netherlands instead of India makes it even cooler. A Dutch label putting out Chutney music in 1980? That’s brave. That’s bold. That’s bananas in all the best ways.
So, what sticks with me after listening? Not just the tunes, but the vibe. Alice Rambali poured her soul into this project, and it shows. Listening to it feels like finding an old photograph—you don’t know exactly why it resonates, but it does.
Final thought? If aliens ever land and ask us to explain human emotions through music, hand them this album. They might leave Earth humming "Hai Bhaya," which would honestly be kinda lit.
