Album Review: Ekhssara Alache Alache by Boudjemaa El Ankiss – A Folk Gem Straight Outta Algeria
Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re diving into Ekhssara Alache Alache, the latest (or maybe not-so-latest? Who knows with these timeless vibes!) release from Algerian legend Boudjemaa El Ankiss. Released under Assiaphone—a label that clearly knows its way around North African grooves—this album is a hearty stew of Folk, World, and Country sounds. And let me tell ya, it’s got more flavor than your grandma’s secret tagine recipe.
First off, the title track, “Alache Alache,” hits you like a warm hug on a chilly desert night. It’s got this hypnotic rhythm that makes you wanna grab someone—or even just yourself—and start swaying awkwardly in the kitchen while pretending to be at some epic Saharan festival. The vocals? Oh man, they’re dripping with soul, kinda like when you accidentally spill mint tea all over your favorite rug but then realize it smells amazing now. There’s something about the way Boudjemaa layers traditional instruments here; it feels raw yet polished enough to make Spotify algorithms scratch their heads in confusion. You won’t forget this one anytime soon—it sticks to your brain like couscous to your fingers.
Then there’s “Ekhssara,” which is basically what happens if melancholy decided to throw itself a party. This tune has an earthy vibe that screams authenticity without trying too hard. Imagine sitting cross-legged under a starry sky, munching on stale bread, and feeling oddly content about life—that’s “Ekhssara” for you. The melody builds slowly, pulling you in like a good gossip session, and before you know it, you're hooked. Trust me, this isn’t the kind of song you listen to once and move on. Nope, it lingers, like that weird uncle who always overstays his welcome but somehow manages to charm everyone anyway.
Now, let’s talk realness for a sec. What I love most about this album is how unapologetically Algerian it feels. No pandering to Western trends or overproduced beats—just pure, organic storytelling through sound. Boudjemaa doesn’t need autotune or flashy drops to keep things interesting. He lets the music do the talking, and honestly? It speaks louder than most pop stars shouting into microphones these days.
So yeah, Ekhssara Alache Alache might not top global charts or get blasted at Coachella afterparties, but who cares? Music like this reminds us why we fell in love with tunes in the first place—to feel connected, to hear stories, and maybe to dance badly in our pajamas. If anything, listening to this album makes me wanna book a ticket to Algeria ASAP… or at least Google Translate my way through ordering takeout from the nearest Algerian restaurant.
Final thought: If Bob Dylan ever went on a road trip across North Africa, he’d probably write songs exactly like this. Except, y’know, better lyrics. But hey, close enough!
