Album Review: أوعديني سلمتك بيد الله by جورج وسوف (1992)
George Wassouf’s أوعديني سلمتك بيد الله is a gem from the early '90s that continues to resonate with fans of Folk, World, and Country music in the Middle East. Released under the Relax-In label in 1992, this album captures the soulful essence of Wassouf's voice paired with rich instrumentation that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its cultural context. With standout contributions from arrangers like إبراهيم الراديو and نبيل غزاوي—not to mention the haunting kaval melodies by إبراهيم كولة—it’s no wonder this record remains etched in the memories of those who’ve heard it.
Two tracks, in particular, stand out for me: “روح الروح” and “سلمتك بيد الله.” In “روح الروح,” Wassouf delivers an emotional gut-punch right from the opening line. The song’s slow build-up, anchored by سعيد الأرتست’s tabla work, creates a hypnotic rhythm that pulls you in deeper with every verse. It’s one of those songs where you can almost feel the weight behind every word he sings—like he’s pouring his entire being into each note. I remember listening to this track on repeat during a road trip once, and let me tell you, it turned a casual drive into something cinematic. The way the melody swells towards the end? Chills.
Then there’s “سلمتك بيد الله,” which hits different because of its raw vulnerability. The arrangement here is simpler compared to some of the other tracks, but that works perfectly. You don’t need flashy production when you’ve got lyrics this heartfelt and a voice as powerful as Wassouf’s. This track feels like a prayer more than a song, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept away by its sincerity. Fun fact: whenever someone mentions this album, this is usually the first track they bring up. And rightly so—it sticks with you long after the music stops.
What makes أوعديني سليمتك بيد الله special isn’t just the technical brilliance or even the star power of George Wassouf; it’s how human the whole thing feels. From the credits to the final fade-out, it’s clear everyone involved poured their heart into making this album. Sure, 1992 might seem like ages ago now, but good music doesn’t age—it evolves with us.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album today feels kind of ironic. In a world obsessed with TikTok trends and algorithm-driven playlists, albums like this remind us what real artistry looks like. So, if you’re tired of scrolling through endless recommendations online, do yourself a favor and give أوعديني سليمتك بيد الله a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself hitting replay… again and again.
