Album Review: ميحد حمد – A Folk Gem from the UAE (1992)
If you’re into soulful, earthy music that feels like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen, then ميحد حمد’s self-titled album is one you need to hear. Released in 1992 under تسجيلات الشعب, this Emirati folk masterpiece gives us a taste of tradition mixed with heartfelt lyrics and melodies that stick to your ribs. Composed, sung, and brought to life by الفنان ميحد حمد himself—with poetic lyrics penned by معالي الدكتور مانع سعيد العتيبة—this album feels personal, like flipping through an old family photo album.
The whole record has a cozy, storytelling vibe, but two tracks really stood out for me: يا تبر يا در يا جوهر and بعدك عذاب و قربك عذاب. Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
First off, يا تبر يا در يا جوهر. This track hits different—it’s got this slow-burn rhythm that pulls you in like a magnet. The vocals are raw yet smooth, kinda like sipping Arabic coffee on a chilly desert night. You can tell ميحد put his heart into every word here; it’s not just singing, it’s more like he’s talking to you. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of longing and beauty, making you feel things deep inside without even realizing it. Honestly, I found myself humming it days later, even though I don’t fully get all the words. That’s the power of good music—it doesn’t need translation.
Now, onto بعدك عذاب و قربك عذاب. Wow, what a title, right? “Your absence is torture, and so is your presence.” Talk about emotional whiplash! This song feels like sitting cross-legged on a rooftop under the stars, pouring your soul out to someone who’ll never truly understand how much they mean to you. The melody builds up slowly, almost teasing you, until it explodes into this passionate crescendo that makes you wanna grab your phone and text your ex—or maybe call your bestie and spill all your feelings. Either way, it’s relatable AF.
One thing that struck me about this album is how timeless it feels. Even though it dropped back in ’92, the themes still hit home today. Love, loss, joy, nostalgia—it’s universal stuff that transcends borders and generations. And let’s not forget ميحد’s voice—it’s rich and full of character, like hearing an old friend share stories over a campfire.
What surprised me most while listening was how connected I felt to these songs, even as someone who didn’t grow up in the Gulf region. It reminded me that music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a bridge between cultures, a way to peek into someone else’s world and find pieces of yourself there. Plus, fun fact: did you know ميحد wrote all the tunes AND sang them? Dude was clearly talented and hardworking—a combo we don’t see enough these days.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something authentic and moving, give this album a spin. Just be ready to have your feels turned upside down. Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: if this album were food, it’d definitely be machboos—rich, layered, and impossible to resist. Enjoy!
