Devotional Songs

better than radiohead

OK, I know I've bitched about the anglocentricity of this whole project. So I shouldn't complain too much when they branch out to something different. But damn, this sucks.

I really loved this music and learning of the great esteem so many had for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, especially, but not only, in Pakistan. It's always a little humbling to realize there's so much I'm not even aware of in this world. Turns out I have listened to him performing a different recording of "Allah Hoo" on the soundtrack to "Monsoon Wedding," which I played quite a lot when it came out. There he was all this time, and me not aware of who this artist was. I do feel a certain joy and contemplation while listening, which I think just hints at what really lies behind his music.

The Spotify link actually leads to the double-release *Love Song* and *Devotional Songs*, called *Love & Devotion* for that reissue. But given Nustrat Fateh Ali Khan's protean discography, it's not a problem to spend a little more time with him anyway... I don't know much about the Qawwali school of music Khan was the grand master of, to be honest (I have another NFAK album at home, *Mustt Mustt*--one of his crossover collaborations with Michael Brook--but it's literally been *decades* since I listened to it). And obviously I can't understand the words Nusrat sang. Yet it's funny how "love songs" sounded like genuine "devotional songs" to me (and vice-versa). After I've listened to those two records, I've read some stuff online suggesting the two formats are actually deeply related to each other, so I wasn't that far off the mark, I guess. In a way, "love" and "devotion" are interchangeable here, even if the religious or romantic contexts behind them are not (and Khan would most certainly frown upon me for doing so). Oddly enough, I tend to prefer the instrumentation and harmonies displayed on *Love Songs*, even if critics more specialized and knowledgeable that I will ever be on the subject singled out *Devotional Songs* as the slightly superior album between the two. Whatever the case may be, it's a great experience to go through them one after the next... It's always odd to select a little bit of "global" music in a list clearly centered on the Western World. Maybe each continent could have its own 1001 albums list to enhance and praise different musical traditions from all around the world. I don't know if that's a good idea, but that could at least make up for the cultural bias of this particular list. No judging here, it's a bias that I personally share with Dimery and co., even if I know it's a flaw (admittedly an unavoidable one, wherever you come from). That being said, and to return to this particular double-release, I like this man's voice. And his music is rich, entrancing and far more varied in its harmonies (along with the different emotions it triggers) than the codified tradition it draws from lets on... 4/5. It's the sort of record that makes me eager to learn more, and there are not so many of them, are they? Since I've listened to that double-album, I've dug further, and found many gems by NFAK. Listening to them, I've come to realize that the lush orchestration and the edited versions of *Love And Devotion* have their charms and serve the songs right, but that some of the other live versions of those compositions out there are *way more* intense, just as they are longer and more adventurous. Feeling like I'm falling into a wonderful rabbit hole here. Thanks, Dimery and co. :) Number of albums left to review: 585 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 199 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 95 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 123

The title doesn't lie here. I can hear the devotion in Khan's voice, and it's a major reason why the music is as good as it is. This is a deeply passionate collection of songs that shouldn't be overlooked by any fan of world music. Ali Khan's voice is an emotional beckoning.

The Pakistani Paul Simon

If I had to torture someone for exactly 1.5 hours I would simply play them this album.

It made me want to get up and shuffle with my fist on my forehead.

This was something new and different. I was a bit concerned that it might grow a bit tiresome, but it definitely did not. Outstanding!

Me: "Knock, knock." Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: "Who's there?" Me: "Allah." Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: "Allah Hoo, Allah Hoo, Allah Hooooooo?" Me: "Allah your songs are a little too long, but otherwise gently hypnotic, stunningly sung, and very enjoyable. Thank you for showing me the wonders of Qawwali music: it's three stars from me. P.S: Amazing work on Peter Gabriel's 'Signal to Noise'!"

This is a wonderful album, every song had me tuned in. I feel sorry for people who can’t appreciate this kind of thing. I’ve found that listening to something outside of your own language lets you connect on a deeper level to the music. I loved listening to this and will be back for more!

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Devotional Songs Honestly, Qawwali isn't really my thing, I don't really listen to religious songs, specially to those who are not from my beliefs, but instead of using that as an excuse to not listen to this album, I just went for it and listen it for what it is, and I ended up liking this album WAY more than I initially thought so. 6 songs, but all of them surpass 7 minutes of time length, this album offers the catchiest tunes you could listen to, the instrumentals and the harmonies go hand in hand beautifully and the choruses make you want to dance and groove on the song. In my case, I don't speak arabic, so I don't know the lyrics that he's singing, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless, this is great! 1.- Allah Hoo Allah Hoo = 9/10 2.- Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka = 7/10 3.- Haq Ali Ali Haq = 8/10 4.- Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam = 9/10 5.- Mast Nazroon Se Allah Bacchae = 7/10 6.- Ni Main Jogi De Naal = 8/10 FINAL SCORE: 8/10

It's very difficult to find this. He appears to have recorded about eleventy million albums, a significant portion of them posthumously. Which is impressive indeed. What I've managed to find, I've enjoyed. So let's go for 4.

Once you spend some time with it you see why it belongs on this list.

Sometimes I love having non-English sung music playing while I work. NFAK can sometimes hit a groove for me while I grind on my work.

As a lover of music, I can appreciate it. And the vocals are really great

Nice to be exposed to it. Apparently it is called Qawwali . Very different than what I am used to, but at the same time, definitely not alien, there is a familiarity with it that transcends language. 3.5 but would give it 4 for the novelty.

Not too devoted to it

Great flow state music.

What a banger. If this doesn't get you pumped I don't know what will. This makes me feel like I'm there with everybody coming together in the joy of music. And the PLAYING?!?!?! Impeccable. Apprently Nusrat can sing like this for hours on end. What a fuckin legend

Devotional Songs I don’t know anything about qawwali or Pakistani music at all, but similar to the Call of the Valley album, there’s something about this type of music that really appeals to me. I’m not saying I’m at Harrrison levels of reverence and devotion but I did think this was excellent. Maybe it’s the hypnotic and mesmeric feel to it with the vocal chanting and percussion, or that not understanding Urdu means it has a degree of mystery (although even with not understanding Urdu the themes of religious reverence are pretty obvious), or that there are some elements that feel familiarly folky or Western sounding, eg the guitar on Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka or the Spanish sounding intro on Haq Ali Ali Haq (a song about Ali Ireland need to get rid of some phlegm) and the intro to Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam (a song about Ali Ireland playing Rugby and being quite vicious) I would never have listened to this without the list, I’d never have heard of him or thought about listening to this type of music, but I’m really glad it did. 4. 💖💖💖💖 Playlist submission: Ni Main Jogi De Naal

the vibe is nice on this one

I absolutely would never have listened to without doing this list. I don’t speak the language and am fairly unfamiliar with Sufism (so obviously have never listened to qawwali before), but the devotion does translate. I don’t plan on listening to all of this again (it’s 90 minutes long), but truly appreciate the experience. Lives up to the name: a deeply devotional record. It’s hypnotic and surprising, and he has an unstoppable voice.

Other than being slightly familiar with this genre from years of yoga, this artist and style of music was pretty unknown to me. Although I had no idea what he was saying, the music was a great vibe and his voice was incredible from the range to the power, it was transfixing.

Really liked this one, I was on a real boring streak lately with these albums where I only got trashy metal and emo rock so this was a nice change of pace! Oriental music isn't praised enough in the mainstream scene so this was a nice surprise!

So very much not what I listen too. I can’t comment on the lyrical content given not knowing the language. Having said that I am glad there are a few albums like this on the list. Push you into sitting down and listening to something way out of your normal listening profile. I thought it would benefit from listening on my proper sound system. And it did. Wonderfully recorded and big sound. Very much worth a listen.

This kind of slaps. A music style I know nothing about, but it is pretty damn catchy. Haq Ali Ali Haq is pretty great. The drums are addicting and the chanting is never obnoxious. I liked this more than I expected and am glad I listened. No idea how this stacks up to other Pakistani music, but Nusrat feels like a good intoduction to it.

I haven't really sat and listened to something like this before. The worship in this music is clear. Very pleasant listen. Probably truly a 3* but "Haq Ali Ali Haq" is such a banger I think I'm going to give it 4*.

Between a 3 and a 4, rounding up because I ran out of time to listen again but I think it would improve with repeat listening and be good music to write by.

Irgendwie nicht so meins. Und doch war ich fasziniert. Habe die Platte durchgehört und es hat mir gefallen.

"Nusrat, he's my Elvis!" I first heard of this guy on a Jeff Buckley live album - apparently he was obsessed with the guy. Buckley even did a couple of live covers if I remember correctly, I'll have to dig that album out again. I listened to him a big at the time, but then kinda forgot about him. This is a bit of a hard one to find, he has a ton of albums on Spotify and Tidal. I couldn't find this one initially, so started listening to a YouTube playlist of the songs. But that kept stopping, so I had another look and found the album "Love and Devotion", which seems to have the same songs and the same album artwork shown in the 1001 entry above. So, not completely sure I'm listening to the right album. Regardless, what I'm listening to is surprisingly great! I don't speak the language, so have no real context for the lyrics, but they are apparently religious. Being an atheist, I suspect the translation might make me cringe, but they are delivered with such passion and musical talent that I can appreciate it. Some of the songs are very danceable as well. What more could you want? "Allah Hoo" indeed.

growing up on bollywood movies and music, sufi music like what's found in devotional songs is old hat to me! what is new to me, however, is nusrat fateh ali khan himself. he brought international recognition to qawwali music, sufi islamic devotional singing. despite dying quite young, his legacy lives on with how he continues to inspire young musicians today. from personal experience, this kind of music has appeared many, many times in south asian films since his death in 1997. his early death makes me wonder what kind of contributions he could've continued to provide to bollywood films! anyway, as far as this album goes, its music is serene and blissful. the vocals pack an emotional punch, even when you can't understand the lyrics. some may call this style of music repetitive, but religious singing always is--the singers want to express their love for their god(s)! outside of the singing, the instrumentation is good. using south asian instruments, the music has a consistent, rhythmic beat that acts as a trance. but since singing is the main focus of this music, it should be and is dominating over the instruments.

Really interesting and unexpected. Beautiful.

You know, I don't know what they are saying in this music, nor do I really have much of an idea of how to describe it. It's really cool, though, how music can be so unfamiliar in terms of its language, structure, and instruments, and yet be so accessible. It's just a great listen, and Khan has an incredible voice 4/5

I didn’t expect to spend my afternoon with a Pakistani Qawwali album sung in Urdu and Punjabi — especially one that’s more a curated sampler than a proper studio album. Until today, I hadn’t even heard the word Qawwali. Consider me educated. And, given the current political climate, I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if someone heard this blasting through my window and decided to alert the authorities. The real revelation, unsurprisingly, is Nusrat’s voice. He doesn’t just sing — he commands. One moment, he’s murmuring something that sounds almost too intimate for public consumption; the next, he’s unleashing a tidal wave of praise that feels like it could lift a roof off its foundations. His breath control is absurd, his melodic runs could outrun a cheetah, and his improvisational confidence is the kind of thing that only comes from being the undisputed master of a tradition that predates most modern genres. But this is more than just a vocal masterclass — the backing ensemble deserves their flowers too. Harmonium lines ripple like heat waves, tablas lay down endlessly shifting rhythms, and the chorus of singers (his trusted “party”) answers Nusrat’s every phrase, creating a call-and-response structure that’s central to Qawwali itself. This isn’t just music; it’s a conversation with the divine, meant to draw everyone — singers, listeners, believers — into a shared spiritual trance. That trance didn’t fully land for me. Chalk it up to cultural distance, spiritual misalignment, or just a lack of context, but the repetition — essential as it is — started to wear me down rather than lift me up. That’s not a flaw in the music; it’s just a reminder that this wasn’t made with me in mind. Released in the heart of the early-‘90s “world music” boom, Devotional Songs is a textbook case of how to bridge cultures without diluting either side. Credit to Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records for resisting the urge to sand down the edges. This still feels raw, reverent, and resolutely itself — a window into a sound that’s been filling shrines and courtyards for centuries. Not every track hit me equally, but a few absolutely cut through. Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka sways with a gentle, hypnotic pulse that I found strangely comforting. Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam turns up the intensity, with Nusrat practically testifying over a relentless groove. And Allah Hoo Allah Hoo is just pure transcendence — a perfect entry point for anyone curious about this world. So no, I won’t be starting a weekly Qawwali night anytime soon — but this was a wild, beautiful detour, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want from an album on a list like this. It doesn't surprise me that Devotional Songs landed in the 1001 Albums selection — you can’t claim to know the full spectrum of music without stepping into these once-regional niches and seeing just how deep the well goes.

ДЖИМИ-ДЖИМИ АЧА-АЧА

Jag kan inte ta mig igenom det här. Hur kommer det sig att den här plattan finns med på listan och inte Levellers - Levelling the Land? Eller Rammstein - Mutter? Eller Kula Shaker - K? Eller Poesie Noire - Tetra? Eller The Neon Judgement - Horny as hell? Trisomie 21 - Million lights? 23 Till - Nöjd? Skinny Puppy - Rabies? Aimless Device - Hard to be Nice? Nationalteatern - Barn av vår tid? Melanie - Affectionately Melanie? Buffy Sainte-Marie - It's my way? Steeleye Span - Hark! The Village wait? Kite - VI? Simon Brehm - Big Simon? A Split Second - From the inside? Henric De La Cour - Henric De La Cour?

How can anyone give this anything other than 1 star? It's complete shite.

🐶💩

Got a headache about 25 minutes in. What a racket

Listened before?: No, never heard of these artists I love it. Beautiful, moving, relaxing. Will certainly be adding this to the rotation.

I’ve always loved Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This a great collection of his work. Yes, it’s long, but it merits its length. Especially since this list has so few non-Western albums, an extra hour is manageable.

Easily one of the best singers of all time. Incredible range and ease of singing. Favorite track: sanson ki mala pey other picks: biba sada dil morr de, yeh jo, yaadan, ali maula

Few, if any, is on the level of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan when it comes to the world of qawwali music. Devotional Songs is partly inspired by some Western traditions which makes for thrilling listen that never fails to amaze you.

Indescribably fantastic. I have no context for the music. But every time i hear these ragas and Khan’s chanting, I smile. Must have this music in my life. Five!

The sound is HUGE on this album. Very full rich tones with gorgeous vocals. I have no idea what we are giving devotion too, but this album is fantastic.

I used to have a mix with some of this stuff, but no names so I could really find it again. This is so joyous!

THIS IS. SOMETHING. INCREDIBLE. PURE ENERGY. DIVINE.

...hulka hulka suroor

Loved it, it felt like hearing someone wield their voice like a guitar and solo with it - that and just very pleasant listening with a great energy. Will happily listen again! :)

Qawalli is amazing.

Honestly? Banger after banger

Mesmerising, meditative and hypnotic music. The more I listened to it the more I got into it and thought I could listen to it for a few more hours. It may sound repetitive, but the song structures and singing are complex. I enjoyed it very much and I'm glad and album from Asia - Pakistan is included on this heavily American/UK-centric list. To any of those who hated this album: the world is extremely diverse musically and if someone does this challenge their ears and mind should be open to new sounds, even if it's not familiar to them and it's world music, which is very different from pop/rock/hip-hop/electronica. If it's quality - whatever the music comes from - it should be appreciated.

Heavenly

Uplifting and strikingly beautiful. I get why this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I could listen for hours. And some of these songs really do feel that long!

I was genuinely surprised how much I liked this.

Love love love! Qawwali at its best. His voice is blues and opera swirling together.

Very powerful music- searching yet joyous.

I don't know what he's saying, but this man can take a single phrase, and spin infinite variations out of it. Splendid! Consider me devoted. 5 prayers up to the heavens out of 5

I grooved to this all day long. Wish I could understand the language.

I’ve never listed to this type of music before. Only heard it in the background of a restaurant. I have to say this was surprisingly entertaining and enjoyable. I can safely say that this is my favourite qawwali album of all time. Brilliant!

I hadn't listened to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for well over 25 years. Beautiful voice with music that makey mind travel

neat Pakistani singer

I first heard about Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Jeff Buckley who said that "he's my Elvis" and I always thought that was a very interesting way to put it. I never really liked Elvis and would take Nusrat any day. Wonderful music on this record. I get that it's not for everyone but I am glad to see it included here. Chances are anyone who is only vaguely familiar with qawwali music heard it from Nusrat. Unbelievable vocals on this album, though I can't understand what he's saying but you don't really have to. The man could sing. And the energy in this recording can really be felt. Even though I wouldn't listen to this all the time, I still have to give it 5/5 because it is a brilliant record that everyone should certainly hear at least once.

where’s the gif of that white cat bobbing it’s head with its eyes closed. me af with these jams. this is absolutely the kind of thing i’d bump into just typing the names of random countries into spotify’s search but what a *voice* this man has. grateful to have been introduced to it. (and, admittedly, grateful to be listening to an artist from Anywhere But the US or the UK) the entry about this album in the book is a little weird.

The vocals are astonishing, soaring and elegant and powerful and the interplay between voice and percussion adds so many layers to the sound. I feel ill judged to rate this - however, I found it moving, catchy and incredible.

This is fantastic. Albums like this are why I started listening to this list. Never heard of this artist before. I'd like to be in a restaurant sitting on pillows, eating and listening to a band playing this type of music. This album makes me want to travel.

Really beautiful stuff - an amazing singer and great band. I like some of his stuff with electronic beats a little better but this is really moving music.

Dope ass album.

I also discovered Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan via the Natural Born Killers soundtrack and this is the first time I've really dug in since then. A great album each track awesome.

Great stuff! I wasn't too familiar with this specific album, but I love some of his other stuff, and have been a fan since he appeared in the "Natural Born Killers" soundtrack. Qawwali has a lovely hypnotic cinematic quality - I could happily listen to it all day. Fave track - "Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam" let's say, but it doesn't make a great deal of sense to pick individual tracks off this album...

😄🍹👍🏻

Very powerful voice and hypnotic music i like it! caution, streaming services they had it as a double album called Love and Devotion Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Party. 5

ok holy shit

true hero of African music, addictive music, can listen to this for days.

Was very surprised with this one. Absolute banger. Fully deserving of the 5/5

Very interesting rhythmically and melodically, hugely enjoyed this album and will definitely revisit!

Thats a 5

Beautiful

cool

I don’t know enough about this kind of music to say anything informed or intelligent about it but I liked it and could use a bit more love and devotion in my world.

This was a little unexpected. While maybe not my usual fare and not likely to become a part of my daily routine, I’m glad to have something like this appear on the list. Really great!

Great Asian citar tunes

I was not familiar with the world's 4th greatest singer of all time according to the LA Times, but I'm glad to know him. Inspired a rewarding trip to YouTube.

I really need to put more World Music in my life. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a pretty amazing vocalist, and I can see why every song is pretty much over 7 mintues, as his voice puts you in a kind of trance. Woh Hata Rahe Hain Pardah nice opener to the album. Allah Hoo Allah Hoo is just a fun song. Haq Ali Ali Haq is another good sing along, probably will have that one stuck in my head later.

I enjoyed this.

its lit

I found this music entrancing. Just lovely.

I don't know anything about this type of music, but I think it's pretty good. 4 stars or B+.

Okay, so I fully went into this thinking, "There's no way I'm gonna like this. Pakistani music? Nah." But I listened to it, and after I got through the first track, the final 20 seconds of the second track made me sit up in my seat. Then, my ears tuned in, and man I have no idea what they're saying on any of these tracks, but they put nothing but passion into it and you feel it. I loved every song after the first one. Don't let the runtime scare you, this one is very very good.

A good album and very different from what I usually listen to. I liked the style and rhythm of the music.

Like a lot of folks here, I first heard of this artist through Jeff Buckley's Live at Sin-é album. Unfortunately, I never investigated further, but I remember thinking if Jeff liked this artist, he must be something special. I was right to think that. This album is certainly in my top 5 of the albums on this list I had never heard before. Normally, I'm not much of a fan of "world music," but I am very much enjoying listening to this. Cool depth, texture, instrumentation, vocals, and just the vibe in general. Super glad I listened to this

Listening to NFAK, one has not much idea of what one's listening to (other than it's being called qawwali and being linked to Sufism [which one has always sorta dug without {again} knowing too much about it]). But what one hears are a deep spiritual yearning and a reaching for what can only surmise is an elevated plane of union with the lord. Editors are right, it's sexy, too. The seeming sincerity and commitment ("seeming" because how can one know another's heart, even through his voice) and intensity provides insight into why the dervishes spin. The technique seems astonishing, too, though of course one can't say if its historically accurate or dogmatically appropriate or technically innovative in any particular way. Certainly it creates a meditative mood. This is warmer, more tuneful and less austere (and perhaps a tick less captivating therefore) than the later works, the folky and flamenco flourishes adding accessibility, too. Perhaps most amazing of all: he sings with this power and passion whilst sitting down if the various YouTube concert videos are to be believed.

Immediately flew into my top 10 qawwali albums of all time! Great voice and unlike some other Asian traditional arrangements there is an inherent rhythmic quality in Devotional Songs that makes this an enjoyable listen.

tranceful and hypnotic

Not My fav fateh ali but still a good one. The qawalli vibe in general tickles my brain in the right ways Also the lungs on this dude... rest in peace

I'm not really sure I actually listened to the correct thing here, conflicting information on various sites left me in doubt, but I listened to an hour or so of this guys songs and by the end I was loving it. Not sure I'd come back but it was fun while it lasted.

I was already slightly familiar with Nusrat from Jeff Buckley's awkward cover of Yeh Jo Halka Suroor Hai on Live at Sin-e. Not that this is something I listen to often, but I really do appreciate the meditative nature of these songs. I'm sure there's a lot of generalization and simplification of Sufi culture in my understanding of it, but it's hard to deny the beauty of their art.

Dit klinkt mij eerder traditioneel in de oren dan dat het een popalbum is. Er staan ook geen Twentse boerenliederen, Gregoriaanse gezangen of opera's van Mozart in. Dus waarom wel dit Pakistaanse gekweel en getrommel? Het is wel leuk om een keer kennis van te nemen hoor, drie kwartier aanstekelijke happy clappy mantra's, en dus ben ik mild met het cijfer, maar ik vind dit eigenlijk niet in de lijst thuishoren.

Traditional qawwali music by Pakistani singer. Surprisingly catchy tunes made for an enjoyable listen. Standouts are "Biba Sada Dil Morr De" and "Ni Main Jogi De Naal".