Devotional Songs

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.

better than radiohead

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

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

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.

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!

The Pakistani Paul Simon

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.

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.

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'!"

Not too devoted to it

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

Got a headache about 25 minutes in. What a racket

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

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?

🐶💩

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.

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.

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

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.

Dope ass album.

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.

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.

cool

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

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...

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!

😄🍹👍🏻

Beautiful

ok holy shit

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.

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

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

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.

Thats a 5

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.

Qawalli is amazing.

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! :)

...hulka hulka suroor

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.

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

I was genuinely surprised how much I liked this.

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

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 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.

Heavenly

Very powerful music- searching yet joyous.

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 see the value and impact of this

rhythmic

qawwali and response

You're not exactly gonna put it on during your morning commute, but this album rips

Screw in the light-bulb............ pat the dog..................... But no, this is why I love this thing - unlikely I would ever have come across this album in the course of my "normal" listening and it's a lovely lovely thing. Will it be a "go-to" in future? Unlikely. Am I pleased I heard it? 100%

🍓 good

Considering this is a genre I’ve never listened to before from a culture i have relatively limited exposure to, I got a lot from this. Beautiful music if you sit with it. I think I would listen to this again!

Ok cool, this will be something different. Confused as to the title not matching the album cover on this page, so I hoped I grabbed the right one. This guy has a massive discography. Already vibing with the first track. My unaccustomed ears would argue all these songs sound very similar. But I'm glad every time this project introduces me to something not American/British. Enjoying the sound though, 4*

Powerfully spiritual music performed by great musicians.

Beautiful, but requiring further study.

This album of devotional songs has an effect that might stray from intention, as this heathen heard a psychedelic record in a space of its own; the closest I’ve heard to it is the Boredoms majestic Vision Creation Newsun. Cathedrals can awe non-believers as well as the devour.

Don't need to understand the words to enjoy the music.

Fun, lively. I'm not super informed about this genre, but I enjoyed it while it was on. The performances, especially vocally, are fun and engaging. Favorite tracks: "Haq Ali Ali Haq", "Yaad-e-Nabi Gulshan Mehka"

This album is not something I ever would have been exposed to save for this project. I don't know enough about this style of music to say much about it, but I did enjoy the gentle driving beats and Nusrat Feteh Ali Khan's voice, which I read had the ability to withstand hours of uninterrupted singing.

Can't say I hugely connected to this album. Didn't understand the lyrics... Enjoyable listen nonetheless! Vibes. 4/5

There's something about other culture's spiritual songs that makes you appreciate the immense talent that their faith brings out. Whether from the American Plains, the Asian and African continents - you don't know the language they're singing in, but you don't need to. You just jump in and enjoy the ride. 4.5/5.

First time I've seen the bonus tracks come *before* the actual album. I can find no information as to what this album's worth of tracks before the album actually are*. Stuck it all on anyway. The first one reminded me vaguely of Sting, ironically. Found it lovely though. About 4 long tracks in, wondering if I made a poor decision and I'll be tired of this by the time the actual album rolls around. Not so, things pick up again quite a lot, and a real good mix of sounds. Childishly I couldn't help but note he appeared to be singing about former Spurs and England midfielder Dele Alli at one point. *Thanks to another reviewer I discovered this is actually two albums as a reissue, the first being Love Song. This makes perfect sense.

Something I would never have listened to without this albums list. Grateful for the chance to hear it!

Kovat instrut ja siisti lauluääni. Taas kerran tykkään että listalla on jotain muutakin kuin brittirockia. 4/5

Wild and entertaining. 4 sitars.

Quite like

A great texture, interesting arrangements, and it's always nice to hear music from different cultures.

The site links to a combo album and the listed album is the second half of the combo. It really slaps!

Very interesting, I love this music. Much of it sounds the same being I don’t speak the language but the music is beautiful.

I was introduced to N Khan’s music decades ago. His voice is spectacular and is nicely augmented by percussion.

Kaunis levy sisällön ja kannen osalta. Hienot vokaalit ja kauheet palkeet. Todella raikasta aina kuulla jotain muuta kun brittikamaa. Mutta pahus tämäkin on kokoelma! Noh... pirskatti. Musa on kyl kovaa! 4/5

Better than The White Album

My gateway to discovering Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was Jeff Buckley's cover of "Yeh Jo Halka Saroor Hae" on the Live at Sin-é album. And as soon as I listened to "Love & Devotion" all those years ago I could immediately hear the influence in Jeff's music. Nusrat's huge voice is unlike anything I've ever heard, and the arrangements on this album are mind-blowing. This isn't an album, it's a journey!

It’s hard to rate something like this with it stemming from such a different cultural context than I’m used to, so I can’t really think about this the same as the 50th britpop album that Dimery included in the list.

It's all very beautiful and great energy. A fun listen, but damn it was long! 4.5

Next 5 songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: Mehdi Hassan - Ye Duhan Aabha Hanjura - Punjabi Folk Boliyan Mame Khan - Kesariya Balam Madhuri Sharma, NFAK - Mere Baad Kisko Sataoage (Lo-Fi) Abida Parveen - Dhundo Ge Agar Mulkon

My only exposure to NFAK was on the Natural Born Killers Soundtrack which I loved. I thought his inclusion in the film was instrumental in raising the creep factor of that film. If not for that exposure I think I would've just skipped over this and chalked it up to weird fanatical music not worthy of my time... That is to say that I liked this album, I had it playing for about 45 mins., before I had to get up and turn it off. NFAK is gifted, I love his voice and the energy he exudes. The music is strange, repetitive and intriguing and will definitely listen again. However, an hour-and-a-half is really too much NFAK in one sitting.

Wish there were more non-English/non-western albums on this list, always enjoy them when they pop up. The Spotify album the site links to is actually a double album which was probably a bit too much but enjoyed this one for being so different

There's a wonderful nearly thirty-minute cut of Ni Main Jogi De Naal out there, and it's more live, too. Devotional Songs fits six pieces of downright reasonable length. The dynamics of Khan's voice are perceptible if not evident; The recordings provide a divinely sweet hint of the improvisation possible in Qawwali.

Interesting music! Great voice.

His music let in a little light on the darkness of my soul!

Nice to see some world music on here. This album has some great beats and instrumentals. The vocals are madness. Like he going for it! And the backing group vocals are nice af too. Only getting four because it’s not really something I’m ever gravitated to listening to but it’s still fire

Repetitive, meditative. Made for a pleasant work commute. Probably won't listen ever again but don't feel like I wasted the time.

very authentic

I loved it!! I haven't listened to Nusrat's work before specifically but I have been getting more and more into this style of classical South Asian music (I know that's an insanely huge/broad category) I love this style of singing and instrumentation I think it's highly skilled and impressive. I enjoy the sounds and I am going to add this into my rotation plus spend more time exploring his wider body of work.