Mahmoud El-Esseily - Tool Manty Ganby

This is Esseily's best work yet. There's definite maturity in his choice of lyrics and music (being one of the few artists in Egypt who compose and write most of their songs). The songs Walad Rassam (Painter Boy) and Mosh Zay Al Aflam (Not Like The Movies) are some of the best I've heard of Arabic pop music in quite a long time, while not to mention that Bouchra's voice in the passionate Walad Rassam is a terrific, terrific addition. In fact, at some points in the song, one feels her voice remarkably overshadows that of Esseily's as her vocal ability and power are much much wider than his own.

The problem is the everlasting Esseily problem: The album is not good as a whole. There are good songs, but Esseily does not possess what I like to call the Amr-Diab-Factor that makes every song a hit. Amr Diab has this 'thing' with his songs that simply makes the whole album worth listening to, every single song. Not one song seems 'out' or too familiar. It will take Esseily more time to master this musical instinct if you like to call it; took Amr Diab 30 years so I'm in no hurry.

I also feel that Tool Manty Ganby (the song) was not as good as most people really make it sound. Its lyrics feel out of the soul of the album and the music is not really that catchy nor that artistic. I think it was a very poor choice for the titular song and also for the video clip.

Anyhow, here's Walad Rassam (my favorite song of the entire album) in one my favorite fan videos on YouTube: