English Vs Arabic Music

[Kitten]

I'd take that the majority listens to English songs more than those who listen to Arabic ones. The question is, now that I've discovered some who listen to Abu Bakir Salim, Rashid AlMajid, etc..claims that Arabic music delivers certain emotions/feelings that English doesn't, seeing as how Arabic is their first language.

Do you agree? If yes, give us some examples of those songs.

And which one do you listen to the most? [Mods, a poll please]
- Arabic.
- English.
- Others ~ Specify.

To the non-Arabs, which is more meaningful to you? Your own first language or others?

[Joori]

There are songs that can touch me emotionaly, but to me it's not the language that determines that. It depends on the lyrics and the singer him/herself.

I do listen to English songs most of the time, but I also listen to Arabic. There are many songs for certain singers that I consider pretty amazing and their lyrics are not bad at all, such as Hussain Al Jasmi, Rashid Al Majid and Yarra.

[Angel_Eyes]

I listen to English songs more.

[Abdullah]

English songs, all the way. All Arabic songs talk about the same thing and one thing only: Love. All the songs has the word 7abibi 7abibi (Lover). I hate it, and the beat is the same the whole song! All Arabic songs have this similar Tabla typical beat, except the Lebanese/Egyptian artists who are trying to modernize Arabic. And it works! Bleh. English all the way.

[Wolverine]

Arabic is a language that gives more than it gets, If you start studying and learning Arabic you will never get bored! It has everything, to add on that, the Arabic language has some specific letters that other languages cant pronounce OR combine two letters to prounounce it, i know this isnt the subject just a side note, anyways to get into the subject in my replay, I have two answers.

Answer 1: Okay i am a big fan of Arabic music and i listen to all kinds of singers, espically old ones like Abubakr Salim, and i prefer Arabic music on any other kind, the question is why? It is because that the words has strong meaning beheined them, like you listen to the song, then you read the lyrics what you understand from the lyrics makes you feel how much the writer works hard to make his poem comes out in a good shape. Im not talking about the nancy ajram style of songs i am talking about the Khaliji songs and not all songs the ones that are sang by some specific singers like Abubakr, Mohammed Abdo, Abood Khuwaja...ect for example:


يا عين لا تذرفي الدمعة ما دام لك في الأمل شمعة
O' eyes dont tear, since you have some hope in the candle


Answer 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35jHCAA4ENY , see it all you will understand what i mean, the video contains a Yemeni guy and he told the judge why did he flirt with the arabic language in his poet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20i0A1oElkU&feature=related And in this link its him saying his poetry infront of the judge and audience, very very nice and strong words.* Its a game like America's Got talent, Sha'r Al-Million.*

Side note: im not good at translations, and i hope what i wrote is within the thread expection.

[Wolverine]

English songs, all the way. All Arabic songs talk about the same thing and one thing only: Love. All the songs has the word 7abibi 7abibi (Lover). I hate it, and the beat is the same the whole song! All Arabic songs have this similar Tabla typical beat, except the Lebanese/Egyptian artists who are trying to modernize Arabic. And it works! Bleh. English all the way.

Sorry, i disagree with you from all of my heart. Leebanes song and modernizing you said? you mean Shakbat Shakabeet, lakhbat lakhabeet? You call this modernizing, i call this B u llshit, and to add on this it is the lebanese and egyptian song which always says 7abibi 7abibi *lover*.

[Fatiko]

Most of the Arabic songs I listened to were about "Love" .. And they all have that same crappy Arabic beat, which will never change, I guess.

But again, thats only my opinion.

[Nerda]

i listen to both arabic and english song but when i do listen to arabic song i choose great singers like abu baker salim his songs are sooo feelings and they are different what i find in abu baker songs that you can feel the words unlike when i listen to english songs sometimes there is no something about the song its just a nice song

[Tinta]

English is what I check up on, seeing what's new. But Arabic, it's just there; it's not like I personally download and buy CD's of Arabic songs.

[Matiii]

Most of the arabic songs are about "love" ....


so the obvious answer will be, ENGLISH SONGS !
cuz simply, I've heard touching songs that got to me more than I did in arabic, and to be honest, some arabic songs .. I can't even understand the lyrics, I'm talking about some freakin' new words
like the word "Al Mokala" WTH ?

[Black Lolly]

English songs, all the way. All Arabic songs talk about the same thing and one thing only: Love. All the songs has the word 7abibi 7abibi (Lover). I hate it, and the beat is the same the whole song! All Arabic songs have this similar Tabla typical beat, except the Lebanese/Egyptian artists who are trying to modernize Arabic. And it works! Bleh. English all the way.

I couldn't agree more.. Not just habibi theres also these words that EVERY arabic song has to have: Hob, shooq, gharam.. :yuk: I can't stand the lyrics and the same beat.. there's not alot of diversity..

[Tinta]

Hey don't be unfair to you Ethnicity, there's Oman teams songs. "Hatha Al-'3aly"... Or is it '3awy?
_________
OMG, it's also about love!

[Matiii]

^ the national team's songs are ok to me, cuz they have their own time
along with the other Natonal team's related songs :p

[xMysteriousx]

More meaningful? I'd say Arabic, but it really depends on my mood. Sometimes I'd be in the mood to listen to Arabic songs and only that, sometimes English and sometimes Hindi lol. So it all depends on my mood.

[blue-bling]

I listen to both arabic and english songs.. But frankly I am more into english than arabic ..

[Giselle]

English music for me.
I don't see myself listening to Arabic songs...to me they're all the same voice, same music, same tone, same beat, same everything. Also, the singers copy other singers may they be Arabs or Non-Arabs :no: It's very rare when a song sticks out and sounds different/good compared to the rest.

There are a few Arabic songs, even singers, that I would like to listen to more...but English songs/music always win me over.

Both Arabic and English music can deliver emotions/feelings in their own way.


Do you agree?
Mmm...not really. Arabic is my first language and yet I only listen to English.
I think it's what music you grew up with, really.
I grew up listening to English music, so those who listen to Abu Bakir Salim, Rashid AlMajid, and so on, grew up listening to Arabic music.

[Abdullah]

English music for me.
I don't see myself listening to Arabic songs...to me they're all the same voice, same music, same tone, same beat, same everything. Also, the singers copy other singers may they be Arabs or Non-Arabs :no: It's very rare when a song sticks out and sounds different/good compared to the rest.


Hmm, this song stuck out, it is lame, I donno why my sisters liked it. It went famous like that *snaps fingers*

I'm embarrassed myself for posting this song:mmhmm:

:no::no::no:

[Kitten]

^ The remix, and it's not just Mohammed Hamaki's alone.

[Abdullah]

^ The remix, and it's not just Mohammed Hamaki's alone.

Couldn't find it.

[Giselle]

Hmm, this song stuck out, it is lame, I donno why my sisters liked it. It went famous like that *snaps fingers*

I'm embarrassed myself for posting this song:mmhmm:

:no::no::no:

Okay. You see, I actually like this song too :inno:
I blame my cousins though, they played it everywhere we went until it got to me lol.

[NaBHaN]

English has always been my actual 'first' language despite me being an Arab, so I don't really understand the appeal of Arabic songs or even the Arab culture, even if the lyrics were great I still wouldn't be able to get into it because it is just not part of me, and I cannot relate to it. While with english, I can actually relate to it which is why I enjoy English music much more, especially since there's a wide range of genres for me to admire.

[Booth]

I listen to English, it's varied. But Arabic/Khaleeji is nice too, though 99% of it is about love I enjoy it.

[death rose]

i would say english,not because i think arabic songs are meaningless or such stuff,i mean in the end when it comes to that its all about the lyrics and its meaning,and i admit i didnt search for many arab songs and listen carefuly and all to judge but for some reason i like english songs more because the beats are more catchy and all,i only listen to arabic songs in weddings xD,and thats because im not the dj :P

and i admit i have friends who listen to arabic songs such as abu bakir salim and those guys and they show me parts of the lyrics and explain it and it makes me go like niiice =P! but still dont listen to them xD

[J'adore]

Sorry, i disagree with you from all of my heart. Leebanes song and modernizing you said? you mean Shakbat Shakabeet, lakhbat lakhabeet? You call this modernizing, i call this B u llshit, and to add on this it is the lebanese and egyptian song which always says 7abibi 7abibi *lover*.

LOL!

Lil asaf, It said I couldn't rep you! ( too bad )
I also like the other post you made, I agree. :p

I listen to both, the English and the Arabic; and when it comes to lyrics, hands down, arabic music runs on a deeper level.

[Rummy]

If only the poll had me choose more than one option :bored:

I chose English song, though I mostly listen to English and Spanish songs. I relate to these two languages much more than I relate to Arabic. Maybe because I consider English to be my "real" first language rather than Arabic. But I have to admit when it comes to lyrics, nothing beats Arabic lyrics. It has quite an effect and some words just hit a chord which is unexplainable in English or Spanish.

[wordlife]

The only arabic songs i like are the old school umm kulthum and hafez. The great majority of other arabic songs are corny, shallow, and very one dimensional

[~cK~]

from 1000 songs , 1 MAY be arabic lool

[NaBHaN]

and when it comes to lyrics, hands down, arabic music runs on a deeper level.

You can't be serious, unless you're comparing mainstream English to Arabic songs. Otherwise There are millions of English songs out there with far superior lyrics.

[Amir]

I like Omani cultural songs, and started to listen to it so much that people avoid getting into my car :D lol

[Kitten]

English songs appeal to me for many obvious reasons; the wide range of options, different genres and various beats. Whereas Arabic ones are simply repetitive, the same beats & similar lyrics in most of the songs.

I only listen to Arabic songs when I'm forced to or at weddings. That's about it.

[Threadlike]

It is ridiculous to put all Arabic singing into one basket...The objection of Arabic song is Tarrab (or reaching a stage of mental clarity and a sort of emotional discovery through the music and the poetry). This had never been the objection of English song and will never be...No English song gives me 'mental clarity'.

Singers like Om Kolthoum, Abd al Halim Hafez, Farid al Atrash, Asmahan, Mohammed abd el Wahab and others have aimed at Tarrab and obtained it in most (if not all) their songs. Thus, the feeling you get from Arabic music and song (when done EXACTLY as it should be done and if you know how to pick your songs) is something completely more, in my opinion, than English music.

If you think all Arabic songs are about love, you gotta think again...Listen to something like Rubayat al Khayyam from Om Kolthoum; it is a masterpiece of philosophy, religion and emotion sung to brilliant music with a voice acknowledged to be one of the greatest by both Eastern and Western musicians.

Just because Arabic music is not in its best state these days, doesn't mean all Arabic music is crap!

[Abdullah]

Woah, just look at the survey results :hyper:

[A Little Lamb]

English ROCKS and im not going to listen to another language

[ShorrtY]

i voted 4 english coz the ONLY arabic songs i listen to are of Miami Band who r startin 2 lose thier thing,, that made them SPECIAL @ first.

[J'adore]

You can't be serious, unless you're comparing mainstream English to Arabic songs. Otherwise There are millions of English songs out there with far superior lyrics.

But ofcourse, thats exactly what I was doing.. You and I both know, that the majority only listen to mainstream, you can even notice that in Sabla.

How many ppl are actually taking the time to appreciate and like those songs that happen to be superior in lyrics? Not that many.. lol

[Filly_Stiffler]

If only the poll had me choose more than one option :bored:

I chose English song, though I mostly listen to English and Spanish songs. .
yeah, i agree with the poll thingy ..
im more into english songs... AND SPANISH !!!!!!

I only listen to few arabic songs... i like ali bahar, miami n rashid el majid :p

[MorphaKnight]

I'd have to say english hands down! Just like nabhan, english in a way is my first language (I guess i could blame my arabic teachers for making me hate arabic). Anyways I seriously hate arabic music of today. How many times do i have to hear singers compare their object of affection to hearts, eyes, body parts, sun, moon and what not? It's sickening! It's nothing more than a lie! And aside from love songs, its either religion, politics or "funnies". In my opinion they're tasteless and suffer extremely. I never listened to khaleeji music and if i see one on tv i flip the channel right away simply because its too corny.

This mainstream idea of love and romance is nothing more than a facade that is fake and gives the wrong idea about love and affection and due to its overuse, it has lost all meaning.

I don't listen to old arabic music (except maybe sometimes abd el halim hafez) although I do however acknowledge the singers of the olden days as legends.

What makes me even more mad are corporations, companies and other organizations that bastardize the old songs of the legends (as well as new ones and english ones) and turn them into some cheesy parody jingle to sell their product or service (which in the time of Ramadan is either dish washing soap, animal butter or ovens). That really disgusts me...

[NaBHaN]

But of course, thats exactly what I was doing.. You and I both know, that the majority only listen to mainstream, you can even notice that in Sabla.

How many ppl are actually taking the time to appreciate and like those songs that happen to be superior in lyrics? Not that many.. lol

I agree that the majority nowadays just want a 'hot beat' and don't care at all about lyrical content which is sad and shallow in my opinion but that doesn't mean that there aren't any English songs out there that can't out-do many Arabic songs lyrically.

[Tinta]

I SonyErisconLogo English Music :hyper:

[Rock Devil]

First of all, English and Arabic music both have their own style, beats and meaning when it comes to music. Also, there are types of Arabic and English music.

Let us, for example, compare two greats from both the Arabic and English singers to popular new comers. Off course, based on my opinion, so don't start flashing and hating me.

Frank Sinatra:
Its still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die

- As Times Goes By - Frank Sinatra

Abu Baker Salem
والعين لولا الرموش
جمالها مخدوش

And the eye without the eyelashes
It's beauty is scratched

- Dhabia ElYemen - Abu Baker Salem

It may boring to some but the beauty of old singers is how the become specific in their lyrics and the long introductions, not to forget the Oud touch and much more.

Now when we come the popular new comers, I don't really know who to compare to. The only name that come to my mind right now is Milley Cyrus.

There's a reason I choose those two.

Miley Cyrus - Other than being listed in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influencial People in the World in 2008, Cyrus was also listed in Forbes magazine as #35 on the "Celebrity 100" list with earnings of $25 million in 2008. Her rank improved to #29 in 2009.

She's also loved by everyone, not just in America. I'd know this since I have younger Hannah Montanah fans sister. I see school bags when I go to school or Hannah Montanah shirts being sold on random shops.

Miley has also won several awards including five awards from this years Teen Choice Awards alone. That just shows you how much people love her.

Miley Cyrus:
You go the movie premieres
Is that Orlando Bloom?
Hear your songs on the radio

- Best of both worlds - Miley Cyrus

Don't start the hating. I stated my reasons. Then again, there are Arabic music fans who listen to English songs, just for the techno touch or the other way round, where the English listen to Arabic music, just for that Oud note.

Like I said in the beginning, both can't really be compared. Arabs also has the voices, even if you have the English accent. That's why it'll be weird for you to listen to Arab rap.

...and the reason I chose not to write about an Arabic new comer, is because I don't want death threats or so, from big fans of some singers.


I hope I made my point. :boo:

[deadballads]

ppl arabic music suck nd even if they changed the beats it will still suck that's all i've got to say!!

[Booth]

Rock Devil, Abu Bakir Salim is not and old singer, he's a new drunk one. He's lyrics is good, but it's the same old topic, a man explaining how the woman looks and how he loves her, and a woman explaining her "Gharam" passion/love to a certain blond guy in a video clip.


You can't compare Miley Cyrus, she's a Disney thing. Compare musicians like Yellowcard, One Republic, Hoobastank, The Fray, The Script, Breaking Benjamin, Imogen Heap, FM Static, Blue October, RHCP, Snow Patrol, Plumb, Nickelback, Sia, Natasha Bedingfield, Fort Minor, Lifehouse, Rascle Flats, Limp Bizkit,The Birthday Massacre, David Cook, Pink,.. Ect..

[Superbia]

Sometime ago I used to mostly listen to Arabic music only, but recently I started appreciating English music as well. I figured that Arabic music generally falls under the umbrella of emotions and love, love and more love. Sometimes, you need fun music that you can actually dance and cruise with. Hence, that's why I appreciate English music now :super:

[Abdullah]

You wanna know how can you tell if a music video is an Arabic one?

- The female singer is putting all this make-up on her face and wears her best even if she was at a funeral or swimming in the sea.
- The partner (man) always has to be pretty with no facial hair and has long blonde hair.
- "Film Hindi" introduction in the video before the music starts, (an accident, break up, fight, etc.)

[deadballads]

i agree with buthy 13 and freeze lol arabic music are sooo old fashion!!

[Rock Devil]

Rock Devil, Abu Bakir Salim is not and old singer, he's a new drunk one. He's lyrics is good, but it's the same old topic, a man explaining how the woman looks and how he loves her, and a woman explaining her "Gharam" passion/love to a certain blond guy in a video clip.


You can't compare Miley Cyrus, she's a Disney thing. Compare musicians like Yellowcard, One Republic, Hoobastank, The Fray, The Script, Breaking Benjamin, Imogen Heap, FM Static, Blue October, RHCP, Snow Patrol, Plumb, Nickelback, Sia, Natasha Bedingfield, Fort Minor, Lifehouse, Rascle Flats, Limp Bizkit,The Birthday Massacre, David Cook, Pink,.. Ect..
A fan of all those, I suppose?

If you want to compare as so, give me a list of Arabic singers as well.

[ChezChez]

Rock Devil, Abu Bakir Salim is not and old singer, he's a new drunk one. He's lyrics is good, but it's the same old topic, a man explaining how the woman looks and how he loves her, and a woman explaining her "Gharam" passion/love to a certain blond guy in a video clip.


You can't compare Miley Cyrus, she's a Disney thing. Compare musicians like Yellowcard, One Republic, Hoobastank, The Fray, The Script, Breaking Benjamin, Imogen Heap, FM Static, Blue October, RHCP, Snow Patrol, Plumb, Nickelback, Sia, Natasha Bedingfield, Fort Minor, Lifehouse, Rascle Flats, Limp Bizkit,The Birthday Massacre, David Cook, Pink,.. Ect..

Him singing drunk makes the song better. :yes:

[Evana]

Arabic songs don't appeal to me VERY much. I listen to English and other foreign songs like Turkish and Spanish flamenco songs "equally". But if I had to choose one, I’d go for “Other”.

I don’t usually pay attention to lyric or language, music is all matters to me. Saying that,…. I’m not being shallow, you don’t really have to understand the words if you can get the feeling and emotion they are coming across with. Isn’t that all what music about?

[Tinta]

Hahaha.

"Sood el 3yoon" (black eye, not the black eye in the fight :bored:), LOL at this phrase!

[DarK PrincesS]

English ofcourse...but i do listen to arabic but not khaleeji..it sort of gets a bit toooo boring lol
all in all english rules..

[Tinta]

I listen to German :D

[Storm]

When I have my time of relaxing - I love to listen to Arabic songs ( Abdul Kareem Abdul Qadeer - Umm Kulthoom - Abdul Haleem Hafez )

I do listen to some English songs and few other Arabic when I am in a mood for it

[Booth]

ChezChez, That's what you all say, how is it better to listen to a retarded man stammering words?

[Listen2theOcean]

I'd take that the majority listens to English songs more than those who listen to Arabic ones. The question is, now that I've discovered some who listen to Abu Bakir Salim, Rashid AlMajid, etc..claims that Arabic music delivers certain emotions/feelings that English doesn't, seeing as how Arabic is their first language.

Do you agree? If yes, give us some examples of those songs.

And which one do you listen to the most? [Mods, a poll please]
- Arabic.
- English.
- Others ~ Specify.

To the non-Arabs, which is more meaningful to you? Your own first language or others?

through the years my tast keeps opening up, first I love arabic music all the time, then english came to sight loved it also felt every lungage has it is new taste. It renew feelings all over then started listening to other countries lungages when the internet came in. As before that mainly in the market is arabic and english. Finally, almost kept on listening to any lungage that comes by now I am crazy over this song as I just keep wondering where are those times when every one seemed to be happy and dancing :XD::color::yell:.......we all use to enjoy our life as we get older as we get bitter :XD::XD::XD: now don't blame the age as will or your partner or life just blame your self for forgetting the value of being happy and enjoying the beauty.. as i don't even see much people enjoying the beach as they use to although Oman has a lot of good nature especially in winter but all are stuck somewhere far from nature...afcourse i see only football players...they even don't let us to walk beside the :color:beach its like they own it in shati al quram girls usually get annoyed.

[Kitten]

^ I tried my best to understand what you posted, unfortunately, I couldn't.


Him singing drunk makes the song better. :yes:

That's defiantly news to me. A drunk man singing? Seriously.

[QuEeN]

through the years my tast keeps opening up, first I love arabic music all the time, then english came to sight loved it also felt every lungage has it is new taste. It renew feelings all over then started listening to other countries lungages when the internet came in. As before that mainly in the market is arabic and english. Finally, almost kept on listening to any lungage that comes by now I am crazy over this song as I just keep wondering where are those times when every one seemed to be happy and dancing :XD::color::yell:.......we all use to enjoy our life as we get older as we get bitter :XD::XD::XD: now don't blame the age as will or your partner or life just blame your self for forgetting the value of being happy and enjoying the beauty.. as i don't even see much people enjoying the beach as they use to although Oman has a lot of good nature especially in winter but all are stuck somewhere far from nature...afcourse i see only football players...they even don't let us to walk beside the :color:beach its like they own it in shati al quram girls usually get annoyed.

okey? so wut does all of this have to do with the topic? it kinda started out o-key but then..u started talking about the beach? then football and then again the omani beaches? wth?! :hyper:

[QuEeN]

as for me i enjoys english music more than arabic but that doesn't mean i don't listen to arabic at all
am just kinda picky when it comes to arabic :)

[black N white]

I ONLY LOVE ENGLISH SONGS !!
arabic songs r too dramatic N too lame

[Hazel]

I listen to both English and Arabic... thou; i love arabic more

[Ayna]

I enjoy english very much but I relate to and favour Arabic anyday, hands down.

One example is this one (http://www.nomorelyrics.net/ar/6178-lyric.html), which was actually written as a poem at first from a Saudi prince to his wife (who he cheated on and regret his actions).

You guys google lyrics from ANY of Muhammed Abdu's songs and give me ONE english song that has equally great lyrics. I dare you :)

[Booth]

^Mohammed Abdu, are you kidding me? A5aiih [Ew] Arabic songs have certain topics, [Love- And Love] that's about it.

Yellowcard, One Republic, Hoobastank, The Fray, The Script, Breaking Benjamin, Imogen Heap, FM Static, Blue October, RHCP, Snow Patrol, Plumb, Nickelback, Sia, Natasha Bedingfield, Fort Minor, Lifehouse, Rascle Flats, Limp Bizkit,The Birthday Massacre, David Cook, Pink, Infected Mushrooms, Faber Drive, Archuleta, Shayne,.. Many, many, many more!

[Threadlike]

I don't get why many of us seem so ashamed, or even rather paranoid, by the thought of Arabic music.

From some of the posts, it just doesn't seem as much as a matter of taste as it seems it's just a matter of not wanting to be associated at all with it, no matter what. The good and the bad of it.

[ChezChez]

ChezChez, That's what you all say, how is it better to listen to a retarded man stammering words?

Give it a try. :rolleyes:



That's defiantly news to me. A drunk man singing? Seriously.
That's right.