Ya-Rayi by Khaled
Right from to the opening Arabesque piano passage, you'll instantly realise you're listening to a supremely classy production. The rest of the album does not disappoint: a sizzling musical party where traditional Middle-eastern sounds mash tastefully with flowery electronics. Some of the songs (like "Ya Galbi") have a distinctly Caribbean feel, and Khaled's voice is as strong and powerful as ever.
I always think that Algerian Rai music is a cheesy lot, and surely Khaled has propagated a fair load of cheese over the years. Let's hope that this wonderful album be a foretaste of what is to come.