Khomsa
Anouar Brahem · 1995
76 min · 16 tracks · jazz
A graceful fusion of traditional Arabic melodies and modern jazz harmonies, enveloped in a warm, contemplative atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Soufle un Vent de Sable — This track features intricate interplay between the oud and clarinet, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that embodies the album's essence.
-
→
L'infini Jour — With its expansive arrangement and lyrical improvisation, this piece showcases Brahem's mastery of blending melody and rhythm in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary.
-
→
Comme un Départ — Opening the album, this track sets the thematic tone with its reflective mood and delicate instrumentation, drawing listeners into Brahem's musical world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalKhomsa blends Arabic melodies with jazz elements, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness in its sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of the oud, which serves as the primary melodic instrument across nearly all tracks.
- The arrangements often include subtle shifts in dynamics, with layers of instrumentation gradually building and receding within each piece.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks
- evocative soundscapes for deep focus
- rich auditory landscapes for reflection
- soothing melodies for late-night listening
- explorative journey through each track
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer standalone upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Khomsa was Anouar Brahem's third album, following his significant breakthrough with 'Barzakh' in 1991. This record marked a deepening of his unique sound, establishing him as a key figure in the world music scene and showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Omar Souleyman· Rabih Abou-Khalil· Dhafer Youssef
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Seule
The music shifts from a gentle flow to a more intense, rhythmic pulse dramatically alters the atmosphere.
This transition not only enhances emotional depth but also mirrors the narrative arc of solitude transforming into connection.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Comme un Départ 3:36
- 2 L'infini Jour 7:32
- 3 Soufle un Vent de Sable 10:07
- 4 Regard de Moulette 1:55
- 5 Sur l'Infini Bleu 5:53
- 6 Claquent les Voiles 2:09
- 7 Vague 2:37
- 8 E la Nave Va 4:41
- 9 Aïn Ghazel 7:32
- 10 Khomsa 7:01
- 11 Seule 3:39
- 12 Nouvelle Vague 2:38
- 13 En Robe d'Olivier 2:41
- 14 Das Rayons et des Ombras 8:32
- 15 Un Sentier d'Alliance 2:41
- 16 Comme une Absence 3:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.