Lebanese singer Carole Samaha released a new single, Tammeny (reassure me or tell how you’re doing)*. The song is about the sadness and nostalgic parts of grief, recalling the good times of a past relationship or about someone whose partner has passed away. Aziz El Shafei wrote and composed the song.
The music is Arabic Pop. Aziz El Shafei did a remarkable job composing this profound song. The rhythm is wavy yet heavy at times, evoking heartbreak. The semi-fast beat is a bold touch, conveying an attempt to move on, though with some struggle. Ahmed Hussein is incredible at playing the guitar and bouzouki. The tune was remarkably arranged by Osama El Hendy. The mixing and mastering were done by Eddy Jazra, who perfectly captured the mixed emotions this song represents. The slow music at the beginning of the song parallels TLC’s 90s hit No Scrubs, but with a touch of bouzouki and guitar. At the end, it goes from semi-fast to a lovely guitar fade-out. The composition is phenomenal in its structure and tempo changes.
Carole Samaha’s voice is soft and dynamic. Her vocal range is impressive; she hits the high and low notes at precisely the right moments. Carole Samaha ends the song with a whisper, after hitting that high note one last time. She sings with great rhythm and style.
The lyrics are profound and heartfelt. Aziz El Shafei did an excellent job conveying those mixed emotions that many face during the challenging time of grief following a separation or someone’s passing. The words are poetic, rhyming beautifully and flow smoothly. The song tells a relatable story of remembering the good times from a relationship, which, at times, can play tricks on one’s perception and may tempt us to go back to an old flame. It’s a well-written song that captures the complexities of healing from a breakup, especially with its detailed verses. In the context of mourning the loss of a partner who passed away, it’s also relatable. The song can also be a lovely homage. It’s a bittersweet piece. The tune ends with a plea, leaving the listener open-ended.
The single Tammeny is available.
*A translation based on my understanding of Arabic
