1. Introspective
2. Any Given Time
3. Look Into My Eyes
4. Just Me
5. Kom Igen (Feat. U$O, ADL & Salah Edin)
6. Nothing Left To Do
7. Beyond Words
8. In Good Hands
9. Reggada (Feat. Taibi & Dany Rai)
10. Callin' U
11. Sakeena
12. I've Seen
13. Una Palabra
14. I Only Ask Of God
15. Appreciatin'
16. Redemption Song
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They may not be household names in the UK, but in Europe thousands have heard of Danish Hip Hop group Outlandish. Making award-winning music since 1997, the handsome posse is made up of Waqas Ali Qadri, Isam Bachiri and Lenny Martinez. Having already produced two genre-defining albums in Outland's Official and Bread and Barrels Of Water, the trio continue on their journey of 'life music' with their third. An inspirational collection of 15 songs, it's a prime example of how music can be both entertaining and meaningful.
Born in Denmark but hailing from Moroccan, Pakistani and Honduran backgrounds (Isam and Waqas are Muslims and Lenny is Catholic), religion and politics have an important influence on Outlandish. Themes about Islam and contemporary issues facing young Muslims in the west are often included in their music. Take for example, Look Into My Eyes, which is based on a poem by a teenage Palestinian that expresses the plight of those suffering from America's foreign policy. The song flows without sounding preachy. Similarly, tracks such as Just Me and Una Palabra give a rare insight into life in today's Europe as seen through the eyes of a second generation immigrant. Nothing Left To Do boldly tackles the taboo issue of a young Muslim man catching HIV.
Another key theme is love and respect between men and women, highlighted on Any Given Time and Calling U. Both modern love songs, their seductive lyrics and melodies are enhanced by Isam's velvet vocals. Soft and sensously sung, it's easy to see why Outlandish's lead singer is so popular.
While most American hip hop outfits may rap about gangs, guns and girls, these brothers prefer to be morally-minded with their lyrics. Flitting comfortably between English, Danish, Spanish, Urdu and Punjabi, songs like Komigen also allow Waqas and Lenny to show off their multilingual skills. I've Seen, featuring popular British Muslim musician Sami Yusuf deomonstrates another feather in Outlandish's bow – their interest in collaborating with other Islamic artists.
Proving that music can be open-minded and overtly religious, with Closer Than Veins Outlandish have created a cross-cultural gem.
http://www.myspace.com/outlandsofficial