The Devolution of Arabic Music: Alaa Wardi, a Saudi-Iranian singer (we can’t help but wonder what his family reunions are like) has created an acapella mashup of 42 of the most popular songs in the Arab world. With the help of Angham, Wardi takes us back to the early 1900s to present day, covering icons and divas such as Fairuz, Om Kolthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, Amr Diab, Elissa, and Nancy Ajram. He sings well, does these legends justice, and the nostalgia definitely put a smile on our faces. An unintended consequence: It really starts going downhill once you get to Saad El Majarad territory. (Watch, runtime: 6:17).

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