Publication: NST
Date of publication: Oct 2, 2009
Section heading: Life & Times
Page number: 003
Byline / Author: By Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
DATUK Siti Nurhaliza's latest album ventures into the spiritual genre, writes BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI.
SPIRITUALITY is what Tahajjud Cinta, the latest album from Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, is all about, an unusual move from a recording artiste who's already establish herself in pop and traditional fare.
Proving her versatility, pop queen Siti spreads her wings into the inspirational genre with the release of the album, launched early last month to coincide with Ramadan.
Tahajjud Cinta, produced by Eddie Marzuki, Audi Mok, Tya Subiakto and Siti herself, comprises eight distinctive songs.
The credits include Mok, Habsah Hassan, actress and director Erma Fatima, Siti, Abu Bakar Mohd Yatim (member of nasyid group Raihan), Opick, Hairul Anuar Harun and Attan Hardilas.
Only four songs are new, namely Asma Ul Husna, Ada, Cinta and Batasku Asaku.
The rest, Ketika Cinta, Pintu Rindu, Ya Rasulullah and Selawat, were sung by Siti during the Sirah Junjungan musical theatre production at Istana Budaya in March.
Ya Rasulullah, which was made popular by Raihan and has been rearranged for Siti's album, is deeply meaningful.
Another song that was rearranged is Ketika Cinta, which is Indonesian singer Opick's original song.
Mok said he had long waited for the chance to produce a new song for Siti.
He created the album's first single, Ku Percaya Ada Cinta, two years ago and kept it aside for Siti in case she was interested.
"The melody suits her vocals perfectly. There is an elegant and classy feel to it, and it is not like her normal pop songs," said Mok at a press conference announcing the album's launch.
Ku Percaya Ada Cinta, written by Habsah Hassan, is one of Siti's favourites.
"The message of these songs are different from my other ones, and I think my fans will appreciate its meaning," said Siti.
It was a new experience for Siti when she recorded the songs for this album.
"When I sang ballads, it felt nice and cosy because they involved human relationships, but spiritual songs strengthen my faith in the Almighty."
Plans are afoot to market her album in Indonesia.
Siti got help in pronouncing the Arabic lyrics of some of the songs.
Also present at the press conference were Siti's sisters Siti Saerah and Siti Norsaida Taruddin, and the band Coda, all of whom are artistes under Siti Nurhaliza Productions (SNP) Sdn Bhd.
"It doesn't matter if this album is well-received because I made the album to praise God."
(END)
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