Single Review: Baghdad Boy

Singer/songwriter, activist and former scientist Yasamin has just released the latest single from her upcoming album. Baghdad Boy is the second release from her anticipated album Songs Over Baghdad.

This is an enigmatic track; its light and airy sweet sound belies the political and intensely personal nature of the song. It is “a love song set amongst a backdrop of war, turmoil, murder and heartbreak”. Born in Baghdad, Yasamin uses her voice to draw attention to what is happening in her birth country.

The laid back pop tone of Baghdad Boy seems at odds with the video and lyrics, which is based on a peaceful protest in October 2019 that to date has left over 700 dead. While the song writing is poignant and clever and shifts gears through sadness to joy, an element of audacious word play and brave connotation can be found within the song writing. There is a distinct Arabic flavour infused in Yasamin’s sound adding another unique layer of interest.

This is actually a very important and powerful song. Don’t let the honeyed sound fool you.