The Dark Side of the Moon is an evocative album that brings together a collection of powerful poems set to voice and classical guitar, offering a profound exploration of the human condition and the societal challenges facing the Arab Mashriq. This project serves as a platform to amplify essential voices and perspectives, bridging cultures through the universal language of art while fostering meaningful dialogue about our shared human experiences. The poetry featured in the album was written in formal Arabic by Issa Boulos between 2013 and 2017, a deliberate choice that departs from his usual use of colloquial language in his released songs. By employing formal Arabic, Boulos sought to imbue the subject matter with greater depth and gravitas, allowing him to delve deeply into the philosophical and realistic dilemmas confronting the people of this region.

The poetry addresses themes of identity, alienation, justice, and freedom—issues that resonate universally yet carry particular weight in the Arab Mashriq. To bring these themes to life, Boulos composed music for voice and classical guitar, utilizing a variety of compositional techniques to interpret the poems and transform them into new songs. These compositions reflect a fresh artistic and humanistic perspective on pressing social and existential issues. In crafting these works, Boulos drew upon elements of classical guitar traditions while infusing his own melodic contours and modal harmonies. This approach allowed him to express the subtle nuances and emotional depth called for by the poetry.
 
The interplay between voice and guitar is central to the album’s artistic vision. Both elements work in harmony to create a richly textured and meticulously interpreted soundscape that paints a complete picture of the themes explored. The guitar provides a foundation rooted in classical traditions yet enriched with innovative harmonic structures, while the voice conveys the emotional weight and narrative power of the poetry. Together, they form a cohesive artistic expression that is both meditative and deeply resonant. Through The Dark Side of the Moon, Boulos has crafted a body of work that not only bridges cultural divides but also invites listeners to reflect on universal human struggles, offering a poignant commentary on identity, justice, and freedom through the lens of art.
 
Issa Boulos
2025


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