The Arab Aquarius: Apple Commercial Magic >> Yael Naim

I just noticed that Yael Naïm has debuted at #2 on iTunes songs chart with 'New Soul'. It is quite an achievement that got me curious as to what prompted this instant success. After a quick investigation I found out that her song is used in the new MacBook Air commercial. All hail the power of the Apple!!!

Apple MacBook Air commercial

I've been quite familiar with Yael for over a year. Even before her newfound commercial fame, she made her debut here within the first week of this blog's existence. I featured a video of her excellent cover of Britney's 'Toxic' (see Piece of Britney).

For those who do not know her (most people), Yael Naim was born in Paris in 1978 to Jewish-Tunisian parents (Arab Jew). At the age of four, she moved with her family to Ramat HaSharon, Israel, where she learned Hebrew and trained as a pianist. Her first solo album, In A Man's Womb, was released in 2001 and her second, Yael Naim, was released in October, 2007 in France peaking at number 11. Her style has been described as having a touch of folk and jazz, with mysterious and evocative words sung with a delicate and intentionally slightly husky voice. I myself find traces of Fiest, Sia, a lil Bjork instrument experimentation, Imogen Heap (Frou Frou) and Natasha Bedingfield in her songs. She delivers the goods and I believe she is worthy of this instant fame bestowed upon her by his highness, Steve. I put five English songs from her new album below, give your ears a treat!