Abdul Majeed Abdullah’s first studio album in six years, 2021’s Aalam Mowazi [Parallel World] fittingly coincided with his birthday. It’s a big celebration of contemporary Khaleeji pop sounds, as the Gulf music veteran shows up in full command of his musicianship and with a first-class songwriting team at his disposal. Across 22 evocative melodies, he navigates longing, loneliness and heartbreak, with pulse-pounding love songs “Yabn Elawadem” and “Awal Hekaytna” sitting alongside understated gem “Abakteblah”, an elegant, poetic song that speaks volumes in a few thoughtfully crafted notes.