With a 2-year hiatus behind her, Faegheh Atashin, better known as the one and only Googoosh, has returned to the music scene with her latest project entitled "Hajmeh Sabz (Green X)." After waiting nearly 5 years for a new "solo" project from her (not counting "Shabeh Sepid" as that was more of musical project with Mehrdad), my prayers had been answered... Googoosh returned to the limelight this year even stronger and better than before and graced us with a new album full of life, exuberance, passion, heart, and emotion...

Brushing off the dust of her less than stellar "Manifest," Googoosh really stepped up her game and released a solid album (probably the strongest of her post-exile albums). The collection heralds back to the fresh sounds of her classic release "Aakharin Khabar (Last News)" and has a concrete structure in its development where each song plays off the others and makes this package one of her most unified bodies of work. The collection boasts 10 tracks and is released through Century Records.

1. SEZAAVAR: Kicking off the album is the melodic masterpiece "Sezaavar." This ballad showcases what this artist has mastered over the years: emoting and bringing the lyrics of her songs to life through her stellar voice. Googoosh's vocals during the verses and especially during the choruses showcase her powerful, yet delicate, approach to making her ballads her own and making them tug at your heartstrings. The song is a beautiful and melodic (almost atmospheric) way to start off her new collection.

2. SEDAAYEH SABZE ESHGH: Up next is a light Latin rumba/samba-esque number that quickly throws in elements of Jazz and brings back the memories of the old music cafes of yesteryear. The song is another delicate ballad and I absolutely loved the saxophone and the strings thrown throughout the track. The strings add a strong backbone to the piece and make it flow so smoothly.

3. BAARAAN: The retrospective music has been pushed aside for what is probably the stand out track on the entire album collection! Now Googoosh has released music that you can move to (in a more toned down fashion - light head bobbing and toe tapping) but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine her releasing an absolute floor-filling dance number. "Baaraan" is somewhat of an artistic surprise and it works amazingly! Flawless! The production and arrangement are phenomenal and the beat and the chorus really get you moving... I cannot wait to see her experiment more with this style and this is song is my personal favorite off the entire album.

4. BAAGHEH BI BARGI: After moving to the rhythm of the previous track, Googoosh tones it back down to another lush ballad that is built heavily on the use of horns. The song is another Latin rumba/samba-esque piece but varies from "Sedaayeh Sabzeh Eshgh" in that it is more upbeat and the truly standout moments are when Googoosh delivers the bridges during the middle and end of the song. True class and elegance with this track and it is sure to be a goose-bump inducer.

5. SHABE BI MAN: This track is another ballad that quickly transforms into a song you would hear at a classic cafe or a lounge. The guitar thrown throughout the song adds another delicate element to the track and once again Googoosh truly shines when she delivers the bridge of the track. Another beautiful song...

6. DELAM KHAAST: After 2 ballads, Googoosh changes it up by bringing us a rather poppy and upbeat Afghan inspired track (think of a combination of "Man Aamadeham" and "Ahooyeh Eshgh" but in a more toned down and bare-boned approach). Almost sounding like another ballad at times, and at times not, the track maintains its signature bouncy feel that we have known and love from her. This is another great song to just sit back and relax to.

7. MANO GONJESHKA: Everyone knows that my absolute weakness is flamenco guitar... There is no instrument sexier and sultrier than a guitar. Team that up with the one and only Googoosh and you have a mind altering and soul enriching musical experience. I am usually not a fan of covers, especially when an artist covers their own work and tries to rejuvenate life into an already perfect classic, but this song made me rethink my approach to the "musical remake." All you have is a guitar and Googoosh's vocals... Stunning... They perform musical acrobatics with each other and she shows that she be very adaptable when it comes to various forms of music. Towards the end, the song picks up in true flamenco fashion and ends off with a bang. I would love to see more of her classics redone like this. Absolutely perfect!

8. GERYEH KONAM YAA NAKONAM: More guitars... I am experiencing bliss. Following up her last song is another song built on the heavy use of guitars and the Latin rumba/samba-esque ballads we have heard throughout the album. One would think that the same style used over and over would be repetitive but I see that she is trying to create a uniform piece with the album and each song has its own special qualities. I adore the heavy use of guitars throughout the song and the strings add a very light airy feel to the track.

9. MAN HAMOON IRANAM: Googoosh's next song continues the more melodic and atmospheric feel of the collection and dabbles in the more retrospective realm. This is another great track where she sings and reminisces about her past with a neo-political twist. This is another great performance from her where you can actually feel and hear the emotion in her voice.

10. AABI: The final song of this album is "Aabi." What a great way to end the album. The production of the track is absolutely breathtaking and is so fresh. Pianos, guitars, synthesizers, and the light touch of electronica come together to craft one of the more experimental songs of her musical catalogue. I love the lush layering of the track and her vocals are just the cherry on top. Pure pop perfection to my ears!

In the end, I can say that "Hajmeh Sabz (Green X)" was a stellar work of art that this master of the music scene has created. I felt that she slightly stumbled with "Manifest" and "Shabeh Sepid" but she got back up and tried again - only to hit a major jackpot! There were songs on here that I could never in a million years see another artist performing or even attempting to do. Everything was crafted to fit around that vocal instrument of hers and it is that touch that makes each one of her songs more special and connected to her. I can't even imagine myself waiting for the next album from Googoosh but I felt that the time she took at perfecting her album is what made is sink in more... Absolutely beautiful work Googoosh Joon. Here's looking to the next album that I'm sure leaving us begging for more.

Rating: 5/5 stars