Bulleya by Riaz Ali Khan

Bulleya is based on an 18th-Century poem by Bulleh Shah, where he addresses himself; contemplating our origin, identity, and relationship to the universe. The poem itself is a bit longer and now one of Bulleh Shah's best known, having been recorded by a variety of musicians including Junoon and Rabbi Shergill (whose versions are found on Youtube). This version has a smooth contemplative feel. From Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 4, broadcast July 26, 2009). In Punjabi with English translation.

Downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Dastan-e-Ishq by Ali Zafar

Also known as Dastaan (story), and written by Ali Zafar (singing) and Baqir Abbas (on flute). This song includes several lines by famous Sufi poets from Punjab, and references to the romantic legend of Heer Ranjha. Another great song from Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 2, broadcast June 28, 2009). Thanks to Faiz and others who helped with the translation. In Punjabi with English translation.

Downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Aik Alif by Saieen Zahoor and Noori

Based on an 18th-Century poem by Bulleh Shah, where he questions religious hypocrisy and himself, and realizes that what he's struggled to find is actually simple. A beautiful song from Coke Studio (Season 2, Episode 1, broadcast June 14, 2009). Noori includes brothers Ali Noor and Ali Hamza, who are reunited here with drummer Gumby. This was a joy to translate and there were many people interested in the meaning who helped out. In Punjabi with English translation.

This translation was mentioned in an article in The News International newspaper in Karachi.

Downloads are available on the Coke Studio website.

Bilquis by Rabbi Shergill

A great song about the importance of sacrifice and the danger of indifference. The lyrics use the voices of modern-day martyrs who spoke-out, suffered, and died fighting injustice, corruption, and indifference in India. From Rabbi Shergill's second album Avengi Ja Nahin (will you come or not). The songs have depth worth taking some time to understand. In Hindi with English translation.

Buy from Amazon.com:  MP3 Album

Chhalla by Rabbi Shergill

Chhalla is about circles, like rings or wells, and their potential. Great version of an old Punjabi folk song. Different but similar to versions by Gurdas Maan and others. In Punjabi with English translation.

Buy from Amazon.com:  MP3 Album

Já Sei Namorar by Tribalistas

A great song popular in Brazil. Tribalistas is a one-time collaboration of Marisa Monte, Arnaldo Antunes and Carlinhos Brown, who each have individual careers. In Portuguese with English translation.

Buy from Amazon.com:  MP3 Album

Meray Log by Noori

Change is the only constant my people. Noori is a rock band formed in Lahore, Pakistan by brothers Ali Noor (vocal and lead) and Ali Hamza (vocal and bass), and including others at various times such as Gumby (drums) and Muhammad Ali Jafri (bass guitar). Directed by Ali Noor’s wife, Mandana Zaidi. In Urdu with English translation.

It's hard to find Noori's music to buy online, but more information on the band is available at their website: nooriworld.net