00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most iconic songs that
00:12showcase the rich diversity of Persian music. For this list, we're using Iranian and Persian
00:17interchangeably in these Farsi-language tunes, while recognizing the distinct traditions of
00:22many ethnic groups. Popularized globally by the 2023 Bollywood film Animal, Jamal Jamaloo,
00:46meaning Oh My Love, My Beloved, My Sweet Love, is a traditional Iranian song that was first
00:51performed by the Shirazi Choir of Khagazmi Girls High School in the 1950s.
01:02It's based on a poem by the renowned Iranian poet Bijan Samanda, and its timeless melody and
01:08heartfelt lyrics have long held a special place in Iranian collective memory. Its recent resurgence
01:12introduced this cultural gem to new audiences, making Jamal Jamaloo a beautiful example of
01:17Persian music's emotional power and cross-cultural appeal.
01:36Mohsen Chavoshi is one of Iran's boldest contemporary voices, literally and artistically.
01:42Inspired by iconic poets like Rumi, he reimagines classical Persian literature with a modern edge.
01:48While emotional ballads like Deliman showcase his softer side, it's Peraksa, which as the song's
01:53title means dance, that truly stands out. A genre-defying anthem, Peraksa blends rock-influenced
01:59production with poetic depth, embodying themes of spiritual liberation within a society that has
02:04at times limited artistic expression.
02:12Chavoshi's gravelly, raw vocals cut through with urgency and defiance.
02:16This powerful track resonates deeply with Iran's younger generation, honoring literary tradition
02:21while pushing cultural boundaries.
02:22Peraksa isn't just a song, it's a statement, a rhythm of rebellion laced with rosewater and revolution.
02:35Vigen was a cornerstone of modern Iranian pop, often called the sultan of jazz. He helped
02:50introduce the guitar to Persian music and lay the foundations for the image of the Persian crooner.
02:55His smooth voice, western arrangements and romantic flair captured the golden Café Tehran era of
03:06the 1950s and 60s. Maktab, one of his most beloved songs, feels like a moonlit stroll through a
03:11freer, more optimistic Iran.
03:19Without Vigen, some later Iranian artists may never have found the same platforms.
03:23His music remains a nostalgic symbol of pre-revolutionary artistry, and the birth of Iranian pop's modern
03:30identity.
03:39Number 7. Nuno Paniro Sabzi – Dariush and Ebi
03:43Few songs capture the ache of exile and the beauty of simplicity like Nuno Paniro Sabzi,
03:49a soulful duet by Dariush Iqbali and Ebrahim Hamedi.
03:53With voices that defined generations, they harmonize like two halves of a divided homeland,
04:05singing of bread, cheese, herbs, and the yearning for home.
04:09Both artists have built iconic solo legacies. Ebi's Shakar blends romantic devotion with
04:14melodic sweetness, while Dariush's Be Man Nagu Duset Daram lays bare the agony of unspoken love.
04:20Together and apart, they've etched unforgettable emotions into Persian music history,
04:33with this collaboration being perhaps its most heartfelt and universally resonant anthem.
04:37Number 6. Tanoz – Moeen Moeen's Tanoz is a vibrant romantic anthem that celebrates beauty,
04:51charm, and the irresistible allure of love.
04:53The name Tanoz itself conjures images of youth, femininity, and grace,
05:05while the lyrics express a playful yet deeply heartfelt admiration for the beloved.
05:09Moeen's smooth, emotive voice infuses the melody with both passion and sophistication,
05:14creating a song that resonates across generations.
05:17With its catchy rhythm and poetic charm, Tanoz has become a timeless favorite at gatherings and
05:29a mainstay of Persian pop music. Its enduring popularity, lyrical simplicity,
05:34and Moeen's iconic delivery solidify it as one of the most beloved tracks in the history of Persian music.
05:39Creating a list like this can be difficult not just due to genre and era diversity,
05:51but because it's easy to overlook Iran's role as a major cultural and intellectual center while
05:55Europe was in the early Middle Ages. Centuries after the founding of the first global empire,
06:00the Achaemenid Empire under Qurosh the Great in the 6th century BC, Iran continued to thrive.
06:06Even after the 7th century Arab conquest, Iranians shaped global thought, contributing to medicine
06:11with Avicenna, mathematics with Al-Hwarizmi, and science, often publishing in Arabic due to its
06:17dominance in the Islamic world, though they were Iranian or of Iranian descent. Farsi, unlike Semitic
06:22Arabic, is an Indo-European language and was preserved even as Iranians adopted the Arabic script.
06:28Iran also led in the arts. Poets like Rumi, Khayyam, Hafez, and Ferdossi,
06:34whose Shakhnam Meh helped preserve Persian, remain icons. Traditions like Noruz and Chahar
06:40Shanbisuri, as well as its cuisine and music, all express this rich heritage. Iran was also key in
06:46developing the lute, precursor to the guitar, which has ties to instruments like the sitar and santur.
06:51Like its ancient innovations in irrigation and natural air conditioning under monarchs like Qurosh,
06:56Dariush, and Xerxes, Iranian music blends elegance with complexity,
07:00qualities reflected in the next entries on this list.
07:03Number 5.
07:04Avaz-e-Abueta Masnavi
07:06Hossein Alizadeh
07:08Avaz-e-Abueta Masnavi is not a specific composition,
07:12but rather a stylistic combination within Persian classical music,
07:15blending the evocative Avaz-e-Abueta mode with the spiritual depth of Rumi's Masnavi poem.
07:20The piece embodies a profound connection to Sufi mysticism and is often interpreted by masters
07:33of traditional music. Hossein Alizadeh, one of Iran's most revered composers and instrumentalists,
07:38has performed this style, infusing it with emotional depth and technical precision.
07:51His landmark 1983 album Neh Nava, which prominently features the Neh,
07:56and blown reed flute alongside orchestral elements, remains a defining moment in Persian music,
08:01bridging ancient spirituality with modern composition.
08:12Before the 1979 Islamic revolution, women played an integral role in Iranian music as performers
08:18and cultural icons whose voices expressed deep emotion and identity. The next entries will showcase
08:24some of these influential artists whose powerful voices have captured the hearts of Iranians both
08:28at home and abroad. These iconic women were also symbols of a time when Iranian music was rich
08:33with diverse talent and free from societal restrictions.
08:36Number 4. Makhtab Be Didan Manbiya – Haideh
08:40Haideh's Makhtab Be Didan Manbiya, meaning Moonlight Come to See Me,
08:44is a soul-starring ballad of longing, love, and absence.
08:47Her powerful, resonant voice turns a simple call for reunion into an anthem of heartache and devotion.
09:08Blending classical Persian orchestration with modern grace, it remains a beloved
09:13vocal performance in Iranian music.
09:22But Haideh's story is inseparable from her sister Mahasdi, whose gentler tone soothed where Haideh shook.
09:27Mahasdi's jodai, meaning separation, speaks to quiet sorrow and emotional endurance.
09:33Together, these sisters were the dual heartbeat of a generation. Haideh the fire, Mahasdi the balm,
09:39and both unforgettable.
09:48Number 3. Man Amadeh Am – Gugush
09:51Gugush's Man Amadeh Am is a bold and passionate declaration of love and presence,
09:55symbolizing emotional strength and vulnerability in Persian music.
09:58The song's title, meaning I have come, reflects a fearless approach to love,
10:10as the narrator openly offers her heart without reservation. Gugush's expressive,
10:15dynamic voice adds layers of sincerity and intensity, making the song unforgettable.
10:19The arrangement blends pop sensibilities with traditional Persian nuances, creating a sound
10:31that bridges generations. Its lyrical depth, emotional power, and Gugush's iconic performance
10:36make Man Amadeh Am both one of her most memorable songs, and one of the most influential songs in the
10:42history of Persian popular music.
10:51Gugush's imprisonment after the 1979 revolution cemented her status as both a cultural icon
10:57and a symbol of the repression that artists, especially women, faced under the new regime.
11:02The Islamic Republic imposed strict rules on music,
11:05sidelining women's voices and dismantling a once-vibrant musical landscape.
11:09Yet over the years, Iranian women have continued to reclaim their space in music
11:13in order to share their stories and artistry. The following entries honor these voices,
11:18timeless testaments to resilience and creative spirit.
11:21Number 2. Morkesahar – Mohamed Reza Shajarian
11:25A two-time Grammy nominee and national treasure, Mohamed Reza Shajarian transformed Morkesahar,
11:31which means Dawnbird, into more than a song. It became a call for freedom.
11:42Originally composed by Morkesah Ne Dawood, with lyrics by Mohamed Tahi Bahar in the early 20th century,
11:48this tasneef, or Persian ballad, is both poetic lament and political outcry.
12:01With Shajarian's soaring voice, the bird of the morning becomes a symbol of awakening from tyranny.
12:07Often performed at the break of dawn,
12:09the song continues to echo in the hearts of Iranians as an anthem of resilience and hope.
12:22Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions.
12:25Juni Junam – Leila Faruhar
12:28Beraie – Shervin Hajipur
12:39Nilufar – Andian Kurush
12:48Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel
13:18and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.
13:21You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
13:25If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
13:31Number 1. Eh Iran, Various
13:34Eh Iran is more than a song.
13:45It's the heartbeat of a nation.
13:47Written in 1944, this anthem has become a unifying cry through times of war, revolution, and exile.
14:00With its stirring melody and lyrics brimming with pride and defiance,
14:04Eh Iran transcends political divides, embodying the resilience and longing of the Iranian spirit.
14:10Sung in stadiums, whispered in exile, and passed down through generations,
14:13it is often considered Iran's true national anthem, despite being unofficial.
14:25Composed by Ruhollah Khaligi, with lyrics by Hossein Golegolab,
14:29its blend of traditional Persian elements and anthemic rhythm
14:32continues to resonate deeply with Iranians worldwide.
14:44Since Alexander the Great burned Persepolis, Iran has faced repeated foreign domination.
14:48But each time, its people rose like a phoenix, preserving their culture through music and language.
14:53Even after the 1979 revolution's bans, Iranian music endured,
14:58proving you can't silence a people's soul forever.
15:00Hence, today's musical renaissance.
15:02What do you think is the catchiest Persian song ever?
15:05Let us know in the comments.
15:06Do you agree with our picks?
15:15Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
15:17And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
Comments