Sahbit Raey (Arabic: صاحبة رأي) (English: A Woman's Opinion) is the twelfth studio album by Lebanese recording artist Elissa, released on 1 August 2020 by Rotana.[1][2] Following her 2018 album Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni, the album contains 18 tracks and was preceded by the release of three singles, including the titular single on 23 July 2020.
In the album's physical booklet, Elissa wrote that Sahbit Raey is to be her final album released by Saudi-based group Rotana, marking her departure from the label since signing in 2003.[3] As a result, Rotana released a three-disc special box set CD featuring the album on the first disc, and twenty singles from her last eight albums split across the latter two.[4]
Background
In 2018, Elissa had announced on social media that recording sessions for her twelfth studio album had begun. However on 19 August 2019, she posted on Twitter announcing her retirement; calling the Arab music industry "similar to the mafias" and that her then-upcoming album would be her last. Many fans and peers of Elissa reacted by sending support and paying tribute to her, along with trending hashtags such as "We Are All Elissa" (#كلنااليسا) as well as her name.[5] Throughout late-2019 and early-2020, Elissa teased fans with new music by posting pictures of her and producers in studio; announcing titles of songs such as "Ala Hess Hikayetna" and "Habbit Ehtimam".[6]
Later, it was revealed that she had retracted her intention to retire and reportedly began negotiations with Rotana.[7]
Release
On 11 April 2020, Elissa released the single "Hanghanni Kaman W Kaman" on digital streaming platforms.[8] On the same day, a music video directed by Eli Rezkallah was published to Rotana's YouTube channel. As of December 2020, the music video has amassed over 10 million views.[9] On 25 May, she released another single titled "Ahwit El Madi" and published a lyric video on YouTube on the same day.[10][11]
In June, Elissa announced on a social media post that her album would be released on Eid al-Adha.[12] On 20 July, she announced the name of her album titled Sahbit Raey as well as the lead single of the same name, which was released three days later. The album was released exclusively on Deezer and other streaming platforms a week later. Upon unveiling the album's title and cover, Elissa stated on the aforementioned social media post saying:
"I faced a lot of criticism when I first began my singing career. However, my father taught me not to be afraid and to face my destiny. I celebrate 20 years of success and I thank God, and my conscience is relieved. Why? Because instead of being a victim, I decided to be a woman with an opinion."
