Music for your soul?

Well, I was just on a bus trip to Mahableshwar and Panchgani with a pack full of very enthusiastic teenagers for the college picnic . As it is with youngsters throughout the world, there was an insistent demand for music. Ironically no one had carried any cassettes with them, thanks to mp3 compatible phones everywhere. One student (who also happens to be a close friend) came forth from the back seat with a cassette that said 'Sami Yusuf'. I was like, "Sami who?". She said he sang Islamic songs. I was skeptical. Wasn't sure if these bandanna brandishing hip hop girls were going to like this. At least not with the mood that they were in. But she insisted. A soft, lulling voice wafted through the boisterous bus. It was unanimous. These weren't exactly 'picnic' songs. But I kept the name at the back of my mind. 'Must check it out later', I said. A couple of days later I checked the net for the name. Downloaded some tunes and must say, it's been well the effort. For a music buff like me it was quite a find, especially 'Al-Mualim' , 'Hasbi Rabbi' and 'Mother'. Songs that are rocking the Islamic world. Songs dedicated to the Creator and the Guide. Plus some long forgotten values put in for good measure. The lyrics are pretty soothing themselves. I couldn't help but notice the conspicuous absence of any stringed instruments in the songs (I could be mistaken of course), which are generally considered forbidden in Islam. Of course, there is some contention about the place of music itself in Islam, but I am not going to delve into that debate here. Some say it is allowed some say it isn't. Allah knows best. But here's an article that could be starting point for some discussion on that.
At any rate, if you like music (and a lot, like me!) you probably wouldn't mind exploring some unconventional genres. And while it, you could also sample Mesut Kurtis , Nazeel Azmi or Hamza Robertson. Haven't heard them yet, maybe you could give me a review! Till then, long live Limewire!