FILE UNDER: Shtick or the Real?
CORPORATE LINE: Since the release of his 2004 debut, Shake off the dust…ARISE and the phenomenal success of last year’s Live At Stubb’s, Matisyahu has continued to bring his uncanny, electrifying fusion of orthodox Judaism and classic reggae music to you with an incessant touring schedule and unbelievable energy. Now, Matisyahu and the band bring you their sophomore studio album, YOUTH.
Youth is a compelling mix of ancient and modern sounds and ideas. The propulsive title track, with its rallying cry “youth is the engine of the world,” draws upon Matisyahu’s studies of Chabad Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn – as well as his own tumultuous past.
THE GOOD:
“Fire Of Heaven” – Props for the hook “Fire descends from on high in the shape of a lion/ Burn the sacrifice of pride and ride on to Mount Zion.” This is the only track worth noting.
THE AVERAGE:
“Youth” – As bland as a Saltine. A guitar solo roars out of nowhere and interrupts a song that had nowhere to go in the first place.
“King Without A Crown” – Matis sounds rejuvenated even though the guitar is a deal killer. The guitar solo is amateurish—it’s nothing you couldn’t hear at a bar any night of the week.
“Dispatch The Troops” – Matis sounds bored as meanders through the track.
“Indestructible” – A novel beat helps move Matis along.
THE BAD:
“What I’m Fighting For” – Matis tells us “don’t be tricked by the acts of man” and we wonder if he isn’t the one trying to pull a trick. This song is bad irregardless of potential merits.
FRANKLY: Readers will fit into two camps; those that like Matis and those who don’t. There is no in-between with Matis. One issue is how easy it can be to get caught in the trap of calling Matis average or bad and get handed perfunctory remarks about religious discrimination. If you review the music straight-up Matisyahu isn’t a great M.C. If you stood him side-by-side with either Eminem or Shabba Ranks—Matisyahu couldn’t compare. Matis can’t even hold a candle to Sean Paul.
Sure Matis finds clever ways of fitting religion into his tracks and we respect that. If music needs anything today it is a positive message. Yet again compare Matis to Kanye West who is delivering something similar and there is no comparison. Matis is unique and deserves some respect–however would you remember Matis without the Yiddish verse and Hasidic clothes? Not a chance.
+ Rae Gun
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