Light (Epic/J Dub), the 3rd album from Hasidic Jewish star Matisyahu (Official / Myspace), is likely his best yet. Matisyahu’s 2005 album, “Live at Stubbs” is one of my favorite albums of that entire year. That album brilliantly blended the raw, live energy of guitar-driven rock with reggae and hip hop. Light reaches a bit farther and aims for other boundaries to break, to a successful effect. While the guitars are glossed up a tad on this album, they blend seamlessly with the reggae, hip-hop and the increased electronic component that is employed on this record.
It’s no extreme surprise that the artist who has turned the term “Hasidic Jew hip-hop star” into something totally normal and logical has no problem expanding his sonic boundaries and even taking a few chances. The electronic arrangements lend a sunny and bright vibe to the positivity of “We Will Walk”, while “Silence” is the best acoustic reggae tune that Wyclef Jean never performed. ”One Day” is a definite gateway song for the folks that haven’t really gotten into Matisyahu’s work, as it morphs smoothly from a “Redemption Song” remix into an appropriately poppy and melodic tune reminiscent of Cindy Lauper’s “Time After Time”.
I often read of albums where the reviewer or press agent claim that a specific album has “a little something for everyone”. I generally laugh-off such statements, yet I find myself feeling that way towards Light. I genuinely think that anyone who deems themselves a lover of many forms and genres of music will get this album if they give it a real chance.
Click here to lsiten to “Smash Lies” from Matisyahu’s new album Light.
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I saw him open up for the Flaming Lips three or four years ago at Nokia and I was very impressed by him.
I went to ACL fest that year. They were both playing the Sunday and I ended up leaving before they came on (i didnt pace myself well that weekend). I have regretted it ever since…