I'm slacking...
22. Matisyahu "Youth" (2006)
What it is: Reggae performed by a hisidic jew
Favorite track: Time Of Your Song
Matisyahu sounded pretty interesting when I first heard about him. I mean, 21st century reggae with hints of hip hop and rock, and performed by a jew. Of course, I'm not gonna bore you with the whole "OMG A JEW DOING REGGAE" thing.
Many fans prefer "Shake Off The Dust... ARISE!", but that album didn't do it for me. Maybe it was because I heard this one first and that's the one I stick with etc, but this album just has more memorable songs. The choruses are catchy, and it's really more of a feel good album.
I really like Matisyahu's lyrics. His usage of Jewish and Biblical themes makes his music a lot more interesting to me. Some of my favorite lyrics on the album are:
Quote:
Fire descends from on high in the shape of a lion
Burn the sacrifice of pride and ride on Mount Zion
Rub me the wrong way, taking the highway
Rubbing sticks together but your fire's man-made
|
from
Fire Of Heaven/Altar Of Earth
Quote:
Sons and daughters of Abraham
Lay down to a higher command
Don't be tricked by the acts of man
Gods' wisdom revealed in a holy plan
|
from
What I'm Fighting For
Matisyahu is like a rabbi singing reggae, but you don't have to be Jewish to find his music, or even his message enjoyable. Though his music is very focused on the Jewish religion, he doesn't come off as preachy.
Excellent album, all I can say.