Altsounds - Matisyahu - Light [Album]

I saw Matisyahu in 2005 at the music festival Moe Down, before 'King Without a Crown' was a hit. I didn’t know what to expect, having heard only that he was an orthodox Jew rapper. At the very least, the novelty factor was likely to be interesting. Happily, I was blown away. Matisyahu is personally a dynamic performer and a smooth MC. He didn’t rap with a DJ, but had a full band that was tight and powerful. I danced more and harder to his set than any other I encountered that weekend.

Matisyahu's studio work has been a little more mixed for me. A lot of his songs never grabbed me at all. I always like a couple of the songs on his releases, but even some of them got a little tiresome for me after a few listens.

I was curious how Matisyahu’s new release, ‘Light,’ was going to sound and how it would hold up. He has been working on this release for three years and it’s release date was pushed back more than once. I’ve been through it several times now and 'Light' is a strong effort. His songwriting has improved or perhaps he just has better chemistry with the new guys with whom he’s playing. In addition to the new band, he had a slew of producers with him in the studio, including Reggae producing legends Sly and Robbie, who have worked with him before.

Matisyahu’s blend of Reggae and Hip Hop seeded liberally with melodies and harmonies from traditional Jewish music is a fertile ground where he spins a variety of grooves on 'Light,' from fast-paced electronic stompers ('Smash Lies') to quiet personal ballads of spiritual discovery ('Silence'). The best songs feature the organic instruments (as opposed to the synthesizers), his complex and beautifully layered vocals, and some creative percussion work ('So Hi So Lo,' 'Struggla,' 'We Will Walk,' 'For You').

Some of the subject matter sounds a little melodramatic coming from a Jewish kid from West Chester, PA and White Plains, NY ('Escape'), and the single, 'One Day' leans on Bob Marley hard enough to make his knees buckle but on the whole, ' Light' is perhaps my favorite release from Matisyahu so far. I ripped 8 of the 13 tracks to my iPod, which is a pretty good ratio.

Many of the songs on ‘Light’ are strong, the production is tight, the arrangements hold your interest, and the individual performances are very good. If you are a fan of Matisyahu already, you will be delighted at this next step in his development as an artist. If you aren’t familiar with his work or if you’ve only heard his singles in the past, I recommend you check out this whole disc. It could make you a fan.