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October 14, 2009
By Nathan Harmon
Contributing Writer
Matisyahu |
With a frenetic opening, singing “dream awake,” we enter into Matisyahu’s Light. A change in his production style signals a departure from the sound of his earlier albums. The fastpaced drum machines and new synthesizer sounds really wake up the sleeping.
And Matisyahu’s lyrics on Light also give pause: sometimes wandering, sometimes pure soul. At any tempo, there is wisdom, although also aimless in its wandering.
This reggae-rapper, for lack of a better term, hailing from Brooklyn’s Crowne Heights, is a Hasidic Jew, which also gives pause. Who would think an orthodox Jewish man could rap? But here’s the kicker: he can. And he can sing well and can write wise, classic songs.
Breaking down barriers of race, religion and musical genre, Matisyahu’s progression is evident in Light. Backed up by a couple producers and his band, Matisyahu has reached a new level in music. After three odd releases, including Live at Stubbs, Youth and No Place to Be, Matisyahu has continued his legacy of good music with Light.
His hopes and dreams for the future are written in his new single, “One Day,” in which he sings “All my life I’ve been waiting for” and then he sings his dreams of peace and love.
It may sound cliché, but it is a classic.
And this album, Light, continues to inspire. His message is one of truth. His songs are about knowing yourself away from all the materialism and “the system that leaves its children victim” that guides us astray from the light.
But at the same time, Matisyahu contends that your own self is your worst enemy.
In his simplicity is wit. Not too mystic, but common wisdom is included. He mentions his faith much, but without being a preachy proselytizer.
Matisyahu sings, “I will be light,” in the title track. One Album Review- “Light” by Matisyahu By Nathan Harmon Contributing Writer thinks of Heaven, enlightenment, truth coming to light and a happy death.
This album ages like fine wine or the golden light of life itself.
Not only does Light teach, it inspires, motivates and gives food Matisyahu for thought to the struggling soul “You got one tiny moment in time for life to shine,” Matisyahu sings.
Listen to the “Light.”
