Matisyahu made a name for himself with the song, “King Without a Crown.”
Now along with that song and 12 other tracks, he releases his debut album, Youth, on Epic/JDub Records.
In addition, before the March 7 release of the album, Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller) blew away artists such as Luciano, Ras Michael, Freddie McGregor and the Wailers at the Ragga Muffins Festival at the Long Beach Arena on Feb. 20.
What makes the album so appealing? It is the way the album moves from classic reggae, to dance-hall music and ending with American hip-hop music all at various stages of the album.
At the outset, those who are custom to hearing the continuous chants or spiritual message behind a song are in for a surprise because Matisyahu drives the allure with not only spiritual messages but tells the listener to learn from them and what is most important about the message we have for the world.
If the thought of reggae legend Bob Marley comes to mind in the beginning of the album it may have thought that Marley was singing during the album but, it turns out that the 26-year old singer/songwriter who was born in White Plains, N.Y., is the man behind the microphone.
His jump from one song to the next is the exact thing that gets your attention. The band Roots Tonic who helped Matisyahu out during the course of the album did their part in getting the music across.
He trusted enough of his music writing to a band; that is what makes this artist stand out in one particular song, “Indestructible.”
Again the question might be why, lyrically speaking the CD player comes to a stop and the song is to be played over and over again.
Without question, without the arrangement of a guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist Matisyahu would not be in the position of super stardom.
How often does one get confused and not know whom it is. Mass audiences will be asking, “Who is that?” and once you who look it is Matisyahu than it is a name that will be remembered.
If reggae and hip-hop don’t appeal to you now this album will change your mind.
