Released 21 June on 100% Records

‘Light’ which debuted in the top 20 on the US charts, finds the Hasidic Jewish musician from Crown Heights, Brooklyn displaying his one-of-a-kind voice in a variety of diverse genres, moving through his familiar reggae-soul stylings to dancehall, ska-inflected new wave, pop-rock and acoustic folk. Matisyahu blends infectious melodies and intricate production with classic messages of hope, peace and understanding to create a sound that is undeniably his own.

Produced by David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Regina Spektor, Sublime), ‘Light’ was recorded and mixed in Jamaica, New York, Los Angeles and Virginia. More recently, Matisyahu cut two more tracks with producer Dave McCracken and the Smeezintons. Of those two, ‘One Day’ will be the first single from ‘Light’. It is an anthemic classic reggae track, showcasing Matisyahu’s prolific lyrics and passionate vocals. In addition Matisyahu has re-recorded ‘One Day’ with heavyweight R&B star Akon as a bonus track.

Several guest artists contributed to the record: son of legendary reggae artist Freddie McGregor and one of Jamaica’s most innovative producers Stephen McGregor, ground-breaking Jamaican reggae rhythm section Sly & Robbie, noted production team Eric Krasno & Adam Deitch of Fyre Dept., and Fish and Norwood Fisher of the L.A. alt-punk-ska band Fishbone. Jamaican nyabinghi drummers Delroy Williams as Putus Roots, Samuel Count Ossie “Time” Williams and Nambo Robinson and experimental turntablist Ooah from the Glitch Mob, amongst others, also contributed to ‘Light’. First track on the album ‘Smash Lies’ is now available for free download from Matisyahu’s site (matisyahuworld.com) and Myspace. Matisyahu emerged in 2004 with his debut album ‘Shake Off the Dust…Rise’. With the release of ‘Live at Stubb’s’ (2005), which reached #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, and ‘Youth’ (2006), which debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Top 200 and reached #1 on the Reggae Albums chart, Matisyahu gained considerable critical acclaim. Both albums subsequently went gold in the US and ‘Youth’ was nominated for a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

Matisyahu, aka Matthew Miller, is an interesting and unique artist, so I’ve included a comprehensive biography with this review. LIGHT is something of a revelation to me - it’s bloody good! ‘Smash Lies’ is beautifully produced, an intriguing, vibrant  mix of reggae and rap which makes compelling listening. This brilliant opening gambit includes powerful beats, huge melody, strong and meaningful lyrics and a great voice. ‘We Will Walk’ is a driving, super-melodic slice of pop-rap that is tailor-made for single release. ‘One Day’ is the song penned as the first single and I can understand why. It boasts a clean, uncluttered sound, great melody and memorable choruses. Lyrically, Matisyahu is out of the top drawer and this anti-war song proves it. Given airplay, this song will fly…

‘Escape’ is sonically darker and more adventurous, while ‘So Hi So Lo’ hits the dance button squarely on the nose. ‘I Will Be Light’ is a reflective, conversational and slow R&B ballad which is distinctive, especially with its devotional-sounding vocal harmonies and lyrics. ‘For You’ returns to a strong reggae/dance vibe and includes soaring, epic choruses that mark this out as another potential single. He next takes a crack at the environment with ‘On Nature’, a song that should be taken up by environmental agencies to push the cause - it’s that good - and will click with youth who will ultimately suffer from the complacency surrounding this huge issue.

‘Motivate’ takes on a rocky, guitar-driven ambience as it rushes along. Let’s cut to the chase with this album: it’s bursting with killer, message-filled tracks and is one of the best produced records I’ve heard this year. This artist is unique, and the record one of the best I’ve heard in 2009. Strongly recommended.

4.5/5

Matisyahu - One Day from 100% on Vimeo.