Matisyahu
Youth
SonyBMG

Matisyahu is the ultimate in novelty, an Orthodox Jew who cuts some mean reggae (occasionally he spits out some rhymes, but calling him a rapper is really pushing it). The concept of a white New Yorker dressed in a traditional Jewish outfit performing music that is associated with weed-loving Caribbean types initially seems contradictory. However, in reality, reggae has always been a very spiritual music, so the fact that Matisyahu is singing about Zion does make plenty of sense with further contemplation.

'Youth' is a likeable album, but as much as I've tried to get into it, it's just not compelling. The gross over-production steals some of the vitality and life from the songs. The big echoing drum rolls and clean guitar of the title track and big single Youth sounds curiously reminiscent of religious rockers POD. Much of the blame for the over-production and unnecessary solo-ing must fall to producer Bill Laswell (Herbie Hancock, Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger) but it will ensure that the commercial music market takes Matisyahu seriously.

It's not all bad news though. Dispatch The Troops, despite its suspect name, is a lively reggae tune with ample light and colour and like much of Matisyahu's music, it does appear to be longing for peace and unity. The stripped-back acoustic simplicity of What I'm Fighting For is one of the freshest moments on 'Youth'. I doubt the likeable light-weight dance pop of Jerusalem is a fitting tribute to this city who countless souls have given up their lives fighting for. King Without A Crown lacks the kick of the version on 'Live At Stubbs' but this unashamed worship song is probably the most captivating moment on the album, for its sheer passion if nothing else.

'Youth' is pleasant, novel, interesting but hardly life-changing.

Scott Berry