Videos by American Songwriter
Matisyahu
Spark Seeker
(Fallen Sparks)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Reggae rock master Matisyahu once again delivers a riveting album adding to the crop of winners this summer. Charmingly produced by “Kool Kojak” Grigg, each track flows into the next with artistic shine. The energy is electric and buzzing throughout, as the artist molds and shapes the songs with elements of hip-hop, traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation, dance floor beats, synth sounds and a mixture of ambient spoken word.
In the riveting “Buffalo Soldier,” hip-hop artist Shyne accompanies Matisyahu with a stirring plain of beats and sounds, speaking on the power of youth over the chaos gone wrong. The jazzed-up “Shine on You” is a love anthem featuring the romance of Matisyahu’s lyrics and an enchanting verse melody, drenched with joyous, soul lifting saxophones. “Live like a Warrior” is the perfect portrait for those who feel lost and left out. A dazzling percussive effort, with a teeming assortment of synths and processed sounds, the chorus leaps to a higher level.
A common theme throughout is Matisyahu’s yearning for rediscovery and the search for clarity and vision in a person’s busy life as the world around him grows more complex. It’s a record well worth listening to, and such a myriad of sounds.
