Matisyahu - Youth

Matisyahu throws out rhymes quicker than any reggae artist has ever seen, PLUS he gets great MTV airplay.

Forget Bob Marley, UB40, Sublime, and the Police, for true reggae stick to this guy!

I Love Jesus!

this album sucks. i can't even listen to it all the way through. he really has potential but blows it with way too poppy chorus bull.

also, the seller said it was in very good condition yet the disc and case were scratched to hell.

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

King Without a Crown-5/5
Dispatch the Troops-5/5
Youth-4/5 (the stylized version in No Place to Be is 5/5)
The rest of the songs are 4/5. The album is a solid effort by Matisyahu and his band. These guys transcend the so-called cultural barriers and just rock the house. If you like or have started to discover Matisyahu, this is a must-have ( and so is the Live at Stubbs CD ). I would love to watch him live-

I have said before that most of today's musicians lack imagination. Matisyahu is a gust of fresh air! The man has vision.
I love the old reggae of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff, but have never have had a taste for rap or hip hop.
When I heard Matisyahu, I loved it.
The sheer majesty of Fire of Heaven/Altar of Earth opens this album and you know this is something really powerful.
Matisyahu sings throughout about faith in the Almighty and the love for the Jewish people and land of Israel.
The lyrics are all extremely profound. Favourites include the energetic Youth, a commentary on the situation of youth today and calling on young people to take stand for thruth.
Dispatch The Troops, a sort of analogy with a young girl who has run away from her father's home to the lost Jewish people. Beautiful and compassionate.
What I'm Fighting For, a commentary on the struggle of the Jewish people and their faith in their creator and the classic reggae version of Psalm 137 Jerusalem, where the author celebrates Israel's return to Jerusalem and laments the evil demands for the Jews to leave their promised land.
"In the ancient days, we will return with no delay
Picking up the bounty and the spoils on our way
We've been traveling from state to state
And them don't understand what they say
3,000 years with no place to be
And they want me to give up my milk and honey
Don't you see, it's not about the land or the sea
Not the country but the dwelling of his majesty."

There is the beautiful love song "Unique Is My Dove" and the various other passionate combinations of grief, hope and faith.

This album reminds us of Reggae's early religious based work such as Jimmy Cliff's I Want To Know and his soulful ballad of his people I've Been Dead 400 Years, both from Music Maker, both these songs relate to the experience of faith and of Israel, the Jewish nation could sing "I've Been Dead 2000 Years". This is the work that may have influenced Matisyahu, Peter Tosh's "Moses the Prophet" from Bush Doctor and Bob Marley's Exodus and One LoveExodus.
The album also takes us back to the basic message of the theme of national liberation movement for the Jewish people which is in fact what Zionism is. Once Africanism was referred to as Black Zionism. All in the days before the Islamo-Fascists and Satanists of the Far Left brainwashed the world that Zionism is a "reactionary" movement.

What I found amazing reading the reviews for this album, which I listened to along with Stubbs/Arise and T'Shama a long time ago is the narrow mindedness. People complain that either he is too raggae or not enough raggae, or make idiotic comments about his entering of Jewish prayer singing into the song. He is Jewish yes, he did grow up on raggae yes, and bands like Phish thats why its unique, and its why people like it. If he was just a traditional raggae artist he would not have reached the audience he has and his music wouldn't have a unique style. Its for this unique combination that most people love his music. So I reccomend rather than categorizing him, just call him a music artist. His being a Jew or so forth has nothing to do with that. Finally, for those who feel a white person can't be a raggae artist you are assuming the message of raggae is racist and black only. Bob Marley put forth the concept of all races and peoples coming together in unity, peace, and harmony. Originally that was the point of this music, so in fact you have disgraced Marley's legacy by discrediting him or other artists because they are Jewish, white, asian, or whatever.

...but I really like this cd. It's reggae, but it definitely has rock and hip hop influences. King Without a Crown is just a great song. It's also nice to listen to music every so often with positive and uplifting lyrics! (As opposed to most of the other stuff I listen to where I just tolerate the lyrics because the music is good.)

There are a few things we have to get out of the way. First, white people can most certainly perform in 'black' music. A white rapper - Eminem - is the best-selling and most popular in the genre. White people took over rock with huge bands from every country. Jimi Hendrix' drummer was white, as was funk legend Betty Davis' drummer. So it's not about the guy's color. If you have passion and talent you can play any kind of music.

The Jewish thing is a gimmick. I don't doubt it's his actual religion, but it's used as a marketing tool. The Beastie Boys are Jewish and they rarely mention it. So again it's not about his religion, his color, or anything like that. It's about ability. And it's ability that Matisyahu is lacking.

The problem is that the guy can't sing. He can beatbox a little, but that skill is more than a bit overrated. There's a reason nobody beatboxes anymore. He really can't rap, he can't carry a tune in a bucket, and when he's trying to sing reggae he just sounds like a kid in a high school or college reggae band playing a frat party. Jah mon! I-and-I took my parent's private jet to the island! Bumbaclot! Et cetera. It reminds me of those videos of Jim Belushi pretending like he's singing blues. Step away from the microphone.

Matisyahu's backing band is competent, if unspectacular, but this guy's singing is just ... lame. That's the problem. It's lame. I'm no reggae snob but I know bad reggae when I hear it. This is bad reggae. Definitely all hype and no substance, but a real lesson in marketing.

Great concept... a Jewish guy rappin' Well for this Arab... it is totally awesome. Not a big fan of traditional American rap (into Mexican Rap and this stuff)... The religious overtones and really meaning to the music is heads above what P.Diddy ever put out.

JP Saleeby, MD

This was an aweseom album. It's now one of my favorites. The music has a positive message and really gets the party going

as the lyrics change, the tune and tempo change with them, as does the sound of his voice. sometimes the muisic is soothing and sometimes challenging, but never coarse or hostile or an expression of frustration and filth like so much music today. with all this variety i hope that Matisyahu stays consistent with his themes and doesn't fly into outer space. this album is very colorful but very grounded.

These men, who look like three yeshiva drop-outs and one graduate, have turned out another delightful CD, overflowing with good cheer and genuinely groovy beats. The song "Youth" is a bit silly, but standouts tend to be in major keys anyway, and feature Matisyahu rapping/scatting/SOMEthing a bajillion miles a minute in a high, not-very-in-tune tenor: the over-the-top "Send In The Troops", the multi-levelled "Indestructible", the really pretty "Time Of Your Song" and one you'll barrel down the highway actually singing: "Jerusalem". The production is not as raw as some would like. Instead, it's addictive. And Ill Factor produced my favorites. Yowza!

Reggae's unstoppable: always morphing, and, as with any medium worth the effort, serving all artists who truly need it. So: Crown Heights, Brixton, Kingston or Haifa--who cares? If it keeps up as cool as a good chunk of this CD, Matisyahu might just take over the world.

I'm not sure what song he said that in, but I think it's pretty accurate. And I'm not surprised that the words came out of the mouth of an Hasidic jew. I agree totally. I think he said that on his "Live from Stubbs" cd. Anyway, I have both cds, but I bought this one first.

I couldn't stop playing these songs over and over when I first got "Youth". I, of course, love his classic "King without a crown", but my favorite song is "Time of your song". I also love "What I'm fighting for" which segues nicely into "Jerusalem" which comes from Psalm 137:5,6, "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem...let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I believe not Jerusalem my chief joy." I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that these verses are spoken in jewish marriage ceremonies. I love what he says in these verses: 'Don't you see, it's not about the land or the sea, but the country of the dwelling of His Majesty.' Before those words he describes the jewish predicament in the holy land: 'We've been traveling from state to state, and dem don't understand the words they say. Three thousand years with no place to be and dem want me to give up my milk and honey.' I love also "Indestructible", particularly the chorus: 'Fear nobody but His Majesty/my spirit/you retrieved/for You I wait silently/It seems You believe in me'. I also love the chorus of "Time of your song": 'Moonlight illuminate my night and my days sunray make the people say/And a vision something's missing so they're screaming out loud/Keep my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds.' I can't help but think of the Exodus with G-d leading the Israelites with a cloud by day and a fire by night and also the story of the little boy Samuel who became a priest and annointed David, Israel's most famous king. Before Samuel's day, there was no frequent vision, I Samuel 3:1.

Anyway, if you love pop music, especially with a little carribean flavor, NYC style, and spiritual messages woven within, then these tunes are for you. I love "Youth". Although, there are jews (4, Matisyahu and his 3 friends who call themselves the Roots Tonic), herein, there's no JuJu, and absolutely no VooDoo.

this is a very nice CD from matisyahu...
nice performance as usual...

Jewish Reggae is not as novel as you might think. This is real old testament temple roots Reggae straight out of the Torah. The track Jerusalem is a masterpiece. This is a fantastic CD, full of spiritual insights and good jams.

The legendary Bill Laswell produced most the tracks on this impressive album. Laswell is famous for his work with a wide range of musicians, a lot of it obscure or non-mainstream music. But this album is a very accessible blend of hip-hop and appealing polirythmic textures, many of them with a reggae or dancehall flavor.

In style, it reminded me of Jah Wobble and Shaggy simultaneously and in spirit, of the work of PM Dawn or Arrested Development. Although the style may be characterized as mentioned above, the seamless blend also includes rock guitar as in the title track Youth. The first four tracks, Time Of Your Song especially, are all memorable but the best comes later.

There at least four masterpieces on this singular album. The powerful track Indestructable with its hypnotic rhythmic patterns and upligting lyrics is an awesome devotional song. The buoyant Jerusalem is a gripping and evocative hymn to the holy city. The mid tempo Unique Is My Dove with its bouncy reggae beats is an awesome love song, whilst the spacious and atmospheric Ancient Lullaby with its lovely guitar infusions and extended drum patterns is the highlight of the album, a most moving spiritual experience.

Other songs that stick in the mind after the notes have faded are Dispatch The Troops with its innovative instrumental mix, the structurally complex WP that contains a comforting spoken-word passage from scripture, and the mystical number Late Night In Zion. The CD insert contains the lyrics to four of the songs as well as Psalm 27. Those who like any type of Jamaican music will love this great album.

I love Matisyahu. Live at Stubb's is awesome.
This CD is overproduced and has only one good track.

I generally go for virtuoso instrumentalists. Reggae is an occasional diversion, and hip-hop is low on my list. But one sample of Matisyahu's music and I was oddly hooked. I just got this CD, and already listened to it countless times.

There are several musical influences here, but the reggae/hip-hop that Matisyahu is known for appealingly dominates. I'm unable to narrow down my favorite songs to less than 4: "Jerusalem", "Unique Is My Dove", "Ancient Lullaby" and "King Without a Crown". The folksy "What I'm Fighting For" is nice for contrast, except for the awkward end. Some of the rock guitar riffs here and there are distracting. A few times, I thought I detected a soulful chassidic chant lurking in Matisyahu's throat, and I found myself wishing he'd let it rip.

I have to mention his brilliant poetry, too. Some of the lyrics are in the CD notes - I wish they all were.

Matisyahu makes Jewish orthodoxy look cool. But more to the point, the spiritual longing he expresses is universal. He is a work in progress, both musically and spiritually, and I'm glad he's taking us along on his journey.

very disappointed with this CD; only has about 2 songs on there that are worth listening to

Only 1 or 2 songs worth multiple listens.....And who is the Rabbi-dude in the middle of that one song? Sounds like a parody.

Matisyahu is the greatest thing to come out of Jamaica in a while. You can tell by his lyrics, accent, and attitude that he is a true Rastafarian. Move over Bob Marley, theres a new player in town.

It remains questionable to see if mainstream media will be willing to latch on the another reggae superstar. My guess is prospects are good.

I am not all that big on Reggae or Hip-hop music. Frankly, I own a couple of Marley albums and haven't gone far afield from them, and hip-hop? Blech. Illiterate cartoons making music to be sold as ring-tones with videos that are little more than soft-core commercials for stupidly hedonistic consumerism.

Then I heard Matisyahu. Mixing elements of Hip-Hop, reggae and even some punky guitar (the title track), he has created one of the most uplifting and fresh sounding records of 2006. It's hard to imagine a 'pop' album in this day and age that doesn't spend its running time dwelling on sex, drugs and bling, but those topics (along with cookie cutter beats) are all 100% absent from "Youth." Matisyahu's faith drives him to make art that is far better.

A song as lovely as "Late Night In Zion" would never fit into the download 30 second cell phone crowd. Same goes for the spiritual lift of the title song, skips clueless militancy and implores "Young man, control is in your hands, pound your fist on the table and make your demands...Got the freedom to choose, better make the right moves. Youth is the engine of the world." A far cry from the likes of Limp Bizkit bellowing "break stuff."

Stylistically, the influences are on point. The obvious Marley vibe extends not only into the music but into the tone - keeping a positive, uplifting message. I would bet that Matisyahu's aunts and uncles may have had a few Sting albums he was into, and you'll hear a quote from the candy-pop hit "Break My Stride" in here at one point. If Matisyahu can continue on this path and not be corrupted by the sudden attention, he may blossom into greatness. "Youth" holds that promise of more to come.

The first time I heard "Youth" I walked away humming a few of the songs and couldn't wait to hear it again. Although I could never sing along with all the lyrics (how DOES he sing/talk so fast?), I wish I could because the songs are truly addicting and catchy and the lyrics are awesome and profound.

Matisyahu is a BRILLIANT artist; he has the right blend of talent and originality that will take him far. He is such a breath of fresh air in a music industry where pretty much anyone can put out an album (ie- Paris Hilton, Ashley Simpson, etc) and talented musicians rarely become famous.

I HIGHLY recommend listening to this album at least once- you won't stop thinking about the songs and humming the tunes. I also recommend seeing him in concert if he's ever in your area; I just saw him live and he puts on a DYNAMITE show!

I was a little skeptical when I found out a Hasidic Jew was releasing good Reggae. Not because he's Jewish...or any other religion for that matter...but because he's not Jamaican! Matisyahu has been getting all sorts of attention on Late Night television as well as guest appearances on several Prime Time shows. One would think all of the PR is because this ultra religious individual is pumping crazy Reggae. But after listening to the album...you'll find out that the reason for the attention is because he's really, really freaking good. Overall, I'm not a huge Reggae fan...but this is off the hook. Very uplifting (like other reviewers mentioned) as well as lyrically superior to many "homeland" Rastafari.
Standout songs include:
-Youth
-Late Night In Zion
-King Without A Crown
Also worth the money is the "Live At Stubbs" disc.

Well worth the money.

First album - Wonderful
Live at Stubbs - Excellent! One of my favorite albums of '05.

This album. . . junk! Super overproduced, terribly boring songs and I'll be damned if I was waiting for a guest appearance by Jessica Simpson to come along somewhere. Seriously, this was probably the biggest disappointment I've had in some time seeing as I despise most new music. I was hoping Matisyahu could come along and change that opinion for me. . .instead, he just added himself to the top of an already overflowing pile of rubbish.

Matisyahu is a great live performer. I caught his show at the Austin City Limits music festival in September. He rocked a crowd of 15,000+ and had them in rapt attention, not only for his music, but also when he made a blessing over a snack. This CD, though, is a studio CD. It doesn't have the energy that his live performances do, and if you had to pick one of Matisyahu's CDs to buy, it probably ought to be Live at Stubbs.

That said, this one really grows on you. There are a lot of nice hooks throughout. The melodies and the words will stay with you. There is a lot you can do in the studio musically that is hard to do effectively in a live performance. The arrangements are solid, but the album does not feel overproduced. This is a band that can flat-out play. So, buy the CD and enjoy!

Review no.89. Okay,I had someone pull a gag on me,telling me that I just HAD to give this CD a listen. After I saw the cover,I thought,"What the...?" Always wanting to be fair to new/er artists of every genre,I must admit that Matisyahu (aka Mathew Paul Miller) performs his music well. Even though, this work of the Hasidic Jewish musician fusing reggae with rap isn't my bag, I've still heard his name mentioned before. In fact, I believe he played at a 1,000 seat concert venue in my town fairly recent and the newspaper write-up mentioned, "You know in another year that Matisyahu is going to be BIG". Let's wait and see.

Here in Norway the live version of Matisyahu's King Without a Crown has been shown on music video programs (the kind where people vote with their mobiles and there is no presenter) for a while now. That's not where I saw him first, I caught the tail end of his performance on Letterman and then I read about him in Q's March 2006 issue. I have always had a warm spot for Jewish people and Jewish culture (in fact, if there are any unmarried upper west side Jewish princesses out there, I'm currently single and... Oh, yeah, the review!), I have read most of Chaim Potok's books, The Promise, The Chosen, My Name is Asher Lev and The Gift of Asher Lev. Chaim Potok was not unlike Matisyahu an orthodox Jew living in the United States. He grew up as a young man during the Korean War, and the characters in his books faced a lot of the same things I would expect Matisyahu has had to contend with to some extent. Choosing a life in art, coming into contention with the more conservative trends of his religion and so on. Of course, Matisyahu has come into Hasidism on his own merits, and his parents weren't of the same branch, so I guess the similarities ends to some extent there.

But why else would I recommend that people buy this album?

The music is just great. I am not kosher (excuse the pun) when it comes to music, I'll explore most things. One thing I have kept myself well away from is rap, which I under normal circumstances can't stand, and never have. Reggae never really spoke to me either, but with the 80's, Ska and 2 tone as part of my baggage and recently, over the past three years having fallen for the music of The Streets, I guess I was open for something new.

Matisyahu's album Youth works for me on so many levels, it's toe tapping good fun, my mood is elevated by so many degrees it's almost silly. I have a keen interest in history and listening to the lyrics I must say I nod along, not just with the rhythm, but what he has to say. As a goyim and non-religious person, I think I have an above average clue about the workings of Jewish culture, having read among other things, Wanderings, again by Chaim Potok, and I feel a bit of a tingle when I sense the love he has for his culture, people and for J**ve/G-od.

I really can't recommend this record enough, if nothing else for the sheer fun and joy I got from it. I'm sure I'll play it so much I'll tire of it, but so it is, in our world of fleeting fancies.

(031106)

(Right now I have the same feeling half a year later about Lily Allen)

His first album is great.. His live album is awesome.. This album is just too commercial and polished. That usually happens when an artist gets noticed and they try to prove something on the second album. Most of these songs just sound like noise to me.. Especially the remake of King Without A Crown..Fame and money will do that I guess

Matisyahu seemingly came out of nowhere last year with the "Live at Stubb's" album, which charted the Billboard 200 charts for a long time but the reality is of course that Matisyahu had a 2004 debut studio album "Shake Off the Dust...Arise" that nobody seems to remember.

"Youth" (13 tracks, 48 min.) builds on the strongly religiously themed debut studio album. It should be noted that this is a true band effort, not some solo effort from front man Matisyahu. All songs on here are co-written by some or all of the other 3 members of the band consisting of Josh Werner on bass, Jonah David on drums and Aaron Dugan on guitar. The higlights on this album include the opener "Fire of Heaven/Altar of Earth", the title track, "Jerusalem", the instrumental "Shalom/Salaam", "Late Nite in Zion", and "King Without a Crown", which makes its 3rd appearance as it also appeared on the debut studio album as well as the live "Stubb's" album (and is of course the best known song and hit of Matisyahu).

Despite the slick studio production, it still doesn't do justice to the live experience of Matisyahu. I've seen Matisyahu in concert a number of times, including at this year's Coachella and Bonnaroo festivals, and it is clear that with the relenteless touring, live this has become a very tight sounding band. "Youth" is a good album, but do yourself a favor and catch these guys live when you get the chance.

This album has zero going for it. It's schlocky reggae/rap with nothing new to say except for the lyrics. If you got this guy out of his religious garb and gave him a shave he'd be just another white guy trying to sound "down with those crazy urban youth kids." He is 100% packaging. Maybe he does that so that 30-something white execs like me won't feel stupid browsing in the rap section of Virgin Records or something, but really, folks, don't believe the hype. There's much better reggaeton, rap, and reggae rap out there; all this guy is offering is some color-coding as it were.

This review comes from the perspective of a Christian who likes rhythm, but has not really participated much in other or mainstream Reggae. The novelty of a Hassidic rapper and my heavy study and love of and for the Old Testament (which Matisyahu is forever quoting) drew me into buying the Album Live at Stubbs. I have not heard their other album. Compared to Live at Stubbs, Youth shows excellent growth for an already talented and passionate group of artists. Live at Stubbs has very much the same sound, and to some extent, tempo in each song and one can only listen to it so many times. The present album shows grand variation with the established 'vibe.' Clearly, a lot of good production went into this album and it is well worth the purchase!

My young nephews - of all people - perked my ears to this band. And I am grateful they did because I found it to be a profund album with the most powerful lyrics regardless of the style in which the ideas and spritual messages are presented. I believe for this 2006 album that has reached my ears in Hawaii - it works on many levels; it sounds different from everything else on the radio, even from the other reggae sounds that is in heavy rotation. How it works from here for me is that now I want to hear every other album prior to this one.

My favorite songs on this album - King of Crowns, Jerusalem, Youth, Fire of Heaven/Altar of Earth, Time of Your Song.

Matisyahu is a fresh new artist with a truely original sound. This CD seriously rocks, I have gotten many of my friends hooked on him. This album has a fast upbeat tempo that has a positive message. It is a mix of Reggae, beat-box, and some rap sounding lyrics mixed in. So different, so creative, and so refreshing.

The album resonated with me. I am of a different faith, but love his devotions to his G-d. The lyrics are fast at times, and sometimes difficult to understand, nonetheless clever in every regard. Drop a few bones for this one...

I bought this CD after I heard about Matisyahu on the radio. He seemed like an amusing novelty (he is probably the only Hasidic Jewish musician performing reggae right now) and what I heard of his music was fairly good. But I was disappointed. Aside from a few songs, the majority of the album contains weak, repetitive lyrics. Matisyahu's vocal dexterity is impressive, but one of my problems with the album is that many of the songs aren't that accessible to people who aren't spiritual/religious. For example, count his references to Zion and demons. By an informal count, more than half of the songs have some line about driving off demons and more than half contain some mention of Zion.

My other problem with this album is that Matisyahu's commitment to keeping his lyrics clean (for which he deserves credit) means that many of his lyrics are, for lack of a better word, lame. When he's not singing about apocalyptic visions (Fire of Heaven, Altar of Earth), he rhymes awkwardly:

Those whipper snappers, they got trapped old chap
They lost the way, they never had the right map
Needed a sneak attack to slap the demons off my back
So I packed for the schddle dreamed big I wouldn't settle
Put the pedal to the metal and returned to fundamentals
(WP)

But aside from the overly religious and lame lyrics on certain songs, he has his moments of poignance. Jerusalem is a relatively cogent statement of one Jew's attachment to Israel. Unique is My Dove captures an idyllic relationship (also contains a Police tribute--we don't need no umbrella when we're walking in the rain (Every Little Thing She Does is Magic)). Time of Your Song is a pleasing, simple, uplifting song. King Without A Crown has a great, head-banging bridge (if you've heard the song you know what I'm talking about) and I like it despite the fact that it suggests that the only reason someone would not be fanatically religious is that they have an overinflated ego. The most touching song on the album is Late Night in Zion, which asks the question, What difference can I, one person, seeking to do good work, make? While it's an overtly religious song (obvious references to Israel/Jewish faith), it's accessible to anyone who's ever tried hard at what's right but became discouraged.

I love it. Matisyahu really proves a point about many issues. Another thing I like about him is that you actually know what he is saying...

So no matter what kind of music you listen to, Youth is for you

The only way I can describe this album is "underwhelming." I kept waiting for a good beat or a guitar solo to catch me... but they never came... not once. I remember hearing the single "Youth" on the radio for the first time and hoping that it wasn't the best track on the album, and unfortunately it was. His live album was excelent, and I still recomend that disc to anyone interested in his music, but he needs some more work in the studio.

I bought this disc based on the title track, which I believe is one of the catchiest and most inspirational songs in quite awhile. And other songs contain great hooks as well; songs like "Jeruselum," "What I'm Fighting For," and the hit "King Without a Crown" are instantly memorable.

Unfortunately, somebody went crazy with the Pro-tools in recording this CD. There are times when Matisyahu's vocals sound more like a keyboard than a human voice. Becaused he got famous with the in-concert "Live at Stubb's" and he's a popular act on the jam band circuit, why not just let people enjoy his natural sound?

This is a fun and engaging disc, but its heavy-handed production is destined to make it a period piece.

Matisyahu is the best and most original band that I have heard in the past two decades. The band mixes reggae, ska and rap effortlessly to produce their own distinctive sound.

I really love matisyahu live at stubb's. I was highly antisipating that this album would be great and it was. i cant wait to see matis live.

Really disappointed in the cd and since I was fired up the first time I bought it, It didn't look like Amazon was going to pass my true comments, so I'll keep this one to the point.

Really fake sounding reggae, no roots or vibe at all, lyrics are weak too, all in all I don't recommend this cd to ANY one unless you have other uses for it such as coasters in this case.

Listened/Viewed Matthew Miller on Yahoo Music and he starts out noticeably shaky (high pitched voice reminds me of a youthful Jimmy Cliff)but he grows more confident and by the time he gets to the "chanting" twist on Message in a Bottle rendition, the music starts to hit him and he becomes more loose and more natural- the "lyrics" start to flow. Very entertaining and impressive for a man not directly from "yaad"(Jamaica). - From a born Jamaican (jamaican terms in quotation) who continues to listen and search for clean music.

I have an attachment to his first disc, but this release rocks just as well, but this time with an almost hip-hop/spoken word quality. I love the first track and the positive message in the call for youthful responsibility in a later track. Is it weird that I have a little crush on a hassid?

"Songs of Love and Healing". This is the most wonderful collection of music I have heard since Bob Marley's "Natty Dread" in 1975. Maybe better. I'm 48. I'm a major fan of reggae music, I might be at least vaguely considered a reggae music historian. I have gone to Jamaica five times to more discover reggae, I do not usually like reggae made outside of Jamaica, and I do not usually like hip-hop; but I love this album so much the only thing about it I don't like is I will probably listen to it so much I worry I may eventually become weary of it--though this is hardly yet for sure. I'm so utterly moved by this music I will gladly go so far as to say Matisyahu is to reggae and hip-hop what Bob Marley was to reggae and rock--as brilliantly as Marley lovingly joined reggae and rock to promote his message, Matisyahu joins reggae and hip-hop, and more importantly the two cultures of humanity, impeccably seamlessly. I have read the reviews by Matisyahu's early fans, in which he's sometimes accused of some kind of "selling out" by this vibrant production of "Youth"; I appreciate your wanting to keep this artist as your own, but he's got to grow and the world needs this album. Gorgeous "Jerusalem", with its utterly compelling and ridiculously ingenious fusion of reggae and hip-hop, is worth the price of this album all by itself. "Youth" begins on a rocking, bass-driven steamroll, then draws you even closer with it's incessant litany of Truth. The melodic perfection of "Time Of Your Song" will heal your soul. "King Without A Crown" is the first single, but I promise you it's just the beginning of the glorious musical and spiritual adventure which is "Youth". I'm floored. You don't have to be Rasta, or Hisadic Jewish to love this music--but it might help to be soul-thirsty--and there's a lot of that going around right now. Thank you, Matisyahu. Big Ups, and keep the Faith. So when are you coming to New Hampshire, Mr. Miller?

Got into Matisyahu purely by accident. I'm a 59 yr old music fan with wide tastes and when Youth was released I decided to see what kind of gimmick we had here. To my surprise, it is outstanding and certainly no gimmick. I have since bought Live at Stubbs and wish the first CD was still available. This young man is extremely talented. I've been a Marley fan for years (even before it was 'cool') and also an admirer of several alternative bands (Coheed and Cambria/Flaming Lips)and of course 'Classic (Oldster) Rock'. Matisyahu is very talented and Youth is an excellent studio effort.

i'll make it short and quick, since detailed reviews are already here; 'Youth' has some blazing tracks on it. i highly recommend this album to any reggae fan, and those who want to hear something slightly different. matisyahu beatboxes, chants and sings in varied melodies, along with catchy and innovative reggae beats. if you're not sure, check out 'King Without A Crown' - beautiful lyrics and a catchy vibe :]

My favorite tracks include:
Indestructible
Fire Of Heaven/Altar Of Earth
Time Of Your Song
Unique Is My Dove
King Without A Crown

What a monumental blunder. Unlike their promising debut, Shake off the Dust Arise, you'd be hard pushed to find any reggae at all here. I cannot describe the disappointment his fanbase feels.

Unlike other rap artist this 1 is not on drugs so thats why it has come to my opinion that madisyahu is a great rapper even tho i am told to terminate my commands i still remain a soldier inside me heart GET THIS!

i was expecting some experimentation and something UNexpected, really and got none of that. almost all the songs have the same basic beat with different overlying beats and that can get annoying after a while. his song 'King Without A Crown' is by far his best, and all the rest just don't have that spunk and originality. i also have his 'Live at the Stubbs', and if u like Matisyahu, get that album and leave this one alone. its so much like the last album, just the bad version. his songs 'King without a Crown' is also better live on the LATS album. save this money and just add him to your myspace. he's so friggin cool, he just needs to get a little more experimental with his music.

For the past half-century, Western media has exploited the tension between the extreme Christian right and the countercultural left. Outside of this dialogue, voices have found common ground from which they have spoken. Most relevantly in regards to Mastisyahu, Bob Marley's devotion to Rastafari and Zionism has a strong relationship to orthodox Judaic ideals.

As the Beastie Boys have continually proven, there is certain compatriotism in marginalization. It would stand to reason that Matisyahu, being a fan of both reggae and jam bands (before his conversion), would spontaneously pull the syncretic idea of "Jewish Raggamuffin" from these seemingly disparate narratives. While on the surface it seems not much more than novel to have a "Hassidic Jew Reggae" artist, listening to Matisyahu's "Youth" makes perfect textural sense in the Western conceptualization of what is texturally acceptable in reggae music.

This seemingly logical musical cross-breeding results in some great music, possibly on par with Paul Simon's Graceland. While Matisyahu is significantly influenced by the potentially disparate concepts offered by Hassidic ideals, jam bands, and reggae, the sound that he creates is relatively distinctive in the modern soundscape.

Of course, one runs up against the issue of his success. While I have a strong belief that his music is both relevant and moving, the problem of exploitation still looms strong. Ultimately, the novelty of his identity is the pundit from which he speaks. I hope that he is able to transcend this novelty beyond this "debut", because I truly believe that he has something to say.

The lowdown: Youth is a great listen. At a time when it is easy to indulge in vacuous or darkly comic text, Matisyahu provides a positive musical message married with relevant and well-written music. Most certainly, a great summer album for those of you that might think that 311 is a done deal.......

This artist and album surprised the crap out of me in many ways. For one I'm no big fan of reggae, but every single lyric from Matisyahu just pulled me in for more. And to see a Jewish artist getting airplay, i can't help but smile! Each song is powerful in it's own way, whether about Jerusalem and the holocaust, or old highschool memories. Matisyahu is a force to be reckoned with, and is not compromisng to anything.