Customer Reviews

Shirei Moledet

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stunning arrangements (thank you ShemTov Levy!), breathtaking vocals and gorgeous instrumentation characterize these two albums combined into 1 CD recorded in 1983 (Shirey Moledet A) and 1985 (Shirey Moledet B) respectively. The listener will not be subjected to the sappy lyrics (if you understand Hebrew) and bubble-gum pop melodies that brought Ofra Haza to pop stardom during this same period: here you will find just pure, full-throated gorgeous vocals married to a lush, ethnic background painted by some of the top musicians working in the Israeli music industry, such as Gil Dor on guitars and Albert Piamenta on saxophone. These are timeless melodies of Mediterranean shepherds and sailors, lush vineyards, lonely soldiers, the Sea of Galilee and other wonders of the Holy Land brought to life by the honest, direct and innocent voice of Ofra Haza. A must hear!

Shirei Moledet v1. (1983), v2. (1985) and v3. (1987) are the best collection of israeli folk. Ofra return to her jewish roots with three greats productions in hebrew language and jewish rythms. "Zemer Nooge Rachel" of v1., "Al Na Tomar Li Shalom" in v2., and "Hakotel" of v3. are marvelous songs, my favorites.

The best of Israel.

'Shirey Moledet' is my favorite CD by my all-time favorite female singer, Ofra Haza. I don't speak or understand Hebrew, but you don't have to in order to love this music. This exceptional collection of -21 tracks- expresses the heart and soul of the Jewish experience as only the voice of Ofra Haza could. All the regrets, longings, hopes and dreams of a nation are encapsulated within this wonderful CD. 'Shirey Moledet' is one of the 'ESSENTIALS.' The fact that this CD is now OOP is unbelievable. Get it used while you can, it's getting harder and harder to find!

~ RIP OFRA ~

In her singing of the great classics of Israeli popular music Haza has a clarity, a sheer lyric power a special melodiousness which lifts the spirit. She was one of those singers whose music seems as if it the echo or mirror of her rare physical beauty. And she truly does justice to the very beautiful songs here.

While Ofra Haza (RIP) will always be remembered for her desert disco beats, this album is a wonderful introduction to the Israeli folk songbook. Ofra's joy in singing the songs of her homeland is infectious.