Spark Seeker

Matisyahu | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 17, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fallen Sparks Records
• ASIN: B0082LUGVC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,106 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #7 in Music > World Music > Middle East > Israel
  • #9 in Music > Folk > Jewish & Yiddish Music
  • #25 in Music > World Music > Europe > Eastern Europe

Track Listings

1. Crossroads (feat. J. Ralph)

2. Sunshine

3. Searchin

4. Buffalo Soldier (feat. Shyne)

5. Fire of Freedom

6. Bal Shem Tov

7. I Believe in Love

8. Breathe Easy

9. Summer Wind

10. Live Like a Warrior

11. Tel Aviv'n

12. King Crown of Judah (feat. Shyne and Ravid Kahalani)

13. Shine on You

Editorial Reviews

Matisyahu blasts off with his 4th album Spark Seeker, produced by Kool Kojack (Nicki Minaj, Travis Barker, Ke$ha). This bold new studio album finds the one-of-a-kind vocalist and songwriter exploring uncharted territory with help from an expansive cast of collaborators. My musical tastes are all over the board, he says in reference to a record that mixes ancient traditional sounds with futuristic electro beats, rapping with singing, songs of the spirit with songs of the body. My music is about searching out inspiration wherever it lies. This album is about seeking that spark within.

Since first emerging on the international stage in 2005, Matisyahu has established a reputation for transcending boundaries- from the stripped-down roots reggae of the gold-certified Live at Stubb s to the trippy ministrations of the Grammy nominated Youth to the polished pop eclecticism of Light. Then, in 2010, he returned to the venerable Austin venue that introduced him for Live at Stubb s, Vol. II, demonstrating that all of his travels had only strengthened his connection to his musical bedrock. Selling over 2 million albums worldwide, it was a whirlwind half-decade journey, one that earned Matisyahu a place in pop culture at large.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A warm and very uplifting album July 21, 2012

By A Reviewer

Format:Audio CD

In a final product that's sure to receive divided opinions among a diverse fanbase, Spark Seeker sees Matisyahu taking a left turn firmly into electronic and jazzed up production. This is not an album done in the reggae style, or even in the polished rock style seen on Youth and Light.

Spark Seeker's a very different type of album, one that mixes hi-tech, busy, and heavily synthesized production with Middle-Eastern instruments for a very cool new sound for him.

I wasn't sure what to initially think when I heard that Matisyahu was heading in this direction. Most fans, I'd think, have always preferred his live albums to Youth and Light mainly because of the rawer, more energetic sound that comes with a band playing the music. His studio albums, on the other hand, always blended this style with poppier and more mainstream production.

With Spark Seeker, we see the album diving headfirst into this type of production, and I have to express my surprise; it's all the better for it. By sticking firmly to its style instead of tepidly balancing between the two, I feel that this is Matisyahu's most cohesive and energetic studio album to date, with songs that blend well together while all still sounding like something unique and different. The CD's meant to be played loud and with the bass cranked up and it's an experience all its own.

Crossroads is an incredible way to kick things off, and this transitions into one of only 3 (somewhat) traditional songs on the album, Sunshine. Searching, Buffalo Soldier, and Fire of Freedom all bring something totally new to the table while all coming off as incredibly catchy. Bal Shem Tov has an atmospheric start as the music beautifully fades in, this one including some incredible lyrics. I Believe in Love is another one in the style of Sunshine, Breathe Easy's another energetic and uplifting song, and Live Like a Warrior's the 3rd "traditional" track. Tel Aviv'n's an adventure through not only Israel but Matisyahu's personal journey and it's an incredible listen with even more uplifting lyrics. King Crown of Judah's a complete Israeli hip hop track and one of my favorites on the CD, though I wish Matisyahu rapped for two verses instead of just one, especially since the first verse is Shyne's 2nd guest appearance on the CD.

The only song I'm not too crazy about is the CD closer, Shine on You, but from what I hear it's one of Matisyahu's favorites on the CD, (that and Crossroads) so maybe it'll grow on me.

Spark Seeker's a pretty incredible record; while definitely the production and musical style may not be most fans' cup of tea, if you set your expectations for what Matisyahu should sound like aside and just listen to the warm melodies and uplifting lyrics, you may find yourself loving this album for what it is.

I hope that Matisyahu and the Dub Trio release a raw and fully instrumental album next time around (he says it's not too far off, so I'm excited for it) but I also love Spark Seeker, and hope fans give it a chance.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars New is not always better July 18, 2012

By Austin

Format:MP3 Music

Being a dedicated matisyahu follower I was very disappointed in this album. Matisyahu previously was a pioneer in his own genre of music, this CD however has lost much of matisyahu's uniqueness and goes for mass appeal with pop being an undeniable influence.. I still love matisyahu but I won't be listening to this CD cover to cover like I do on a daily basis with his other amazing albums. Every artist goes through changes for better or for worse, personally I think he should go back to his style in previous albums. Matisyahu is truly amazing artist regardless, and even better live which proves real talent.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A bit more sophisticated than 'Light,' but not as 'authentic' July 18, 2012

By Paul Stuart VINE™ VOICE

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

Echoing other reviewers for this much-anticipated album, I left the nearly 2-year wait for its release with mixed feelings.

It's arguably fair to call 'Spark Seeker' an advancement in the production and sophistication of Matisyahu, as more complex rhythms, Middle Eastern and electronic overlays, and finally tighter mixing combine to give this album a sense of a bona fide studio affair. It's certainly a joy to listen to, and catchy x 10. Well done, Kool Kojack. I wouldn't be surprised to see 1 or 2 tracks go mainstream radio.

Still, something gets lost in all these intended upgrades. Matisyahu's 'authenticity' - his free form mix of Jewish niggun and reggae flow - are sadly few and far between on Spark Seeker. It's admittedly odd to witness this step back. 'Light,' in my opinion stands as Matisyahu's best album to date, one that captured his best and then some by adding subtle but needed polish to the original Live albums plus debut offering. On a personal level, however, Matisyahu (through his own admission) transitioned away from Hasidic Judaism toward the end of 2011, a move which might explain the format switch (as his perception of music purpose could have adjusted accordingly).

In multiple plays of Spark Seeker, I couldn't help but think of the same journey Kanye West took...and perhaps continues to via collaborative albums...in marrying his realness plus desire for musical experimentation. Some hiccups emerged along the way in over-preference toward a particular outcome. Perhaps this Matisyahu's current struggle, in determining where his raw passion and musical zeal best overlay.

Thus and in sum, Matisyahu devotees might find Spark Seeker a slight downgrade to the terrific Youth. Those new to this unique talent might best be served via earlier efforts first.