Review of Ohad Moskowitz’s “My Music”

Oh! It’s Ohad! For those of you who haven’t yet heard Ohad, allow me to fill you in. Ohad Moskowitz is from Israel and he has thee highest voice in Jewish music. It’s seriously not normal how high he can go. This album entitled “My Music” is a testimonial to his tremendous vocal range. This album is of the “simcha” genre. It’s filled with old, catchy songs, and attempts to sell you Ohad as a singer for your next simcha.

I was never impressed with Ohad’s albums, only because I felt the compositions weren’t so hot. However, Ohad himself is fantastic! Give him the same compositions you give Shwekey and watch him go to work. This album is Ohad’s time to shine. Listen to how talented he is and bask in the presence of this gift of a voice that Hashem bestowed upon him.

Does he shine? Read on and find out!

I’m going to include a “SKIP” or “HEAR” next to each track to let you know my thoughts on whether or not I believe it’s worth it to listen to that particular track.
Boee – (HEAR) There aren’t many words to this song and I find it interesting that he started off an album full of fast songs with a classic slow song. First of all, the music in this song is terrific, as it is throughout the album. The arrangements are top notch and he kicks tuchus in this song! 2:23 and on is WOW! This is by far the best I’ve ever heard from Ohad.

Binyan Adei Ad – (HEAR) Everyone’s favorite recent Lipa song is now in Ohad’s hands. He sings it with a litvak’s accent instead of the traditional chassidish accent. To tell you the truth, I like it more than Lipas. Hear him go crazy at 1:41 and on. Also, if you notice at 1:55, he uses MBD’s “Usid” beat.

Shabichi – (HEAR) YBC time! The child soloist he chose for this album starts out on this song. His range appears to be as high as Ohad’s – scary. The backup choir is amazing at the end of the track as well.

Ma Ma Ma – (SKIP) I’m so sick of Ma Ma Ma… hehe. No shtick in this song, just pleasant if you want to hear Ma Ma Ma for the umpteenth time.

Chavivin – (HEAR) This track is a chance for Ohad to get his energy out. Listen to how high he starts off the song.

Hentelach – (HEAR) Lift up your hand to your Father in heaven! He doubles his voice for the chorus of this song and it sounds great! Oh my gosh… Listen to 1:18, ridiculously good.

Kel Haodaos – (HEAR) Why is he starting off a Fried song with the music of Donna Summer’s “hot stuff”…?(Don’t ask how I know that song…) Regardless, he does an incredible job with this song.

Stop! – (HEAR) Why does this song start off with the music of Michael Jackson’s (Baruch dayan HaEmes) “White & Black” song? This song is a little ridiculous, but Ohad sounds great. And it’s cute how he ends the song.

Vihee Sheamda – (SKIP) It’s not as good as the other versions of this song, but it’s alright. He does have some nice Yeedle “Lakol Zeman” style guitar in the background though.

Odecha – (SKIP) Awesome electric guitar and a very short track.

Al Naharos Bavel – (SKIP) I feel like this song is better with a kids voice. Meydad Tasa is definitely the king when it comes to this song.

Vezakeni – (SKIP) This switching fast to slow songs isn’t working so well.  Something about the beat in this song during the low part is off. The choir harmonies are nice though.

Lecha Keli – (SKIP) Great musical arrangements – The downside is that there is no chance for Ohad to go crazy in this song.

Sheterachameni – (SKIP) :(

No Jew – (HEAR) Yeehaw! The intro music is like “The Farmer in the Dell”! Ohad is terrific in this song! A nice pickup after a bunch of terrible tracks.

Anovim – (HEAR) This version of Yossi Green’s “Anovim” is faster, more pumped and Ohad goes crazy with the word “Omed”. The music is once again terrific and Ohad does a solid job with this instant classic.

Yiftach Beamov – (EH, YOU CHOOSE) Acapella introduction and some killer keys! The actual song is nice as well. It’s not such a great Ohad styled song. The words seem as if they are squeezed too.

Bayis Neeman – (HEAR) Ohad pulls a Yisroel Werdyger. He rocks this Illowitz composition. It’s perfect for his voice and he throws in some nice shtick that enhance the song. After hearing this, I wish the original was on an Ohad album. The only problem is, he skips the “No Problemen” part. I love that part!

Matzliach – (HEAR) Ohad’s versions of chassidish songs gone litvak continues. Ohad was stunning with Fried’s “Aderaba”, so why not “Matzliach”? Surprisingly enough, Ohad nails this song on the head. I think it’s possible that Ohad is better then Fried at his own songs.

Niggun Americe – (SKIP) This track is mostly choir. Where’s my Ohad!?

Kol Rinah – (SKIP) The last ten seconds of this track rock!

Mareh Cohen – (SKIP) The choir is too low in this track in comparison to Ohad. Ohad himself, handles the song well.

Ashrechem – (HEAR) It’s a cool song, but Ohad sounds a little funny singing it. However, the high part is sensational! That’s the “Muh Ohavti” part.

Es Dodi – (HEAR) Ahh, Baruch Hashem. Sefardi style. This is where Ohad shines! Some great sefardi chazzunos on this track. A great intro the the next section!

Rak Tefillah – (HEAR) More Avraham Fried! From his Rak Tefillah single that he released to all for download. Ohad is “WOW” on this track. I would like to see Fried & Ohad duet on this song.

Vaichun Am – (HEAR) Electric beginning. A great hora track. 1,2,3, kick left, kick right!

Elokim Sheli – (HEAR) Fast and short track. Great vocals & an amazing filler and then some!

Nigun Yishai – (SKIP) Only choir again.

Kinor David – (SKIP) The recording of the child soloist on this track sounds muffled. The music is however, fantastic once again.

Mabruk Alek – (SKIP) Not my style song. However, those who like hardcore sefardi music may enjoy it.

Yabbai – (SKIP) Same as last song.

HEAR = 17
SKIP = 14
EH, YOU CHOOSE = 1

Final Verdict:

There are a lot of new albums out there. If for some reason you really want a simcha album and you love Ohad, then by all means, go buy this album. When you compare it to Project X 3 & Non Stop Lipa, it just doesn’t hold up. However, the first part of this album is really sweet!