Review: Ari Goldwag – The English Album

We have to remember, aside from being a musician/singer, Ari Goldwag is also a Kiruv Rabbi (www.arigoldwag.com) who provides the listener/viewer with a purpose and message behind every song/drasha. With that prior knowledge, it makes sense that he finally released a album full of English tracks. Each track is like a mashal (parable) which provides the listener with not just a song, but a lesson.

We’ve had sprinkles of Ari’s English songs before; most recently on Am Echad which featured “Don’t Be Shy to Say the words”, “Hashem is always there” and “Yosef”. They were all terrific songs, which is what excited me about the release of an album dedicated entirely to his English compositions.

Without further ado, let’s analyze this album.

As always, I encourage you to reach out to me in the comments or on twitter @sgstudiosdg

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Something Different:

This opener has a great sound to it. It has a soft pop sound and gets the blood pumping; great song for a jog. The lyrics are fantastic and well written. If I’m interpreting the message correctly, the song is about seeing beyond the mundane and finding Hashem in everything which will help you “escape from your sadness” and see the purpose in everything.

Angels Out:

Angels Out has a very calming and soothing sound which serenades the listener. The angels the song is referring to are the Shabbos angels that come every shabbos to visit. At one point in the song “Shalom Aleicheim” which is recited every Friday night before Kiddush is recited. Ari’s son Moshe Dov makes an appearance in this song with background vocals which adds a befitting father & son touch to this song.

Chanukah Lights:

Again, the sound of this song is similar to the opening track which has a pop feel to it. It’s a very short song at 2:40 long which makes it almost seem like a filler track. However, I enjoy it because of its length, as it feels like an appetizer before the meal. Since this album was released a month before Chanukah, it feels timely to add this track, getting the listener excited for Chanukah. BONUS: See the music video here – (http://youtu.be/5oAbhwC8LZI)

Your Smile:

I’m missing something, because I do not have the booklet, so I don’t know who he is singing about in this song. However, this song is beyond gorgeous – a very well done ballad.

Up to You Now:

At first I didn’t like the sound behind this song, but it has grown on me. It’s definitely not my favorite on the album; I don’t think there’s a lot of depth behind it, but it’s a nice soothing listen.

Take Me Home:

Again, I don’t have the booklet so I don’t know if this is an original composition, but it sounds like something out of a Disney movie. It’s a beautiful song and I keep coming back to it, again and again.

Forever Dance:

This may be the best song on the album. There’s something electrifying about this composition and Moshe Dov’s (Ari’s son) vocals. He doesn’t blow you away by any means but his voice has an addictive sound to it.

Teiman, Choices & Live in the Sky:

I’m not a huge fan of these tracks and the album fizzles out for me here. I’m sure other people will like them but the sound behind them is not to my particular taste.

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Track 1-7 are worth the album themselves. No point on paying $7 for them when you can pay $10 and take a chance on the last 3 songs that you may like.