SPLASHNEWS-Review of Dovid Gabay-Hakol Letova

@SPLASHNEWSUSA -This is a HOT album. This might be the best album I’ve heard in a while. Dovid Gabay had 3 quality albums under his belt and was living life on the stage. That all slowed down after “Eretz Yisroel” when Dovid seemingly took a break and we didn’t get anything new from him for years. Well, apparently he decided to take his time and work long and hard on an album that will really blow people away. He did it. Alongside producers Sruly Meyer and C.D. Eichler, he worked to create this masterpiece that is full of energy, quality, beauty, and fun. Very often I hear an album and wonder- they listened to a couple thousand songs and decided to put this on the album? Seriously?! Honestly I have no idea how we get such inferior music sometimes but that’s for another article. This album does not go into that conversation. There is not even one bad song on this album. I can honestly say that I enjoy every single song! I recently returned from California where I brought 4 CD’s. I listened to 3 of them once. I then proceeded to listen to “Hakol Letova” by Dovid Gabay for the rest of the trip. Over and over again. The arrangements are unbelievable. There is always something fresh and exciting on every track. You do not get bored of this album. It is professional in every sense of the word. I highly recommend this album to- everyone.
1. Hakol Letova– I love when albums start with their title tracks. It lends more meaning to the track and sets the tone for the whole album. This song composed by Mordechai Brezel starts off simple without any intro and straight into the low with acoustic guitars. It then slowly picks up with the beat and really gets rocking right after the short high. I love this high energy track and especially like the brass interlude at 2:20 which is capped at 2:50 with a great vocal by Gabay which truly showcases his power. Arranged by Yoni Alayev with lyrics by the famous Miriam Israeli. 4½ out of 5 stars
2. Shir Ha’achdut– This is a masterful slow Hebrew song which Dovid sings with a lot of emotion. There is a great choir which is showcased at 3:05 where they sing the chorus pretty much a capella with the exception of the violins (turn up the volume and you will hear it). This segment of the track lends great contrast and creates a good build up for the next part of the song which picks up power when Dovid transposes at 3:30. Composed and lyrics by Itai Amiran and arranged by Yoni Alayav. All in all a solid track. 4 out of 5 stars
3. Oizer- This is a quality techno song composed by David Kaufman and arranged by Naftuli Schnitzler. The melody is kept pretty simple which is something I like in techno songs because sometimes people tend to get fancy and then the melody gets lost in the music. I love the way Gabay sings the low part especially the second time around. Listen around 1:45 you’ll know what I’m talking about. I like how the song starts with vocal and also ends like that but is coupled with a flute. 3½ out of 5 stars
4. Moneh- This is the song that you buy the album for. Just don’t listen it on repeat for 300 times or you might start to get tired of it. Not that I would know. Or would I? Hmm. This was composed and lyrics by Shua Bitton and sounds like an 8th Day style song. Hey, it’s produced and arranged by Bentzi Marcus of 8th Day! Shocker. Bentzi also adds his vocals to this awesome track. Really fun and great arrangements! 5 out of 5 stars
5. Hamalach– This is a beautiful song that really grows on me more and more with every listen. It’s actually an old song from Baruch Aboud’s “Netzor” album. Congrats to the few music aficionados that instantly recognized that! The arrangements that feature the mellow sounds of Shloime Cohen’s sax, were done by Tzvi Blumenfeld. I also like the electric guitar by Nachman Dreyer. This can easily become a kumsitz staple. Gabay sings the high multiple times at the end and the track starts to sound like an anthem. Good stuff. 4 out of 5 stars
6. Nelech– This is a techno song composed by Yitzy Berry who by now is recognized as a master composer and arranger. This track though was arranged by Ian Freitor. Not sure why they did that. This is song that has an older style feel. This is like an authentic Jewish horah made updated with electric music. I thought I that the high part would start sounding repetitive but I’m still enjoying it! 3 out of 5 stars
7.V’nizkeh- Composed and arranged by Yoni Alayev who obviously had a huge part in this album. If the last song was authentic made techno, this is authentic and can easily be a song from the 90’s or early 2000’s. Music like this never gets old. Just imagine MBD singing this one! I love where break down the beat at 2:53 before Dovid transposes before the ending. 3½ out of 5 stars
8. Odcha– This gorgeous ballad was composed by Motty Illowitz and arranged by Naftuli Schnitzler. It is heartwarming and you really feel the meaning of the words in the way Dovid sings it. The arrangements are classic which are befitting this type of song. It’s easy to sing and easy to learn. I really hope this one lasts a long time and doesn’t get swallowed up in the crazy mass of songs that were released this year. 4 out of 5 stars
9. Osin Teshuva– OK! Welcome to 2015! This thriller was composed by Elie Schwab who has selling some hot songs recently. This song was actually first featured on the “Inscribed” album by C.D. Eichler and I’m happy to hear it again on this album where it will shine even brighter. I look forward to hearing Gabay sing this one. My only criticism is that I’m not sure the lyric is appropriate for this type of beat. Just my opinion. Arranged by Adamack Beatz. I’m assuming he wasn’t given that name by his bris. Turn up the volume for this one! 5 out of 5 stars
10. Borei Olam– This was released as a single last year and really got me excited at the time. I did not stop listening to it and even used it as my morning alarm. Warning- Never use your favorite song for your morning alarm, let’s just say your favorite song will become a little less favorite. This is a stellar song by the famous Yitzy Waldner who seems to only know how to compose hits. Arranged by Ian Freitor. This is a great ending for a fantastic album and gets you all warmed up to start the album again! 5 out of 5 stars