Lo Lihityaeish

FROM JMR

Shua Kessin is not stam (normal), in a good sense. There, I’ve said it. He is a multi-talented artist. Singer & Composer, Kessin is the next big thing! I may not enjoy every one of his songs, but it’s obvious that he is brimming with talent and a lot of work went into this album. From the top notch compositions, to the masterful arrangements, to the mix of genre’s in the songs – This album screams “HIT!”-

The artwork for this album “Lo Lihitya’eish” is easily one of Sruly Meyer’s greatest creations. And the booklet is gorgeous. You’re going to want to go to DesignsBySruly for your next photo design project, because he’s the best in the business. One of the coolest features of the booklet is the notes supplied under every song. Kessin added notes from where he was inspired for each song, allowing you to feel like your personally there with him, listening to his story.

Kessin was interviewed by JMR’s very own KolIsha in Country Yossi, which can be seen here. That article will give you the gist of the album.

How am I getting this review out to every so soon after the album was released? I had the privilege to listen to the album early so that I could review and get out the information on this album to you, the buyer, as soon as it hit the stores! I’m reminding you to constantly check into the Jewishmusicreport.com for the most up-to-date information in the Jewish Music industry. Also, see my blog, jmderech.blogspot.com

Tachils & HOT, MILD, COLD Meter Time!

Lo Lahitya’eish: (HOT) Crazy Israeli styled intro. Kessin’s range can be heard from the start with this “bang” of an intro! Very often I hear that words don’t really fit the music (you know who you are ;D), but there’s a noticeable difference with this song. The mix of Hebrew and English and the meanings are fantastic. What’s amazing, is the fact that the song is 5:23 long and never gets boring. Fantastic intro and title song!

Nishmas: (HOT) This song, we were privileged to hear early as an acapella version. I was not nearly as impressed with the song then as I am now. This is definitely a song that needs and sounds better with musical backup. Kessin mentions in the booklet that his inspiration for this song came from after speaking to a friend who had been through a troubled life. He told him, Nishmas is about thanking Hashem for the basics of life, not the extras.

Maminim: (HOT) A hora or salsa? composed by Kessin during a friend’s sheva brachos. This song is not something to just sit and listen to, one needs to be dancing in order to bring out the pleasure of this song. So come on! Get up off your feet and break it down! My favorite parts of the song are the wordless parts; the “ay di da da dum” parts. Great ending to the song as well :)

Aneini: (HOT)What’s interesting about this song, is the fact theat the music has an eerie twist to it, yet the actual song sounds like something off a Shalsheles album. A weird combo. It doesn’t matter, this song is a lot of fun to sing. The second part of the song, Kessin plays around more with his voice and harmonizes with himself, giving the song a better sounding quality. For me, this song is more fun for me to sing then to listen to.

Nekudos Toivas: (HOT) Why does this song start off with a stereotypical rap sounding “ya! woo!”? Regardless, it works and it’s a intro I’ve never heard, yet enjoy. The beauty of this song is it’s simplicity and sing-ability. You’re not going to find anything complicated in this song, which is what gives the song its gadlus! The shticky part, with the added lyrics toward the end (3:55) are very smooth and sweet. Sounds like something Yossi Green would do.

Niggun: (HOT) What would an album filled with diversity be without a Niggun to add to the collection? The sound of this song gives off an “around the campfire” feeling. The music is gorgeous, especially the violin work starting at 2:45. The harmonies following the violin piece spice up the song. It goes from “just another niggun” to a “geshmake niggun”.

Refueini: (MILD) Kessin chooses a Chassidic pronunciation for this song and uses Yiddish as well. Kessin composed this song while by an ill young man’s bed side. While the song lacks in an amount of different words, it makes up for it in depth. You can feel the heart in this song when he screams out “Refua Shelaima!” (Heal Completely!).

Beitin: (HOT) Motti Illowitz lended a hand in this song with lyrics. Kessin writes that he decided he needed a song with some rhythm and that’s where “Beitin” comes in. It sounds very much like a Shloime Dachs song; perhaps Bayom Hahu from Dachs’s Avinu album? Regardless, it’s way better than that song. 3:59 is amazing! Listen for when he slows down the song for a little bit, it adds some spice.

Generations: (HOT) This song is composed by Yossi Toiv, originally for his zaidy, now with Shua’s help, the lyrics are directed more towards all of Klal Yisrael. The guest child soloist is Ami Eller from Kol Noar Boys Choir. He adds some beautiful harmonies behind Kessin – 4:21 and on is beyond words. Kessin slows down the song and begins the climactic ending of the song. This is by far one of the best English songs I’ve heard in a long time. It’s Abie Rotenberg’s, Journeys caliber.

Vizamrun Loch: (MILD) This song is very Shlomo Carlebach/Eitan Katz style, with some additives. Anyone who appreciates that style of song can more than appreciate this song. Kessin has the perfect voice for this genre. The guitar strumming behind his voice throughout the song is very befitting. It’s my least favorite song on the album, but I still enjoy it, that’s saying something.

Bye Bye Bye: (HOT) We all had the pleasure of hearing this song already. A rocking song composed by David Kaufman. Shua uses a Chassidic pronunciation for this song as well. It really would be Bay Bay Bay, but with this change in pronunciation, it sounds like Bye Bye Bye. When I first heard this song, I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. However, after the umpteenth time playing it, I fell in love with it. Now I can’t stop singing it, just ask my wife. She was going to send me “bye bye bye” if I didn’t stop. :P A terrific song to close up a spectacular debut album.

HOT = 9

MILD = 2

COLD = 0
Conclusion:

Go to the store now! Go buy it now! Why are you still sitting at your computer now? Bye Bye Bye!!! :). You can also buy it on Mostlymusic.com through this link, Shua Kessin – Lo Lahitya’eish.

FROM THE COOL JEW
A few months ago I was sitting around, and my phone rings. My friend said "You're bored listening to the same old acapella stuff right"? So I said, "Well, i wish i had more to listen to!". My friend replied- "well now you can, I'm sending you a link for a new acapella song, you're going to love it". So I said to myself, yeah that makes sense, I seem to love a lot of things in the Jewish Music genre, not a surprise. I downloaded this song called "Nishmas" sung by someone I had never heard before. His picture was on the cover single, I knew I didnt recognize him, and I was very curious. I started playing the song, and I was astonished as to what was playing. The acapella version of "Nishmas" by Shua Kessin is awesome. I started asking around if he was going to be presenting us with more of his work, and then I heard that he was working on an album. Icouldnt wait to see whats next!!

Finally that day came, for this week Shua Kessin's debut album- "Lo Lihityaesh" came out. The artwork by Sruly Meyer is incredible and I knew as I was opening up my copy the music was going to be just as magnificent. We got a bit of a sneak preview a little while ago of his song, "Bye Bye Bye" and I remember people talking about the hit for weeks. Downloads were flying all over the computer,youtube videos popping up, Shua Kessin was on his way to being the next big star in Jewish Music.

The first song on the album is the title track, awesome beat, awesome notes, awesome voice!! Shua gives us a little bit of an Israeli accent in it as well. Its fast and upbeat, an exquisite and strong voice telling you not to give up, is the perfect way to start off the album.

The original Nishmas is the 2nd song on the cd, and whoa! I love it. I love it like I loved the acapella, and there is a bit of a difference in notes at certain points. I like how its not the exact same song as the acapella version, and just a beautiful song that flies straight to your neshoma.

My other favorite song is 'Nikudos Toivas'. Started off a bit different, a kind of "live" sound vs recorded in a studio. A bit of noise and rap, and love the lyrics withRebbe Nachman's name in it. I guess learning in a Breslov Kollel paid off!! This is an awesome song to blast and completely enjoy.

I grew up in a home where singing niggunim is a huge part of our family's 'shtick'. I always appreciate and love a good niggun, and hearing Shua's "Niggun" sent me straight to email my family telling them they have to listen to this song. My favorite part is the violin adding a gorgeous and uplifting song to this list of already incredible tracks.

We had the privilege to get a sneak peak at Shua Kessin's last FANTASTIC track on the album- "Bye Bye Bye". I actually play the song over and over. You can really see Shua'schassidish, some techno, its just an terrific way to end off the CD> or in my case keep it on repeat :)

While I didnt mention every track on this album, it is a geshmak-alicious pick of songs, every song unique and I highly recommend that you go out and buy this album, and if you did already, buy more for your friends.

Shua Kessin really tries to spread his message to all of Klal Yisroel and make his album to attract alll types of Jews. Whether Israeli, Yeshivish, Chassidish, or any type of yid there is surely a song to fit your style! personality on this track. The mix of sounds and style, a bit of Lo Lahitya’eish has an Israeli twist to it and Refueini is done with a Chassidish twist. Shua manages to leave ALL Yidden wanting more after they finish each song.

Bye, Bye, Bye!
~TcK~