Matisyahu – ‘Youth’ (JDub/Epic) Released 26/06/06

Ever since his gold-certified live album, Live At Stubbs, Matisyahu’s politically charged career has suddenly taken off.  His latest single, ‘Youth’, taken from the album of the same name, has debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 and is making waves with fans everywhere.  The song’s hook, “the youth is the engine of the world” captures the young MC and lyricist’s plea for the youth to change what’s wrong with the world.  Weaving a mix of Bob Marley inspired reggae, ancient Jewish sounds and modern beat boxing, Matisyahu still manages to create his own distinctive style.  For an artist wishing to move a generation, however, its hooks aren’t quite as inspiring as perhaps they could be.