Boaz Mauda, the firece singer who placed ninth for Israel at Eurovision 2008, has just released “Ma Hamahut”, which translates as “What is the Essence”. If that’s a question, I think I have the answer. This song is made of Middle Eastern flavour and spice—and it sounds rul nice.
The regional flair in the music and instrumentation, in combination with the Hebrew language, is just fabulous. Boaz’s voice fits this style well and he manages to channel traditional and modern in one go. The buildup to the final chorus is intriguing. Although the song is generally energetic and upbeat, there are moments of mystery and darkness. Complex and layered, this is not throw-away pop. If this is how the rest of his new songs sound, I’m going to be spending a lot of money on iTunes.
What do you think? Do you love the exoticness? Or is it a bit too overwhelming for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Rating: 5/5
Lyrics: Boaz Mauda – Ma Hamahut
Ma tzarikh haven adam l’nishema beineinu
Ahavah pina khama umile tova
Tishmor lenu al yaldeinu
L’khiyot ba’sheket v’shalvah
Hahayim afim maher kmo alim baru’akh
Anishim rodfim mashuga’im akharei atzmam
Kakh avvir tifah l’noakh
Tahayekh al ha’olam
CHORUS:
L’at l’at atah boneh kakh et hayekha
Rak tegaleh ma hamahut
Mi be’amet ohev otakh mi khabarekha
Ki akharei hakol khulano od namut
L’at l’at atah boneh kakh et hayekha
Rak tegaleh ma hamahut
Mi be’amet ohev otakh mi khabarekha
Ki akharei hakol khulano od namut
Red layim tirah olam tifes al har gavo’a
Rak takshiv l’kol shatamun banafshekha
Elohim bokhan otanu
Tismakh bekhelkekha
CHORUS
[Instrumental]CHORUS
Photo: Courtesy of Boaz Mauda
