Tag Archives: Israeli Music

Harel Skaat – Who Knew Prince Charming Can Sing?

His irresistible smile and moving voice cannot leave anyone’s heart in dry indifference. It is only natural that Harel Skaat, Israel’s last Eurovision contestant, is still one of the most loved male singers to date. After two successful albums Harel Skaat (30) has established his renowned place in the music industry of Israel. He keeps winning sought after prizes and performing in front of large audiences. Truth is performing is Skaat’s greatest passion and no matter how many shows he will sing in, he will never have enough of it.

Harel Skaat was discovered in the Israeli reality show Kochav Nolad (the Israeli take on American Idol), where he won the dignified second place. Even though he was not the winner of the competition, Skaat has consequently swept a large audience off their feet with his undeniable charisma and beautiful voice. Skaat had no reason to complain: His singles were declared many times as “songs of the year” and he was also voted as “singer of the year” on the leading Israeli radio stations. Just recently Skaat was also chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision (the European yearly singing contest) where he reached 14th place (out of 25). To those who ask when will his next album come out, he answers that it’s in working process. Meanwhile all we can do is relish on his existing cds: Harel Skaat (2006) and Figures (2009).

Skaat has recently revealed to be a homosexual, even though he still hasn’t found the love of his life. This declaration that granted him the support of his devoted fans. Skaat says that due to his “coming out”, lots of teenagers turn to him with their personal struggles and uncertainties. Skaat is not overwhelmed by the mass of letters he is receiving and always finds the right words to say. His message is usually “there’s nothing wrong with you. Just love yourselves”. An advice we could all adopt with stretched arms.

Listen to Harel’s song “and you” (“Veat”)

Here’s a translation to the song’s chorus:
And you,
Who are you laughing to
When you don’t embrace anymore
I almost recalled you for a moment
I would have been different had I known
That you…
Who are you bringing distance close for
Who are you falling inlove with
Who are you not leaving
If only you had stayed
I would make you happy…

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Ninet Tayeb – A Pop Doll? Not At All

ninet tayeb

Ninet Tayeb, 27, a talented Israeli singer who was discovered in the Israeli version of “American Idol” (Kochav Nolad) when she was only a soldier, has undergone a long way since winning that reality show, which immediately made her one of the most talked about celebrities in Israel at the time. Eight years later Tayeb still attracts the public attention and can be spotted as the hottest item in popular magazines or entertainment TV shows, however, it’s clear beyond any doubt that the Ninet of 2011 is 180º different than the young inexperienced woman she was several years ago.

In the past the press saw her as a media-made pop doll having no distinct character or unique quality of her own, but throughout the years Tayeb has built her image anew step by step until she eventually entered the hearts of the toughest critics out there. Ninet Tayeb is now a reformed version of herself: she is daring, artistic, uncompromising.

She is a rocker, whose choices no one can predict in advance – everything no one believed she could be when she made her debut on the most watched tv show in Israel. Tayeb’s new self sends everyone one clear message: She doesn’t owe anybody anything, she doesn’t have to meet everyone’s expectations. It’s time for her to discover her own path, without considering what others have to say about it. If you wish to see a smiling moppet, look away – she doesn’t live here anymore.

Ninet Tayeb released two albums (“Barefoot” on 2006 and “Communicative” on 2009), the latter being a standout surprise, overflowing with energy, courage and enthralling madness.

From her second album Ninet Tayeb – Barefoot (2006)

Tayeb, who is known as an extremely devoted worker, does not limit herself to the music scene alone. In recent years has proved herself as a first class actress on theater (on a musical called “Spring Awakening”), cinema (on the film “Walls”) and tv (on the show “Our Song”) as well. Get it at Israeli Music CD’s

Tayeb has also hosted a fascinating radio show on the most regarded radio station in Israel where she shared her favorite musical pieces with the listeners. Tayeb’s change has paid off: last month she performed together with Ra’anana’s Symphonette, a multi-instrument orchestra which gave her songs a new dramatic twist, accompanying her with the unconventional sound of violin, cello, tuba and more. The media’s praise for Tayeb’s performance only proves she is much more than a pretty face with a pleasant voice. Watch out for her next move – you can never know what it’ll be, but it’ll surely be something to wait for.

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Popular Israeli Music Videos on You Tube

Do you like Israeli music? If you do, then this post is for you! Here I have chosen to bring you popular Israeli songs on You Tube. All songs in the list have been released in the last couple of years. There’ll be a separate post on oriental music videos.

Idan Raichel Project -Chalom Shel Acherim (Other people’s dreams)
This song is taken from the third album by the successful music ensemble The Idan Raichel’s Project.

Harel Skaat – Milim

Roni Dalumi – Ten (Give)
Roni Dalumi won Kochav Nolad contest.

Shiri Maimon – Chelek Mimcha (Part of you)
This is one of Shiri’s more recent hit songs. To read more about the Israeli singer press on the link.

Gilaad Segev – Isha Mehashamim

Hapil Hakachol ( The Blue Elephant) – Yasmin

Hayehudim – Ezleck Baolam

Abraham Tal – Orot

Chen Aaroni and Esti Gintzburg – Neshima

Karolina – Af Eched lo Ba Li

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Idan Raichel Project

Amazon editors have lately chosen the top 100 international music albums of all times. The widely acclaimed Israeli ensemble Idan Raichel project has made it to the Amazon list of best International Music.
Idan Raichel writes the lyrics of the songs and sings several songs in his three albums. The music is a unique mix of electronics, biblical texts, traditional blessings, traditional Ethiopian and Yemenite music. Most of his texts are written in Hebrew, some in Amharic or including passages in foreign languages. One of his songs was translated to Spanish –Cada Dia.
Many of the texts are essentially Jewish: “You are beautiful” Hinech Yafa, for example, is inspired by the Song of Songs.
Idan Raichel project is one of the most successful Israeli music bands today.  The last three albums have sold hundred thousands of copies in Israel alone. Idan Raichel is songwriter, and a musician who has gathered a group of Israeli singers, many of whom are immigrants .
Idan Raichel’s debut album was released in 2002. This album has introduced Idan Raichel unique music style with ethnical influences, and was received with much enthusiasm by the israeli audience  selling an double-platinum (more than 120,000 copies).
The Idan Raichel Project is an example to how extremely different cultures merge together in Israel, and to how much soulful Hebrew music can be. Many of the artists who sing in these two projects are Israeli immigrants: Idan Raichel roject gives voice to the unique cultural diversity in Israel. Popular Hebrew music today includes western and eastern influences, often accompanied by traditional hymns and prayers. A great example would be The Idan Raichel Project . Today Idan Raichel and his fellow singers tour America and around the world.

The international album
The Idan Raichel Project has released an Interantional album, targeted to an international audience, which included English translations to some of the songs. Since the, Idan Raichel Project enjoys an international success and recognition.
Mi’ma’amakim
Idan Raichel Project’s second album, Mimaamkim,  was released in 2005. The song is inspired by the tradition verses from the book of Psalms, chapter 130.  The album included a rare cooporation with one of the most influential in israel’s history, late Shoshana Damari.
Click on the item to purchase an original CD from Amazon:

Israel’s Top Songs in the Eurovision Contest

The Eurovision is an annual song contest, featuring almost all European states and a few non-European, as Israel. The Eurovision is a display of Europe’s worst pop music and most tasteless fashion. When you watch it, you have a serious de javu to the 80′s…
However, Israel has had a few good moments in this competition. Here are the best Eurovision songs which have proudly represented Israel through the years. Naturally, it includes our three wins and several unforgettable songs that should have won.
All have become an integral part of our local music vocabulary. Enjoy!
1. Diva – Dana International (winner 1998)
A real diva takes the prize! Dana International is a very well known transsexual pop singer in Israel. Watch Dana’s unforgettable performance.

Diva – Dana International (winner 1998)

A real diva takes the prize! Dana International is a very well known transsexual pop singer in Israel. Watch Dana’s unforgettable performance.

2. Aba Ni Bi – Izhar Cohen (winner 1978)
Israel’s first win. This song tells of an encrypted language so that children could share love secrets.

3. Hallelujah -Gali Atari and Milk and Honey (winner 1979)
The 1979 Eurovision contest took place in Jerusalem after Israel’s 1978 win . This fantastic song gave Israel its second win in a row in the Eurovision contest. The song has soon become an Israeli anthem.

4. Chai – Ofra Haza (1983, should have won!)

5. Shiri Maimon – HaSheket Shenishar (2005, should have won!)

6. Harel Skaat – Milim Words (2010)

Harel Skaat, one of the most talented Israeli singers represents Israel with the song Milim, saying you have left me nothing but words.

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