King Without a Crown

[BarTopDancer]

If you haven't heard King Without a Crown by Matisyahu there's the link. It's a great song but as I was listening to it repeatedly (thank you KROQ) I figured out it's a very religious song (which I'm sure I'm one of the last to know).

On one hand I think it's great that there is a song about Judaism on mainstream radio but on the other if the same song was being sung about Jesus repeatedly on KROQ I'd be irked and (yes) turn it off.

In the meantime I will continue to enjoy the song until I get sick of it from being overplayed.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I really dig this song. I'm a reggae/dance hall fan and the fact that this is a religious Jew talking about his faith appeals to me as well.

Thing is, the only reason this song is accepted on mainstream radio is because the lyrics aren't immediately understood, due to the singing style. If it were clearly a religious song no one would like it, a-la Christian rock

That said I'm sick of hearing this song all the time and wish they'd play other songs of his.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Thing is, the only reason this song is accepted on mainstream radio is because the lyrics aren't immediately understood, due to the singing style. If it were clearly a religious song no one would like it, a-la Christian rock.

Ya, I agree. It took me awhile to figure out it wasn't a love song in the *normal* sense of the word. And the only reason I figured it out is because I recognized/knew the Hebrew words.

I'd like to hear his other stuff too. I suppose the way to do that is to buy a CD unless someone has a site that his music is on.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hmm, I think it also has to do with the fact that he's exceptionally good at what he does and is in a style that's semi-unique. Like, exceptionally good. The reason I dislike Christian rock is partly because of the fact that I don't subscribe to the message, but also because the music itself is pretty uninspired. It's usually generic folk or pop styles done by mediocre talent. Which is all well and good, and hey, it means that the message is the star, which I suppose is the goal. But it certainly doesn't make me want to listen to it, as I neither like the message OR the music.

Matisyahu, on the other hand, is a real musical talent, so above and beyond the lyrical message (which, even though I'm Jewish, as a relatively non-observant Jew hardly even speaks to me), the music is just enjoyable to listen to.