Anonymous Review of Menucha 2

Seven years after the release of their first self-titled album, EG Productions’ “Menucha” is finally back—and better than ever-- with “Menucha—Sh’ma Yisrael”. It’s been much-anticipated but definitely worth the very long wait. Their debut album was released at the height of the Ye’hei craze and Menucha was perhaps overshadowed by the widely popular “Chevra” and then by Yeshiva Boys Choir, as well. But now Menucha—comprised of Danny Berkowitz, Avi Schachter & Shlomo Schwed--steps into the spotlight with this gem. Although the “tone” is slightly different than the first “Menucha” album in that there are more exciting, upbeat fast songs, the unique harmonies that are Menucha’s trademark are ever-present in each one of the album’s tracks. “Menucha’s” first album is one of my all-time favorites; I thought it would be hard to top what I considered perfection but I was wrong. “Menucha—Sh’ma Yisrael” takes the group to a whole new level.

The electrifying title track, “Sh’ma Yisrael” is “classic” Eli Gerstner and follows the tradition of his other famous chart-topping hits such as “Ye’hei”, “Kol Ha’Mispalllel” & “V’ahavta”; it’s the type of song that will be played everywhere and is guaranteed to make “Menucha” a household name. The rhythm, vocals and instrumental portions of this song—especially the guitars & guitar intro—are just remarkable! “Sh’ma” and the very lively “V’Yizku”—both satisfyingly unexpected departures from the “Menucha” style that we are accustomed to--are sure to become concert and Simcha staples because they generate Ruach. They are both catchy songs that you want to sing along with…and halfway through the song, I was already singing with it! They are definitely favorite new songs of mine. I’d also include “Y’hee Ha’Chodesh” here because it’s a fast song that is not “typical” “Menucha” but a nice surprise tucked in at track eight. “Menucha” is known for their harmonies on the slow songs but the harmonies on all these faster songs really allow the guys to showcase the extent of the vocal abilities.

Now for some of the slow songs, each one jam-packed with phenomenal three-part harmonies: Ever since “Shiru”—a mellow, chilled song--debuted at the YBC Live! 3 concert, I was waiting to hear this song on the album because any song that can sound that amazing in the live format will only sound that much better on the actual album. But actually it doesn’t sound all that different…and I mean that in a good way. It’s a total credit to the “Menucha” guys—and just further “proof” of what a talented group they are—that they can so expertly replicate a song—even one with high harmonies—live on stage. “T’chias” is reminiscent of “Im Esh’ka’chaych” in that it is so beautifully moving & emotional….so much so that I actually cried the first time I heard it (and the second time, too.) “V’zakeinu”—featuring Eli Gerstner—will grace Shabbos tables right along with “Menucha V’Simcha”, already the Zemer of choice in my house. The high point of this song comes almost at the end where Eli & “Menucha” sing—or more aptly, harmonize—together. “Loolay” doesn’t seem perhaps quite as “technical” as some of the other songs on this album but the harmonies on it are terrific.

The addition of guest stars—Yaakov Mordechai Gerstner & Yeshiva Boys Choir on “Racheim” and Dovid Stein on “Kadosh”—only serve to enhance an already great work. My one “complaint” about this, though, would be that I felt the guest stars were slightly more prominent than “Menucha”. Since this is “Menucha’s” album, they really should have been in the forefront of every song. “Racheim” is a little YBC heavy in the beginning but it balances out nicely as the song progresses. Yaakov Mordechai is an endearing fan favorite—his charm & sweetness come through in his voice-- and the harmonies that combine “Menucha” and YBC are exceptional. On “Kadosh”, I heard more of Dovid Stein than I did of Danny, but it is otherwise another fun song full of great rhythm & beat. Doniel Waldman—the fourth member “Meuncha” from the original album—makes a guest appearance on “V’hagisa”. Doniel left the group voluntarily after that album was released to pursue his own solo album. He never performed in concert with “Menucha” but it was a nice touch for Eli to bring him back and include him here.

Shlomo Schwed shines and clearly emerges as the group’s lead singer. True “Menucha” fans will definitely appreciate the vocal power & control he has acquired since the first album and his range is unparalleled. He amazes in every song!! Avi’s high harmonies and Danny’s low ones—though he occasionally surprises with a few great high parts, as well—are the perfect compliment to Shlomo’s stunning voice. While this may be the star vehicle for Shlomo, it’s only the complete package because of Danny & Avi along with him. Each of the singers has a distinctive flair, and they blend together flawlessly. Danny, Avi & Shlomo create something very special together, and it’s an absolute joy to listen to them. “Menucha” may take center stage here, but the real star of this album is producer Eli Gerstner. The seamless merging of innovative music, stirring instrumentals, beautiful voices and exquisite harmonies are a testament to Eli’s boundless talents and the breadth of his creativity. Eli never disappoints and this album was certainly no exception; it is a masterpiece! I only hope I don’t have to wait another seven years for Menucha’s third installment.