Hows sefirah going for everyone? Kinda stinks not having any music to listen to, and I can deduce by the fact that you are reading anything on this website that you do, in fact, love music. Well my friends there is hope, you can survive for a couple of weeks with the next best thing (it might actually be better, but don't tell your rabbi)! That's right, you also read the title of the article so you know I'm talking about A.K.A.pella, the group that burst onto the accapella scene about 4 years ago, with the blending of secular hits into jewish hits, that caught every one's attention. Recently, in order to generate hype they have released small tid bits of info about the upcoming album ,and it's finally here! I will now have the privilege to review it, in the same style as my last one on Oorah, meaning go through each song giving my most revered opinion (if I do say so myself) on every song.

Hentelach-Originally sung by Lipa Schmeltzer, Composed by Chuli Posen- Featuring Beri Weber- Intro is Disturbia originally sung by Rihanna- A.K.A.pella completely re-invents the smash summer hit from Lipa and weaves the secular song in there, the result: ROCKING!! Beri Weber was the ideal choice to sing a yiddish song so hats off to that move. The coolest part has to be how they sang in the Hebrew part and then switched to English and then switch back to Hebrew, smooth transitions loved it. 5 out of 5

L'mancha/V'hoo Keli- L'maancha originally sung and composed by Eitan Katz, V'hoo Keli originally sung and composed by Baruch Levine- I personally love both of these songs, they are both permanent staple songs at any kumzitz in the past 3 years, good choice. On this song there is zero, I repeat zero synths, beat box, or anything that this group is known for, that is besides for harmonies. The song begins on a harmony key then the deeper baritones move in automatically soothing your spirits and your soul (poetic ain't it). V'hoo Keli is more focused on the solos with the harmony in the backdrop, also beautiful. 5 out of 5 Ma Tamar-Originally sung by Yeedle Werdyger, Aaron Razel, and MBD, Composed by Aaron Razel-Intro is..... I have no clue -Featuring Mo Kiss(He should be releasing a debut album soon, I hope to procure some details from him)- Why they chose Mo to sing this song strikes me as funny simply because after hearing him sing Ma Rabu on Kol Naor Boy's Choir I can't imagine him singing a generic yeshivish song. Well guess what? Good guess, he sing it anyway and comes off a mite strange with too much emphasis on the synthesizing of his voice on the low parts, but again, A.K.A.pella comes to the rescue with the cool beats and effects in essence saving the song. 4 out of 5 Yuffing Else Matters-Originally sung by Shalsheles, Composed by Yitzchak Rosenthal(obviously)-Intro is Nothing Else Matters originally sung by Mettalica- This song from Shalsheles's most recent album was my 2nd favorite song on the whole album (my favorite song will remain a mystery) and very smart to use a song that was sung by a group, thereby giving direction for the harmony. The fake instrumentation is very good but its a shame they don't have the guy who did the vocal guitar last time for Eitz Chaim. Great job guys. 5 out of 5 Nilli Milli-Originally sung by Shloimie Gertner, Composed by Yossi Green-Intro is Run It originally sung by Chris Brown- This song, another smash summer hit, is off of Gertner's debut album from 2007. I love the original but the way A.K.A.pella pulled it off with all the merging of the secular music in the background is pure genius! Theres also a great guitar piece in there. Listen for the last 20 seconds for an adaption of the song Gangster Paradise originally sung by Coolio, very funny. 5 out of 5 Anavim-Originally sung by MBD and Yossi Green, Composed by Yossi Green-Featuring Yossi Green (guess they couldn't get MBD)- The first part of the song is again strictly vocals, but the second half the have a slow beat box and bass. I have got to say Yossi Green doesn't got the greatest voice, but definitely knows how to compose. I don't mind when he does back-up vocals, but we have to deal with the voice due to his musical genius so I'll move on. Okay it's not so bad but with singers like Gabay and Weber on here, no comparison. Again, smooth, silky singing turning a great song into a new dimension of....... greatness?(writers block, can't think of a good word). Oh and the secular tune in there is the theme song from "Exodus". 5 out of 5 The TGIF Medley*-Three songs, The liturgy of Lecha Dodi sung to the tune of the Dmin Nigun, Sung and composed by Eitan Katz , Eishes Chayil originally sung by Yaakov Shwekey, Composed by Yitzy Waldner, Vezakeini originally sung and composed by Baruch Levine- O.k. one word for this extremely well put together medley: YUCK!! I mean HELLO! A.K.A.pella singing the biggest hardcore yeshivish songs they could possibly find?! Excuse me while I throw up, the first song belongs by Thursday night cholent and ends right there, the second is a nice song, very nice actually, I think it should have been a separate track, and the last song belongs in the past, this hit from Baruch Levine's first album was way too popular and should just join ranks with Shwekey's Racheim, the exclusive "Overheard and Overused Club". 2 out of 5 B'inyan Hasimcha- Originally sung by MBD and Aaron Razel, Composed by Aaron Razel-Featuring Dovid Gabay-Intro is Bad Romance originally sung by Lady Gaga (or Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, but you knew that already)-This song also blew me away the second I put this track on. Probably due to the great intro plus Gabay. Gabay is set to release his new Cd soon(without Avi Newmark, I think Yossi Green is very tutzech(means involved) with it) so this is great publicity for him, he brings his voice to a new level by trying to sound like Razel and doing a great job of it! I give credit for the sound of this song all to Gabay, although the way they did the music for the last part was pretty hot. 5 out of 5 Mehaira- Originally sung by Yaakov Shwekey, Composed by Yitzi Waldner- Featuring Kol Ish-In-the-Middle-of-the-Song-Adaption-Part is Can You Feel the Love Tonight originally sung in "The Lion King"(it's a movie in case you live under a rock, a big one probably......that rules out out-of-towners(just kidding if you live out there,in case they ever got around to inventing the internet there,if you don't live there lol ;-)-Now Mehaira itself is a nice, sweet song from like , the 60's. O.k. 90's, whatever it is the 60's in perspective from the rest of the songs on here. Alrighty now for logistics: Kol Ish has great voices that were wasted on the song selection of their album so good call putting them on here. I loved the way they sang it, absolutely heart rending. I really didn't hear how their group changed the sound other than the solos, but that's just me (it's kind of like telling the difference between Sheves Achim and Sheves Chaveirim, it's all computers anyway). My favorite part is definitely how they tied in the goyish part.. good stuff, but old song. 4 out of 5 Greates Medley Ever**- Three songs, Poseach originally sung by Shloimie Daskal, Composed by Yitzi Waldner, Intro is Hot N' Cold originally sung by Katie Perry, Usid originally sung and compoed by MBD, Intro is I Gotta Feeling originally sung by The Black Eyed Peas, Ma Ma Ma(Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma...........) originally sung by Yaakov Shwekey, Composed by Yitzi Waldner, Intro is Thriller originally sung by Michael Jackson (zt"l)-** On this album. It is a pretty good medley with a funny intro, and yes A.K.A.pella, you are forgiven. The transition between the secular to Jewish songs were a bit rusty and sounded forced, but they were great picks for songs and intros. I enjoyed this so that refutes everyone's opinion, coming off the TGIF medley review, that I hate yeshivish music, so there! I liked how they sang it in the style of the originals and didn't deviate from the sounds that we hold so dear. Oh, kudos to CD Eichler for the dedication to MJ on the last part, cute. 4 out of 5 Vehee She'omda- Originally sung by Yaakov Shwekey and Yonaton Razel, Composed by Yonatan Razel- I love this song! Loved it in Caeseria, loved it on Shwekey 5, loved it on Ohad's My Music, and loved it on Project Relax 2, but I gotta say A.K.A.pella once again shows how it's done, with melodious harmonies aplenty. Actually that was the only thing there was, harmony, like on track two A.K.A.pella shows that they sound awesome without the effects and just their beautiful arrangements and voices. Oh, if I didn't mention to you yet I love this song, I loved it in Caes...... oops I did mention it. 5 out of 5 Yavo- Originally sung by Miami Boys Choir, Composed by Yerachmiel Begun (yeah, cause you didn't see that coming)-Intro is Forever originally sung by Chris Brown- Un-flippin-believable!!!!!!! (not to be confused with plain old "unbelievable") I have this song on permanent repeat so I almost didn't get to hear the rest to review, but as I'm sure you will see soon (unless you actually work for a living and have better things to do with your time), I did. Well on to Yavo, the title track off of MBC's most recent release was once again revitalized by this great group. Besides for the concept of dudes singing a song previously sung exclusively by little spring chickens (wow! that made me sound like a senior citizen) is cool (or hip if I really am a senior citizen). The secular intro shows the brains behind the album, listen to it, where did that sound come from?! Answer: Simple but smart, it's simply a guy singing, sped up Alvin and The Chipmunks style, and then synthesized Eli Gerstner style, genious! Anyhow I was a bit upset that they didn't use all the MBC harmonies on the original track, but that's what a therapist is for, to get over it. 6 out of 5 (yes I liked it that much) Sunshine in the Rain- Originally sung by the same people, Composed by Yitzi Waldner, Lyrics by Bella Levitin-Featuring Shloimie Kaufman- Yup the same exact thing, nothing new at all so you could just skip it, or listen to it if you really loved it. I kinda did I'm just not the biggest fan of Kaufman's voice (not the biggest but I deal with it), but the lyrics are sweet along with the tune I'm sold. "F" for effort, considering nothing is new, guess that's why it's a bonus. 4 out of 5 Yofyofisa (Breakaway Version) - Featuring Shalsheles Jr. (the new group) and Shloimie Kaufman(I don't think he's a part of Shalsheles Jr. considering the requirements to join include teething and in Pull-Ups)-Intro is Breakaway originally sung by Kelly Clarkson- I love the new group (no comment on Kaufman)! The selection for kids is great it's a shame they didn't perform by the cancelled concert with Lev Tahor and Shalsheles(Senior). I still could listen to it due partly to the new take on the song with the Breakaway ending with the hebrew lyrics.The track was also mixed by my favorite mixer.....Kitchen Aid!! Just kidding Ruli Ezrahi. Awesome people, awesome. 5 out of 5 Quick hit: 1 Lipa song, 2 Eitan Katz , Baruch Levine, and Yossi Green songs, 3 Razel songs, 4 Shwekey and Yitzi Waldner songs, 5 and 6 can't think of anything, 7 awesome guest artists 8,9,10,11 can't think of anything either, 12 (11 if you don't count TGIF medley) unbelievable tracks of instrumentless wonders! I loved it and so will you, if you didn't buy it yet buy it now, if you did buy it I'm not sure exactly why you are even reading this considering the cash has been shelled out alry, unless you really love hearing my opinion in which case I'm touched, thank you for the compliment. Overall score: 9 out of 10 (also TGIF's fault) *TGIF stands for "Thank G-d it's Friday", if you currently do not observe shabbos(you should work on that) you won't get it because the lyrics for these songs are either in Kabbalos Shabbos or are sung previous to the seudah Friday night. TGI Friday is also a popular snack which has one kosher product, cheese puffs, they are tasty and crunchy and I'm not getting paid for advertising so I'll stop there. Feel free to contact me with your comments and/or spam at EfriamWeinfeld@thecooljew.com

Just so you know there is currently a poll to vote for your favorite song on the entire album. I'm sure you could figure mine out... 6 out of 5 generally denotes that. Just click (or tap, depending how cool you are) on this link http://www.akapella.net/Poll.html