Akeda
Matisyahu · 2014
67 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of reggae grooves and alternative rock textures, exploring themes of resilience and personal transformation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Reservoir Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Champion — This track encapsulates the theme of overcoming adversity with its anthemic chorus and motivational lyrics, making it a standout for listeners seeking empowerment.
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Surrender — With a haunting melody layered over poignant lyrics about letting go, this song represents the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.
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Obstacles — This track combines introspective lyrics with a catchy hook, addressing the challenges of life while maintaining a hopeful tone, showcasing Matisyahu's fusion of styles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reggae and alternative rock but lacks strong cohesion and distinctiveness across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Reservoir', gradually layering instrumentation before introducing vocals.
- Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, particularly in 'Champion' and 'Built To Survive', enhancing the communal feel.
- The last three tracks shift to a more subdued tone, with 'Sick For So Long' and 'Akeda' closing the album on reflective notes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- contemplative moments of introspection
- uplifting themes of resilience
- wave-like emotional fluctuations
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows Matisyahu's artistic evolution and commercial success in later career.
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Akeda is Matisyahu's fifth studio album and marks a significant moment in his artistic evolution following his 2012 album, Spark Seeker. At this point, he was navigating a transition in sound and identity after publicly embracing a more secular approach while still infusing spiritual themes into his music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- SOJA· Michael Franti & Spearhead· Ziggy Marley
Tracklist
- 1 Reservoir Start here 4:53
- 2 Broken Car 4:45
- 3 Watch the Walls Melt Down 5:25
- 4 Champion 3:50
- 5 Built To Survive 4:41
- 6 Ayeka (Teach Me To Love) 4:17
- 7 Black Heart 4:31
- 8 Star On the Rise 3:16
- 9 Surrender 3:34
- 10 Confidence 3:57
- 11 Vow of Silence 5:12
- 12 Obstacles 4:13
- 13 Hard Way 3:50
- 14 Sick For So Long 8:12
- 15 Akeda 2:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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