FACT: Like it or not, Galgalatz radio in Israel plays about 50% English music. FACT: In case you haven’t noticed, a new decade is only days away.
FACT: Israeli singers sometimes sound pretty funny singing in English.
With all that in mind, we consider it our duty to share the latest promotion by Galglatz radio, Israel’s biggest music radio station. To celebrate the dawn of a new decade, the station is counting down the biggest international hits of the 2010s. (Want to vote? Click here.)
And to help us get excited, they’ve asked some of Israel’s biggest stars to record new versions of the songs in the countdown.
We’ve never been huge fans of Israelis singing in English. We like it when the MUSIC of Israel remains in the LANGUAGE of Israel. But every so often, we can support the artists we know and love when they attempt to broaden their artistic horizons…despite the language barrier.
But as we’ll discover, the results are – generally – far better than expected.
Noa Kirel – Can’t Feel My Face (The Weekend cover)
First up, it’s teen singing sensation Noa Kirel with her soulful rendition of “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weekend. Accompanied by three large harps, Noa’s version is actually pretty amazing. The accompaniment is beautiful, the vocals spot on, the stage presence mature and poised. And the singer looks pretty darn good while performing. It’s also a far cry from the (also excellent) version released by Ninet Tayeb and Red Band a little while ago.
Amir Dadon & the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra – Alive (Sia Cover)
I’ve long believed that Amir Dadon has one of the best voices in Israel, and he certainly does not disappoint in this amazing rendition of Sia’s 2013 hit. On the contrary: his vocals are spectacular, and the powerful accompaniment by the Israel Philharmonic will give you chills. Don’t miss this one.
Shefita – 7 Rings (Ariana Grande cover)
Shefita is no stranger to English song. In fact, she’s spent her whole career transforming popular English-language hits into humorous Arabic-sounding anthems. So if you’re a fan of Ariana Grande’s popular “7 Rings” (a song you definitely know, even if you don’t recognize the title), you probably WON’T like Shefita’s cover. But listen anyway for a laugh. It’s Ariana Grande…as you’ve never heard her before.
Yuval Dayan – Set Fire To the Rain (Adele cover)
There have been few stars bigger than Adele over the past decade. So it’s only fitting that one of her biggest hits is included in the Galgalatz countdown. Although she sounds very Israeli, Yuval Dayan does a great job channeling her inner Adele for this version.
Esther Rada – Girl Power Medley
Esther Rada recently paid a visit to the Hadar Marks morning show at Galgalatz, and mashed up her favorite “Girl Power” songs of the past decade and beyond. We think it’s safe to say that you’ve never heard Adele, Ariana, Beyonce, Cardi B, and others quite like this.
Ivri Lider – Losing My Religion (REM cover)
Yes, we know. Wrong decade. But Galgalatz felt that it would be a good idea to promote a countdown of the songs of the 2010s…by asking Israeli singer Ivri Lider to cover one of the biggest songs of the 90s. Good choice? You decide.
Balkan Beat Box – Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (Mark Ronson & Miley Cyrus cover)
In 2018, Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson brought us “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”. And in late 2019, Balkan Beat Box brought us their unique version of the song. Who sang it better?
What do you think?
When I showed some of these videos to my wife, she cringed. She’s never been a fan of Israelis singing in English. Personally, I think that as long as they’re not planning to get a recording contract in America, let Israeli artists sing in whatever language they choose!
So what do you think? Do you like these renditions of the songs of the decade?