A roundup of new Israeli songs released this week.
Some new Israeli songs we think you should know about as you head into the weekend. Shabbat shalom from MyIsraeliMusic.com!
1. Eliad – K’tuva BaSefarim (Written In the Books)
Don’t you love it when Israeli culture and Jewish culture intersect? With references to “Shir HaShirim”, the Song of Songs, Eliad moves us as always with his brand new ballad. With Israel’s increasing embrace of Valentine’s Day, perhaps this song came out just in time to set the mood for the romantic occasion?
2. Bar Tzabari & Micha Shitrit – Gulot (Marbles)
This new song, with lyrics written by Bar Tzabari himself, longs for the simpler days Bar remembers from childhood. “Many times I feel that the world is running forward and I stay put,” Bar writes. “The pace is different, youth, the media, the songs, the music, the technology. I am connected to the present and miss what was….The song was written about a great longing for the simplicity that used to be, when we looked more with our eyes and less on screens….From the moment we started recording the song, I imagined Micha joining in telling my feelings with his voice and his perspective. Micha for me is a music school. The best creator and musician we’ve had here since forever, and above all an amazing person that I welcome the privilege of singing this song with.”
3. Yardena Arazi & Mikiagi – Shneinu (The Two of Us)
Another song released in time for Valentine’s Day (since when did Valentine’s Day become such a big deal in Israel), this new song is part of Yardena Arazi’s upcoming album consisting entirely of musical collaborations. For “Shneinu”, Arazi partnered with Mikiagi, lead singer of the iconic “Noar Shulayim” band of the 80s. For two veteran Israeli singers who have been doing their thing for many decades, they sound pretty good, no?
4. Carakukly – Ma’adim (Mars)
Yet another song released in time for Valentine’s Day: “I’ve already sung songs about a breakup
/ So I wrote a love song here / In the end it’s me and you” read the lyrics of “Ma’adim” the new song by the Carakukly sisters. “A huge hit from the creation studio of Carakukly, the coolest and most fascinating female musicians in Israeli music,” reads the press release that accompanies the new song. “The two made the music video by chance with their best friend Amit Slickter. When they came to shoot the cover of the single and found an old camera, they decided it was worth recording the moment.” Ever wonder what Liron and Tal Carakukly look like upside down? We didn’t think so. But you’ll enjoy nearly three minutes of that view in their new music video.
5. Eliav Zohar – Etzli (With Me)
If you’re a fan of Eliav Zohar, the most recent winner of “HaKochav Haba”, you’re already familiar with his new song “Etzli”. That’s because he performed this original song on the hit reality show, as well as part of every concert he’s played since. Now, the help of producer Shmulik Daniel, he’s ready to share it with the world. Eliav had two big hits with his songs “Michal” and “Shedim BaEinayim”, and we have no reason to think he’s slowing down any time soon.
6. Gali Atari – KsheHalev Hu Chofshi (When the Heart Is Free)
For many years, Gali Atari has worked closely with the late Yitzchak Klepter, who passed away in December, 2022. In fact, nearly every one of her albums includes a song written by Klepter. Apparently, there’s room for one more collaboration between the two. “After Yitzchak Klepter’s passing, I felt that his last word had not yet been spoken, as far as I was concerned,” Gali writes. The guitar solo on the new song was performed in Klepter’s unique style, and Yitzchak’s voice even makes a guest appearance here. “At the end of the song, there is an authentic piece of singing by Yitzchak and me together when I heard it for the first time at his house. Thinking of you, singing with you. Thanks, Yitzchak.”
7. Mika Moshe – Chazaka Yoter (Stronger)
Mika Moshe, the 15-year-old powerhouse mentored by Miri Mesika on “Beit Sefer L’muzika” (Music School) in 2020, is out with a new song of strength and determination. “Chazaka Yoter” (Stronger) is Inspired by Mika’s thoughts and experiences as a high school student in Kfar Bloom. While Mika doesn’t write her own songs, she apparently is very involved in all aspects of the creative process – emerging as a strong voice for the young people of Israel.
8. Kobi Aflalo – Kama Pashut (How Simple)
Not long ago, Kobi Aflalo made news in Israel by speaking out against vulgar lyrics in Israeli music. Seems he struck a chord among some folks, and his profile has been raised in Israel ever since. So he’s been busy lately, and seemingly enjoying every minute. This new song takes Kobi closer to his Moroccan roots. According to the accompanying press release, it’s “the kind of song that only one listen is enough to get addicted to. Full volume, please.”
9. Itay Levy – Chatzi Ben Adam (Half A Man)
Currently delighting audiences in the stage production of “Kazablan”, Itay Levy is enjoying a deep connection with his audience who keeps coming back for more. Welcome to “Chatzi Ben Adam”, Itay’s newest single written and produced by Dolly and Penn. “The single ‘Chatzi Ben Adam’ tells about couples who balance each other; each of them is a much bigger half that symbolizes the relationship between them,” Itay writes. “Recently a lot of things are happening in my life that move me very much, I am full of action and gratitude for what exists….I recently celebrated my 35th birthday, and there is no better way to enter a new year in my life than with a new song. Hope you like this song and get excited about it like I do.”
10. Shlomo Gronich – Kacha Zeh Achshav (That’s How It Is Now)
Shlomo Gronich has been largely out of the spotlight lately, but he clearly has more songs to sing. His newest, a beautiful ballad called “Kacha Zeh Achshav” seems to be autobiographical; a soul-searching of sorts: “I was a boy and I was also old. Music filled my life. Now I need one more touch of love, one more melody before I continue to Mount Moriah to meet God’s face.” Let’s hope Shlomo offers many, many more melodies during his time on this earth.
Heard any other great new songs lately? Let us know in the comments!