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. Zehava Ben – Laila Lavan (White Night)
Written by Noam Horev, “Laila Lavan” is the first new single from Zehava Ben we’ve seen in a while. But she’s certainly been busy, with concerts on Israel’s biggest stages like the Caesarea Amphitheater and Tel Aviv’s Menorah Hall. On April 13, Zehava is set to perform “Zehava’s Mimuna” at Ganei Yehoshua in Tel Aviv, which promises to be one big Israeli-Moroccan party.
2. Arik Lavie & Danny Sanderson: L’olam Lo Tuchal Lachzor (You’ll Never Be Able To Return)
“At the beginning of Corona, I received a call from Danny Sanderson. He told me that he found a recording on the computer that Arik made in his studio shortly before his death, when Danny was collecting materials for the “Toldot HaMayim” album.
Danny wrote and composed a song called “You will never be able to come back” and was looking for a singer for the song. Arik was called to a rehearsal and that’s where the home recording was born. In the end the song was recorded by Barry Sakharoff.
When Danny found the recording with Arik on the computer, he saw it as a sign that the song should actually be Arik’s too and sent it to me.
In honor of Arik Lavie’s 96th birthday, we are happy to release the song together with a clip prepared from archived materials for listening and viewing.
Arik may not be able to return but he is always with us thanks to the music. Congratulations Arik and thank you Danny.”
– Shoshik Lavie-Shani
3. Noa Kirel – Unicorn
So much has already been said about Israel’s 2023 Eurovision entry, “Unicorn”. But what is the significance of the song’s title? The production team responds: “In the creative process, the artistic team sat down and looked for what is occupying people throughout the country and the world today? Above all the answers hovered the feeling that the world has completely changed after the coronavirus. Huge changes are felt in every field – economy, politics, climate, technology, social networks and especially the person’s confrontation with everything that happens around him. We felt that in order to deal with the rapid pace of changes, each and every one of us needs a strength greater than life to stand up to the world. A power that can only be found in fairy tales, in fantasy stories, in mythology: unicorn power. We chose a unicorn from mythology, because of its quiet power. When in most areas there is a feeling of struggle against changes, the unicorn stands strong, stable, beautiful and quiet. This is how he manages to deal with every challenge that stands in front of him.”
Good luck to Noa Kirel in Eurovision 2023!
4. Osher Cohen & Odeya – Ani Po (I’m Here)
This new duet is not as new as it seems. Released originally as part of a new album by Osher Cohen, it quickly became a breakout hit despite not being released as a single. Now, with more than two million views on YouTube (and Odeya‘s star growing brighter every day), the duo is sending it out to radio stations so that they can start playing it too. Something tells me they’ll be happy to oblige.
5. Dana International – La Cucaracha
Dana International is celebrating 30 years of a successful music career with a new song, “La Cucaracha”. Despite her success, she still considers herself “the laziest singer in the world.” Why? “Sometimes I get mad at myself for not releasing more songs,” she says. “I never felt the need to release songs like a machine for a living or to justify my existence. It happens when I really feel that time has passed, that the hunger is back and that I connect to music.” But ever since the success of “Achla Gever”, her successful collaboration with Static & Ben-El, she’s been hungry for more. The new hit, Dana says, is “a song of empowerment for girls that comes from a place of female strength.” Dana fans should watch for a new documentary on her life, set to debut on Israel’s “Yes” network on March 23.
Heard any other great new songs lately? Let us know in the comments!