Elan
Together as One
Interscope Records
Three out of five stars
Elan will never escape constant comparison to Matisyahu: They’re both Jewish-although Elan is Orthodox and Matisyahu is Hasidic-and each brings reggae into contact with different cultural values and musical trends, and both have signed with major record labels.
The problem for Elan is that he follows the coattails of an already popular and established artist.
Is he just a copycat trying to make a quick buck?
Elan’s debut solo album, Together as One, is a solid first attempt, especially because of the help from featured artists Gwen Stefani and Assassin. This doesn’t mean that Elan doesn’t “wow the crowd” with his fluid and illustrious voice, however. He fronted the late Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers, for three years-he left because he wanted to form his own band. By no means is Elan an amateur?at hotboxing?OK, music, too.
Together as One emphasizes steady reggae beats and rhythms. This emphasis, along with certain vocal stylizations, makes the record appealing to those who are fans of rap. Its subdued and poppy ambiance would charm anyone who enjoys new wave. Together as One is a safe, experimental reggae record-and it works.
Lyrically, Together as One is tied up with relationship issues from the perspective of a male?player. This causes the few tracks that deal with more spiritual messages to get lost among lust for booty. “Feel My Pressure” borders on titillation-just for titillation-making the production seem juvenile in spirit.
He may be a newcomer in many respects, but by no means should Elan become the butt of criticism for being a sort of Matisyahu clone. In fact, Together as One just might be a nice supplement to an exciting transitional phase for reggae.
Let’s just hope that a new religion fusing Rasta and Judaism springs out of such an odd combination. Dreadlock beards, Jamaican flag-colored yarmulkes and a whole lot of kosher joints.
I can’t wait, mon.
