Shlomo Artzi. Ahavtihem (2000)

 

Number of CD(s) in package: 1

Only Shlomo Artzi could release an album of reworked material an end up with the top-selling album of 2000.  Among the songs here are his own performances of songs that he originally wrote for others, as well as a few reimaginings of his own older material.  This is Shlomo Artzi at his most playful, and at his best.

This special edition of the album includes a deluxe 20-page Hebrew booklet featuring the lyrics to all the songs, as well as the stories behind them and numerous great photographs.

1. Nof yaldot

2. Shaot bein ha-arbayim
3. Bishvila ata melech ha-olam

4. Gvarim holhim le-ibud
5. Shir prida

6. Elesh
7. Ha-radio ha-yashan
8. Ahavateha

9. Anahnu lo zrihim
10. Kvar avar dai zman
11. At ve ani
12. Leatim
13. Lo yodea ma

Shlomo Artzi's career in music was launched in the late 1960's as a soloist in the navy choral troupe. He then went on to appear in the Israel Folk Festivals, winning first place three times in five years between 1970 and 1974.

Following these early achievements, Artzi's career declined, and his work was considered routine and unoriginal. Although adept at setting poems to music, notably those by Bialik, Tchernichovky, and Amichai, Artzi was unable to develop an authentic voice of his own. Only in 1978, with the release of his new album Gever Holech Le’ibud (A Man Losing His Way), did his career pick up with songs that reflected a new and more personal style.

Many subsequent releases followed in quick succession, and Artzi became one of the most successful Israeli performers. He has sold more albums than any Israeli singer, and his lengthy performances, lasting easily three hours or more, are immensely popular. Artzi's music fuses rock with native Hebrew strains, and its most prominent recurring image is dance, as a symbol for life and vitality.