The recent success of Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's Grammy-winning "Welcome to Jamrock" has certainly piqued the mainstream's curiosity in reggae music. Matisyahu [ tickets ]'s "Youth" is the CD that should take that interest to the next level.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Matisyahu provides an intriguing storyline. There aren't many--if any--other Hasidic Jews out there toasting about the joys of Judaism over hot semi-traditional reggae and dancehall grooves. But the novelty aspect of Matisyahu's shtick is growing less significant. What matters more is just how amazingly talented he is a vocalist.

"Youth" is solid from start to finish, and it's diverse enough to appeal to several different groups of music fans. Slick tracks like "Time of Your Song" have definite Top-40 potential. Hip-hop heads will appreciate the beatboxing and the rap-like delivery found on tunes like "Dispatch the Troups." The opener, "Fire of Heaven/Altar of Earth," possesses a jam-band-friendly vibe that should draw fans of Phish, a band that Matisyahu once followed. And just about everything on the disc sounds like it would work in the dance club.

Learn how to pronounce this artist's name--"Mah-tis-yah-who"--you'll be reading it often in 2006.