I am a huge fan of compilation albums. I feel that they are a huge aid to music discovery, especially if you don’t want to live a life dominated by algorithms. There are several different genres represented on this album, so you are bound to find something here that strikes your fancy. However, this compilation has a purpose higher than just getting artists out there. In fact, I would say that particular goal has not even been considered by artists featured on this album, because “Songs of Hope for Gaza” is an effort organized by Liza Victoria to rise not only awareness of the horrors currently taking place in Gaza at the hands of the Israeli state, but to also raise money for the charity ANERA to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. I think that it is incredibly meaningful that a group of relatively powerless people has gotten together to make whatever difference they can. Seeming to say, together we have power and can make a difference.
This compilation has 33 tracks, which is rather a lot. So I won’t be able to break down each individual track. I have chosen instead to pick several songs that reached out to me. Doing reviews this way is more my style, anyhow.
“Katie” by Krysta is the first song on Songs of Hope for Gaza, and it is an amazing start to the album. Krysta’s voice has a serenity to it that is so calming and heartfelt. The lyrics sing of Katie, whom I can only assume is a child. It is clear that she doesn’t understand what is going on and wants nothing more than to not be involved in the war that surrounds her. The vocal performance, combined with the lyrics, delivers a chilling, sorrowful song.
If “Katie” is about the sorrow that comes from the ravages of war, Thanya Lyer’s “In the Olive Tree” is all about the optimism and hope that can be found in the aftermath. I don’t feel like it is happenstance that these two songs appear back to back on the album. They definitely complement each other nicely. This is my favorite song on the album because of its use of symbolism, the olive tree. Olive branches have always been recognized as a symbol of peace. I believe this is being employed here, but in the case of Palestine specifically, the olive tree is seen as a symbol of the country and the resilience of its people. So, this song is basically about the hope that can be found in peace and in the resolve of the Palestinian people. It is powerfully optimistic.
Another song that I really enjoyed is “BREAD”; it’s got a punk hip hop fusion vibe to its music, lyrics, and delivery. This song is meant to bring attention to the continued Israeli-engineered famine in Gaza. I found it to be a very long, sing-along style song. As you listen, you can’t help but want to join in and chant ‘Bread, we need bread’.
Asher Platts’s “War Cry” is another standout for me. It’s a classic-style rock song that I really enjoy. It’s about the war industry and the horror it has wrought in Gaza and worldwide, all for the benefit of people in richer countries and the moral failings of those who support it. It’s a great message and one that caps off the end of the album, which I think is a fitting place for it.
The last song I want to highlight might be my second favorite on the compilation. Jacob Augustine channels Johnny Cash in the song “Arena”. The guitar is fantastic, and Jacob’s voice is absolutely amazing. I very much enjoyed listening to its deep and soulful resonance.
Finally, there is a whole section on the album that is wonderfully composed instrumental and ambient music. All these tracks are good, while some are really good. That type of music isn’t really my thing, so there weren’t any songs in particular that stood out to me. I just wanted to let y’all know, just in case some of you are fans of that genre.
This is a compilation that I have spent quite some time with, and I have yet to grow tired of listening to it. It was put together for a good cause. This makes it even more meaningful to me. If you would like to support the people of Gaza and get a lot of really good music, then I suggest swinging over to Bandcamp and picking this up. I believe you can get it for as little as 1 dollar, but trust me, it is worth so much more than that, so consider giving however much you can. I don’t think you will regret it.
Written by David Robison
