Dear Matzav Inbox,
The release of the new Mendy Wald medley by Joey Newcomb, produced by Doni Gross, has struck a deep chord with me—and clearly with many others as well.
On the surface, it’s a nostalgic, well-arranged throwback to the golden years of 1990s Jewish music. But beneath the upbeat melodies and familiar tunes lies a sobering truth, one that’s hard to ignore: the meteoric popularity of a medley made up of songs that are over three decades old is, in reality, an unflinching indictment of today’s Jewish music scene.
Let’s be honest. The fact that a collection of songs from the 1990s and early 2000s is currently topping the 24/6 charts in 2025 isn’t just remarkable. It’s revealing. It screams of a generation desperately thirsty for music that means something. Music that’s not just catchy, but heartfelt. Music that doesn’t just fill the background but fills the neshamah. What this medley has accomplished, perhaps unintentionally, is shine a glaring light on what today’s music is lacking.
Yes, we live in an age of digital convenience. With platforms like 24Six, Spotify, and Apple Music, access to Jewish music has never been easier. But with all that accessibility, there’s a glaring absence: the music doesn’t stick. There’s no longevity. No real connection. Ask around: How many people can name the composer of the last hit song? How many know the arranger? How many even know the name of the song they’re humming in the car?
Contrast that with how we related to Jewish music “amohl.” Back then, we knew the songs. We didn’t just hear them. We internalized them. We knew who composed them, who arranged them, who sang the backup vocals. We learned the harmonies by heart. Albums were studied and cherished. Every new release by MBD, Avraham Fried, Dedi and, yes, Mendy Wald, was an event. There was a depth, a soul, a neshama—and yes, a musical integrity that has been slowly and tragically draining out of today’s hits.
Today, songs come and go like the swipe of a screen. Playlists are shuffled, attention spans are short, and there’s no reason to “linger” with a song long enough for it to leave a mark. And maybe that’s because many of today’s compositions simply don’t have what it takes to leave that mark. Too often they feel formulaic, recycled, or empty, songs built around a catchy drop or a trendy beat rather than around a niggun that moves the neshamah or lyrics that elevate the spirit.
And now, here we are, with a medley of songs from an era gone by—songs that were written with care, sung with sincerity, arranged with warmth—suddenly dominating the conversation. The fact that people are not only enjoying it, but enthusiastically sharing and replaying it—and asking for another such medley—says everything. It says that people are starved for authentic music. For music that carries meaning. For melodies that actually last.
While countless new singles come and go, rarely leaving an impression, a medley of 30-year-old songs becomes a sensation. You can’t make this up.
And so, the message is loud and clear. The Jewish music world has talent…tremendous talent. But what it’s lacking is direction. Substance. A willingness to invest in musical craftsmanship and not just musical trends. The audience is not as shallow as some may think. People don’t just want noise. They want music. They want to feel something again. They want the next 1990s album moment—the one you listened to on repeat until the tape got stuck in the player.
This Mendy Wald medley is more than a walk down memory lane. It’s a wake-up call.
Sincerely,A Frustrated But Hopeful Listener
To submit a letter to appear on Matzav.com, email MatzavInbox@gmail.com
DON’T MISS OUT! Join the Matzav Status by CLICKING HERE. Join the Matzav WhatsApp Groups by CLICKING HERE.
The opinions expressed in letters on Matzav.com do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Matzav Media Network.
{Matzav.com}