Berry Sakharof Returns with 'Ladder of Love' After 15-Year Solo Album Hiatus
Israeli rock icon Berry Sakharof has released "Ladder of Love," his first solo album in 15 years, marking a significant event in the Israeli music scene. The album arrives after a long gap since his previous solo work, "You Are Here," released in 2009. During this period, Sakharof collaborated with other artists like Ehud Banai and Dudu Tassa, and released a compilation album, "Likutim." The release of a new solo album from an artist of Sakharof's caliber is presented as a rare occurrence in today's music industry, where the traditional album release experience has largely been replaced by digital streaming.
"Ladder of Love" is described as an album that requires time and multiple listens to fully appreciate its depth. The album's cover features a poignant photograph of Ido Rosenthal, a fallen soldier from the Shaldag unit killed on October 7th, climbing stone stairs. This imagery reflects the album's contemplative nature, with its 37 minutes of music exploring themes of searching, ascending, and descending, as Sakharof sings in the title track, "This is my world, almost a dream / Hearing the sounds of silence seep into the clamor / Looking for the stairs to the sky / Going up and down, down and up the ladder of love."
The production, handled by long-time collaborator Ben Hendler, emphasizes electronic elements and Middle Eastern touches over Sakharof's signature guitar sound, though guitars remain present. The album features lyrics from long-time collaborators like Micha Shitrit and the late Dan Toren, acknowledging Sakharof's extensive career spanning five decades and his foundational role in shaping Israeli rock music, particularly his innovative use of synthesizers.
Despite the long wait, "Ladder of Love" is not an attempt to reinvent Sakharof but rather to update his unique sound with patience and nuance. The album balances warmth and compassion, offering a less mechanical and more breathable rhythm than his earlier electronic-influenced work. While it may not feature overtly catchy guitar anthems, the album retains Sakharof's recognizable sound, presenting a more liberated artist who is less focused on creating hits and more on crafting meaningful songs that require contemplation. The album concludes with "Clinging to the Dream," which evokes a sense of foreboding before dawn, reflecting on the current state of affairs.
