5 Songs I Love w/ Israel Portnoy

Following the release of his latest single, "Feelin' Good", Flex caught up with Israel Portnoy to find out what inspires his soulful blend of country, gospel, folk and roots music. Rooted in spiritual storytelling and shaped by collaborations that span continents, Israel Portnoy's music explores themes of faith, self-worth and human connection. If you enjoy Israel's picks, be sure to check out "Feelin' Good" at the end of the article.

Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel

To me, this is one of the greatest songs ever written. What amazes me most is its simplicity. The lyric is essentially an offer of comfort and support, yet somehow it feels universal. The melody, the arrangement, Art Garfunkel's vocal, and Paul Simon's songwriting all come together to create something timeless.

I've always been drawn to songs that serve other people, and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" may be the ultimate example of that. Decades later, it still feels as relevant and comforting as the day it was written.

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

This was the song that taught me there are no rules. It's theatrical, ambitious, bizarre, funny, moving, and somehow completely cohesive. On paper, it shouldn't work. In reality, it's a masterpiece.

As a young musician, it opened my eyes to the idea that a song could be anything you wanted it to be. It doesn't fit neatly into any category, yet it became one of the most beloved songs of all time. That's incredibly inspiring.

Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) – George Harrison

George Harrison showed me that you can pray through a song and still reach a mainstream audience. At its heart, this is a prayer, but it never feels preachy or exclusive. It's deeply spiritual while remaining completely human and accessible.

As someone whose own music often explores themes of faith and spirituality, this song has always been a powerful example of what is possible. It reminds me that songs can be both personal and universal, and that sometimes the deepest prayers can also make great radio records. Well, at least in the 1970s they could.

Change The World – Eric Clapton

I first heard this song on BBC Radio 2 while driving to school when I was around twelve years old, and I was instantly hooked. It had everything I wanted music to be: great songwriting, great singing, beautiful guitar playing, and enough soul and blues influence to give it depth without ever feeling predictable.

What I love most is how sophisticated it is while still being completely accessible. It's a song that works on every level, and I've spent much of my own career chasing that same balance.

For My Wedding – Don Henley (written by Larry McNally)

I've sung at a lot of weddings over the years and heard thousands of songs, but this one stands apart because of the perspective it takes. Most wedding songs celebrate the excitement and romance of the day. "For My Wedding" does something much rarer: it acknowledges the uncertainty, vulnerability, and sheer courage involved in making a lifelong commitment.

The line, "What makes us any different from all the others, who have tried and failed before us?" stops me in my tracks every time. As songwriting, it's such a unique vantage point. Rather than pretending love is easy, it confronts the reality of what marriage asks of us, and somehow becomes even more hopeful because of that honesty.

I was introduced to the song by my dear friend Ronny Vance, who also happened to connect Larry McNally and Don Henley in the first place. Years later, I had the pleasure of interviewing Larry for a podcast series I produced with Ronny, which only deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the song. To me, it's one of the finest wedding songs ever written.

Listen to "Feelin' Good"