Is anyone else tired of re-releases? I may be, but if there's one album that I would be happy to see expand, it would be Family Force 5's incredible debut, Business Up Front, Party In The Back. The catchy "crunk" rock record hit streets a year ago, but the album is being given a new life this year as it sees expansion to more markets known this time as the Business Up Front, Party In The Back: Diamond Edtion.
The original twelve track record has been extended to a fifteen track disc, featuring three brand new songs recorded strictly for this release. When the re-release was originally announced, four new songs were supposed to be included. However, somewhere along the way, it has been whittled down to three. While this isn't a big deal, it's slightly perplexing in the sense that one song in particular could have easily been added to the mix. The pre-release for the first release of last year's Business Up Front... included the fan favorite "Colour Of Water," a song they often played live, even opening their shows with at times. Surprisingly, this song still doesn't find its way onto this re-release, and the only possible explanation might be that it just doesn't fit in with the other new tracks (despite fitting in just fine with the rest of the original record).
The three brand new songs are more serious lyrically and aggressive musically. "Replace Me," from the original album release, was the last song to be added to Business Up Front...'s 2006 version, and the trio of fresh FF5 goodness is much more along its writing style. The new tracks are distinctly more spiritual and in a lot of ways more serious, with self-explanatory titles like "I Love You To Death" (which is more so a love song), "Face Down," and the grand finale "Never Let Me Go." In fact, "Face Down" delves into some of the deepest lyrics the band has written yet, proclaiming "Fall down with my face down / Giving of me, myself, and I, it's a bittersweet taste to swallow my pride now / ...If you see me standing back up again, just knock me back down so I can live face down." "Never Let Me Go," a dramatic yet all-around signature FF5 anthem, boasts lyrics longing for meeting the Savior in person in Heaven and the assurance of His care, I want some face to face / Just gimme that full embrace / What did I hear you say? / That you will never ever let me go / I'll never know when it’s my time to go / One thing I know fo’ sho’ / That you will never ever let me go." Each track bears more of an industrial rock flavor with edgier guitars and more screaming vocals sprinkled through from vocalist Solomon Olds.
For those worried dipping into their pockets for the same record for just three more songs may want to consider giving the 2006 release to a friend and getting this version as well. While the re-release could have been souped up with even more reasons to double-dip by including a DVD with perhaps their "Really Real Show" webisodes and their collection of music videos or a second disc with remixes and b-sides, the way the Diamond Edition is presented retains the integrity of the original record. Instead of just throwing random fan-focused goodies on the album, it can stand alone as if it were originally released in this form. In the end, Business Up Front, Party In The Back: Diamond Edtion improves upon what was already one of the most memorable discs of 2006, making a great album even better, and at the same time this edition is proof that Family Force 5 has much more to offer ahead than just a fantastic debut.
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I Love it to Death| Posted March 01, 2008
this is one of my favorite albums of all. this cd has a great crunk rock, hip hop, electronic sound complete with heavy guitars and hard hitting drums and one of my favorite voices in the world... the addition of the three tracks is killer and you can almost hear the progression of their sound through the album... i love this record, it's a must...
Business Up Front, Party In The Back - Diamond Edition| Posted February 14, 2008
Great CD!!! Just a fun rockn' album. I originally bought it after hearing Love Addict & Replace Me on Christian rock radio and almost every song quickly grew on me within a listen or two.
Crunk's Finest| Posted January 27, 2008
One of the most awesome releases of 2006 got revamped for 2007. 3 new songs that are awesome and a great add on to an already amazing album.
Can't Kick The Habit...| Posted December 07, 2007
Wow! What a CD! I took a chance on this CD as I sort of knew what to expect by seeing a few of this group's music videos on the Gospel Music Channel. I had some music points saved up with my music club, so I decided to go ahead and get this album.
Although I'm not much into the "screaming" type of singing... I actually really like this album. Lots of fresh energy and just good 'ol rock that will blast you out! :-)
I don't know how those guys have any voice left after a concert though...
I wonder which of the band members had such a bad boss to write a song about her... ha!
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