Apply Pressure, the latest album from veteran Christian Hip Hop artist R-Swift is a masterfully produced, hard hitting, personal album. The album features such artists as Social Club, Butta P., J.R., and Sho Baraka. The album engages the listener from the first bars and leaves you wanting a little more at the end. Thank God for "repeat all."
The title track, "Apply Pressure," opens up the sonic marvel. The beats are hard, and with a touch of choral work throughout, it makes you want more before it has even really started. R-Swift's lyrics are deep. His wordplay is borderline genius: "I'd rather be in these chains for being brave and honest / then to be a free man but a slave to silence." This is premise for the entire song.
The hard beats of "Apply Pressure" are followed up with a smooth R&B vibe on "For You." The album is for you, the listener—for those who are depressed, those who are struggling, no matter of race and religion. It is an open letter to his listeners; R-Swift is speaking to who he cares about, truly taking the great commission and his mission very seriously. Loving the unlovable.
The vibe continues into "Raindrops" feat. Social Club. Definitely a smooth-sounding track, this song reaches into the depths of struggles seen by the artists featured, but also relatable struggles. Even though it's raining haters all around, and things are going crazy, we know that we are going to make it and things will turn around.
Swift continues to move through the issues in society today with "Problem." This is not unlike Bizzle's track "Dear Hip Hop." It speaks to issues in hip hop music and the culture altogether. I like to see Christian artists standing for truth and speaking against a culture that is doing more harm than good.
"Don't Cry" is a heartwrenching song. Taking on the issue of abortion from the viewpoint of the unborn child. Throughout the song the child speaks his heart as to how he feels about his mom potentially aborting him. Lyrics like, "believe me when I say I'm feelin your pain / you said oh my God, my mom is gonna kill me / and meanwhile I'm inside thinkin the same" and "I'm fightin for my life / but you're fightin to lose it." The song is real talk and whether or not you agree with abortion, you can't ignore the feelings displayed in this song.
"April 19th" is another extremely emotionally charged track. With a solid beat and backed by piano, one can begin a time of introspection as Swift shares his feelings. The song is about depression and suicide. The song is Swift's own journey and because of his faith and his understanding that joy comes in the morning, is the reason why we have this song.
Final Thoughts:
Honesty. Truth. Realness. That is what this album brings. It may be a little heavy for a Sunday drive, but it is perfect for reflection. The beats are superb, lyrical content may truly be life changing for some listeners and the heart of the artist is laid bare for all to see.
In his fifth studio project, Lamp Mode Recording artist Json gives something we can't see but something we can definitely feel with Braille. Last year I gave Growing Pains 5 stars and in Twitter exchanges during the production and post-production of Braille, Json warned me that this will not be the same. He was absolutely correct in warning me.
Where Growing Pains was an emotional album written from a place of spiritual growth and a big move for the family from St. Louis to Iowa City, Braille brings a new, harder flavor. It is a combination of City Lights and Braille. Json is a veteran in the industry and is finding his voice.
The album kicks off with "Braille." We are eased into the album with a gentle piano riff, the song builds and then hits super hard with the second verse. The song features the vocals of Lori of C.B.F. and features the production skills of Spec. The song speaks to having faith and feeling God even when we don't see Him, it ties that back to how music is something we don't see but it definitely evokes an emotion within us.
"Passing" is the second release off the album. It features verses by newcomer Serge and Reach Records artist KB. The song is about how as Christians that we are only passing through this life on earth and that we only have one shot to get it right. It is the antithesis to YOLO. Musically the track hits hard and the production is on point.
The first release from this album was "Work." It features Spec on the chorus and this song bangs crazy hard. This song is about being about God's work. It is Json telling the world that there is no point to his music if it's not about God's work. This is one of the hypest songs of the year and it will get you jumping. The song is produced by Derek Minor, and Minor's hard style shines through this song. If you don't feel this song, check your pulse because you may be dead.
Flame features on "Play My Song," another banger that is just calling out to mainstream DJs to play some conscious rap music that glorifies God and doesn't glorify the thug, sex and drugs that is so commonly heard. Produced by JR, this song is clean, crisp, and the beat hits hard.
The level of features on this album continues to increase on "Can't Let Go." The song feature former Gotee artist B. Reith on the chorus and a verse by fellow Lamp Mode artist S.O. This track has a familiar feel to Growing Pains. It speaks to whatever the trouble is in our lives, we can trust and depend and hold onto God. The verses are solid and B.Reith's vocals are impeccable. G-Roc did an incredible job putting this song together.
"Benjamin Button" is one of the most creative plays on a pop culture reference I have heard. When I received the tracklist my interest was peaked immediately. The song talks about how people don't grow up, they just grow older and hence they are Benjamin Button. The piano melody that plays throughout is reflective of the score of the film it is something special how the feeling of the movie is brought into the song. Although not about age reversing, the theme of a boy in a man's body holds true.
Lori from C.B.F. (Confess and Be Free) has her second feature of the album on "Intoxicated." Another song with the feeling of Growing Pains, it talks about how good yet awful sin feels. The quick high with the huge letdown afterward. "Stars" carries a quieter, smoother feels and carries the feeling of "Intoxicated", it is as far from "Work" as a song can get on this album. The juxtaposition shows Json's ability to go hard or to rap with intense emotion.
Derek Minor and Bizzle feature on "Son Hit Me." This song returns to the harder, street vibe of earlier but we aren't jarred into it. The song speaks to how we are changed when the Son hits us. Rather than getting tanned when the sun hits us, we get pasty, that is, white as snow, when we come into right relationship with the Son of God. Q&A songs have been rather common this year and "Hold Nothing Back" is Json answering some of the FAQs that he has been facing over the years. He touches on items such as why he sounds so different from his Lamp Mode brethren, why he left St. Louis, the Christian rapper versus rapper that's Christian debate and brothers that have fallen into sin.
The most emotional song on Growing Pains was "Secrets," on Braille, Json delivers "Secrets (Part 2)." Earlier I mentioned that "Benjamin Button" peaked my interest, but the song that I listened to first was "Secrets 2." This is Json's story of being the second victim in his wife's sexual abuse due to the pain that she has dealt with and the impact it has had throughout their marriage. Once again, JR delivers flawless vocals and production as he did on Secrets 1 and brings out the real emotion. This song is full of raw emotion, but ends with the hope that in Christ they are dealing with it together.
The album closes with "Trust You", which features the vocal talents of Julianna Zobrist (wife of Tampa Bay Rays player Ben Zobrist). It is a perfect piece of closure to the pain of Secrets 2. Trusting God to get through our darker times is a key part of our Christian walk and this song declares that trust implicitly.
Closing Thoughts:
I have been looking forward to this album since Json first tweeted about being in the studio. He was right in telling me that it wasn't thematic like Growing Pains, rather it displays the maturation of an artist who on album number five has found his voice. Json delivers his music that you can't see but you can feel, and this album you will feel in you mind, heart and your body. With the numerous featured artists and the numerous producers, one may think an album may become disjointed, however, Json, along with Spec have created a near perfect album.
Like Chinese Takeout Wrapped in a Foil Swan | Posted June-05-2013
No Pressure is the debut EP release from Chris Jackson. An accomplished producer in his own right, he is now making his stamp on the Gospel/R&B scene with this project. This is seven tracks of goodness that features some recognizable samples and some sweet scratching.
"Incredible" starts off with a familiar voice to all hip-hop fans—a sample of the distinctive voice of Chuck-D. Immediately your ears perk up to this and you will say, "That is a bold move for a Christian artist!" As bold as the Chuck-D sample is, the sample of "Getaway" by Bobby Brown may be even more so. Regardless, the job is done and you will be engaged to listen through. The focus on the song is that God is incredible. Full stop. A simple message wrapped up in a clever package, kind of like Chinese takeout wrapped in a foil swan.
Being a mixtape there is no clear stop and start of the songs. The transition into "Call Your Name" is seamless. The beat changes, but not abruptly. Jackson has an incredibly versatile voice and some of the high notes he hits on this track are pretty impressive. The lyrics are not heavy laden with metaphor and deep meaning, just a guy worshiping God in his own way proclaiming how good God is to him and that he can freely call on the Creator whenever he needs Him.
The feel of the album changes with the very rhythmically driven "Lay It On Me." The beat is unusual, but in a good way. It seems more organic and less contrived than a majority of the beats out there. The subdued beat allows Jackson's vocals to shine through. Almost a response to the last song, the organic beat is the background to God's response. An exhortation that whatever our problems we can lay it on the Lord.
"Be With Me" has a laid back '70s R&B vibe to it. A love song from Jesus to His bride, it encourages us to spend our life with him and just be with him. I didn't need Jesus to serenade me to give my life over to Him, but it would have been pretty sweet if this was my conversion experience. Vaughn features on the track with some killer bars calling out to God in what is his response to Jesus' serenade.
I don't know about the readers out there, but if Jesus serenaded me, I would truly be feeling "Blessed." This song is just about that, living a blessed life. Blessed with family, friends and most of all the love of Christ. As much as it is a humble brag about being blessed, Jackson also invites others to experience the faithfulness of Christ.
From a '90s R&B vibe to a piano/double bass reminiscent of a Spike Lee soundtrack, "His Pain" is completely different than anything else on the album. A man's pain and insecurity are laid bare while wondering "I don't know why He keeps blessing me." The answer to the question is so that we can bless God. Blessings from God in spite of all we've done so that we can bless Him. That is the love of Christ.
The album closes with "Rear View Mirror." The song is an artistic reflection on Philippians 3:13-14: "Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus." Life is about looking ahead and not focussing on what's in the rear view mirror.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is surprisingly complex. The lyrics move from simple messages like those in "Incredible" to the more complex in "His Pain." The sound of the albums reflects on several styles of R&B and drops a jazzy/blues vibe. The production is top notch. I truly can't wait for the next project from Mr. Jackson.
Song to Download Now:
"Incredible" (Although the entire mixtape is available for free download here.)
Lyrical Theology Part One: Theology is the latest release by Lamp Mode Recordings’ front man, shai linne. This album truly is an opportunity for a listener to Christian hip hop to pull out your bible and dive fully into the Word of God. One word of warning, if you do not agree with Reformed Theology, you may take issue with some songs on the album, but do not let you be blinded to the artistry and the truth that shai linne showcases on the album.
Thankfully the album begins with the “Table of Contents”. Much like an introduction to a book, shai runs through the content of the album with skill and much lyrical confidence. The first chapter to this book is “Hypostatic Union”. This is an explanation of the concept of the person of Jesus being both God and Man simultaneously. Once we are schooled on the personhood of Christ, we learn of His “Active Obedience” as a man, how he was the atonement for our sins. It is amazing how much scripture shai spins into his rhymes.
An exposition of Psalm 110 is next with “Exalted”. I opened up my bible to Psalm 110 and followed along as shai explained it to me. I have never heard a rapper exposit Scripture with rhyme, but he truly does a good job of explaining it. Next up is an explanation of the person of “The Holy Spirit”. This track features the lyrical talents of Timothy Brindle and speaks of the Holy Spirit and His presence throughout the scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
“Regeneration” features some old school record scratching which really takes me back. It is reminiscent of the same sound we heard in Timothy Brindle’s Restoration. This song is about being born again and goes through the story of Jesus and Nicodemus from John 3. “Election” is next, and is the first song that clearly espouses Reformed Theology. Not being a theologian, I am not going to argue with what shai and featured artist Willie Will rap about. The lyricism is top notch and an incredibly difficult subject is explained. “Cosmic Powers” is about spiritual warfare and is followed up by the controversial “Fal$e Teacher$”. The song calls out prosperity teachers by name and includes some of the most popular televangelists of our time. It is an interesting song and some may not agree with shai’s approach, but as Christians we should all be just as bold to speak truth, and do it biblically.
Before listening to this album I had no idea what eschatology was, but “The Millennium” gives us shai’s view on end-times theology and that he follows the view of an amilliennialist. He admits he could be wrong on his view and that our view on eschatology is not as important as the gospel we agree on. It is an extremely interesting track, that provides a good education on end times that should lead the listener to do some study on their own. Eschatology is followed by more Reformed Theology with “Take Up And Read”. The first book of course is the Bible, however, what follows are references to the who’s who of the Reformed Church, John MacArthur, John Newton, Baxter, Richard, Sproule and Piper along with a full reading list.
“Theology Q&A” is up next. Stephen the Levite asks the questions and shai provides the responses. The lyricism in this song truly is incredible as they work through some general topics, the person, role and rule of Jesus and more end-times. “Sacred Science” is a spoken word poem from Blair Linne and speaks to how we all need to study theology regardless of our vocation. This track is truly impressive and will encourage you in your study of God’s Word. The album ends with what can only be termed a worship song, but rather than worship with only my heart and soul, this song is focussed on worshiping with “All My Mind”.
Closing Thoughts
This was a challenging album to review for the mere fact that I don’t necessarily agree with shai’s theology. Putting theology aside and focusing in on the lyricism, production quality and the heart behind the album, I am hard pressed to think of an album that caused me to open my Bible while listening. This truly is a hip hop album that you could turn on in your quiet time and reflect upon the lyrics and the scriptures given to us in each song. Some of the beats seem dated and the flow of the songs at times is reminiscent of older hip hop music. An important companion to listening however are the lyrics that can be found here and of course your Bible and perhaps a dictionary for some of the new words that may be added to your vocabulary.
The Good Fight is the latest release from Bizzle. It is a project filled with passion and reality. The production values are excellent and the lyricism is clever. Bizzle doesn't pull any punches in his message and gets straight to the heart of the matter while ensuring the listener understands the heart of the One that matters.
The album opens with "Lead Me", a laid back track with a solid R&B vibe in the chorus and the hook. The song speaks to being a better follower of God and submitting to His will for our lives. There will be times that we make mistakes; it is our true heart that shows when we come to God in humility and ask Him to lead us.
"Here We Go" is up next and continues with the theme of following God and listening to what he has for us. Bizzle's lyrics touch on reality while not accepting that reality is right. At the end of it all it is important that we follow God and not our own plans.
Next up on the album is "Do It Again." This song brings up the energy level of the album. The bass hits harder and the lyrics are rougher. Willie "P-Dub" Moore Jr. adds with vocals on the chorus. The song is tight.
A real dose of reality is up next in "Think 4 A Minute." Bizzle comes hard at guys stuck in the stereotypical ‘hood lifestyle. He touches on use of the "N" word and pimp as ways to greet one another; he boldly asks the question whether it would be OK to say if he was white. It is not typical for Christian hip-hop artists to be so blatant in their phrasing, but is truly refreshing to hear someone come straight out and ask the questions.
"Dear Hip Hop" is an open letter to the hip-hop culture and how it teaches young men to act and behave. It touches on everything from style, gun culture, and the ill treatment of women. The lyrics are straightforward and at some points raw. Rather than glorifying a lifestyle, it condemns it for how it ruins lives of everyone involved. It ends with talking about how his real Father has always been in his life but he walked away. The realization that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life is delivered in an incredibly effective manner.
"You Know" is up next. This song bangs hard. Bizzle's message of redemption in Christ and the straight talk toward the foolishness around stereotypes yet speaking clearly on how regardless how foolish the stereotypes are, they are alive and well. This song is an updated Christ-centered version of the speech that Furious gives to Tre and Ricky about gentrification in Boyz N The Hood.
In "Higher," Bizzle changes from outspoken political activist to a man just wanting to serve God with more of himself and his gifts. "Against You" speaks to how much easier it is to hear about the world then about God. The song touches on God being taken out of schools, God being hard to find on the radio and God generally being considered as an enemy. The lyrics speak to the core of the issues in society today. If you're tired of memes on facebook, this song will easily replace them with much more style and substance.
"The Way" takes us back to the core of the Gospel. The song features the vocal talents of Haley Hunt on the chorus and the beats are incredible. "I'm A Christian" is a bold declaration of faith regardless of how many people attack Bizzle about his boldness in his faith. He also encourages other believers to stand firm and speak out who we are.
The album closes with "Not Alone" and features Nina Sims with vocals on the chorus. The track speaks to how regardless of how many times we fall, we are not alone. Regardless of the circumstance you were born into, your Father in heaven cares deeply for you.
Closing Thoughts:
This albums contains 19 tracks plus 2 bonus songs. It is a lyrical work of art and touches on so many real issues. It speaks to every dark and dingy situation and will make the intended audience think about their current lifestyles. This is hip-hop evangelism at its finest.
The Fire is the debut solo project from Samuel Lane, Worship Pastor at Vineyard, St. Alban's in the UK. It is a soulful worship project that reaches to the heart of the Father. The album is a collection of mostly new songs from the Vineyard movement in the UK with the majority of writing credits going to Mr. Lane. The album is very acoustically driven with a focus on vocals. It is a studio project which leaves the listener wanting a little more of the experience of worship, while at the same time allowing us to create our own experience in our secret places.
The album opens with "Take Me With You." The song is a wonderfully lyrical piece focusing on our journey with God and a desire for God's will to be done in our lives. It is a lovely piece that showcases Lane's vocal abilities. The album continues with "Fiery Love," the melodic undertone continues yet with a more driven drum line and more desperate lyrics. A man's heart-cry for the Holy Spirit to come and light him up with hands that hold his heart with fiery love.
The tempo shifts yet again on "O My Soul." Lane's rich vocals laid over a simple picking guitar leads the listener to close their eyes and join in. In classic Vineyard fashion, the focus is all on God and on what He has done for us. The song builds with keys, drums, tambourine and backup singers as the lyrics repeat ,"O my soul praise, praise Him." Church has started and we are now committed as listeners to follow through on this journey.
"The Father" seems to move the listener closer to God. The vocals are subdued and invoke imagery of rest. Sitting with the Father on the mountaintop and knowing that this is where we belong. "Presence and Peace" continues on this thematic vein of resting in the presence of God. The vocals are amazing on this song with Lane using a layered falsetto that is echoed by the organ during the break.
The low point of the album for me is Lane's rendition of the Jeremy Riddle song "Fall Afresh." Having heard the other recordings of this song, this version was just a little too far off the original for me. It is stripped down to vocals, guitar with some organ for accent. It is a bold musical statement that sadly falls a little short.
"Your Love Endures" is the only other song on the album that Lane does not have a writing credit on. At first listen it reminded this reviewer of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole with some Jason Mraz thrown in for good measure. The song speaks to the enduring love of God from "the depths to the highest stars."
The album closes out with "The Road." This may be the perfect closing to where things started. It is about the narrow road, the journey that we all take as believers. The road that we follow as God answers the initial prayer on the album to take us to Him.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a beautiful album on all fronts, musically, lyrically and spiritually. Lane's vocals are intense, yet subdued. They juxtapose nicely to simple instrumentation with is balanced with the complex layering of the simple elements. The tone of Lane's vocals is Springsteen-esque. It is an album that has to be listened to in order to be truly appreciated. Get in your secret place with God, His Word and this album and allow yourself to be taken on a soulful worship journey.
The latest album from indie artist Young Chozen, G.L.O.W., is high energy, electro-pop infused ear candy that gets you moving straight from the first beat. Independently produced and crowd-funded, this album was a welcome surprise in quality and message.
The first song kicks off with a piano vibe, morphing to electro and then the bass drops--hard. "Right Here, Right Now" features Joth Hunt from Planetshakers. The song is focussed on the youth of today and immediately know that Chozen's heart is for young people. The song declares that "right here, right now, we can make a change / right here, right now, there's no time to waste / right here, right now, let's do it today / cause' there's no time to wait for tomorrow." It truly is a rally call that we are all called for a purpose. The song at first listen reminded this reviewer of "Mo Money, Mo Problems" by Biggie, Mase and Puff Daddy.
"Beat Of Your Heart" has a strong drum line and an abundance of synth. The electro vibe comes of strong, but it is still pleasant to listen to. The song is all about living in God's strength and letting His heart be the melody of of your life and showing His heart to the world around us. This song is a strong contender for some serious commercial airplay.
A little fun is up next with "Stanky Face." Heavy electronic sounds and over-processed vocals are featured up front on this track. This definitely has youth group video night written all over it as kids do the Stanky Face dance. Behind the fun and games, Chozen delivers a solid gospel message.
"Declaration" is Chozen's declaration of who he is in Christ and what God has done in his life. The song starts with an old school drum beat and suddenly switches to the heavy synth sound. The drums come back just as the verse starts. The song bangs hard and the gospel message is delivered with fluency and style.
"1 to 10" is a "good girl theme song". It is a song written to minister to young ladies to help them understand the purpose their Creator made them for. The song touches on issues such as modesty, dating, true love and self-esteem. "How We Do It" is a wonderful fusion of hip hop, R&B and EDM. The beats are solid, the hook is extremely musical and there is just the right dose of electronica. Chozen is smooth in his rhymes and flows seamlessly from verses to bridge to hook.
I am a huge fan of when hip hop crosses paths with CCM and "In The Dark" does this for me. Zeek Power opens with vocals and plays acoustic guitar. The track is reminiscent of the Jimmy Needham/Trip Lee collaborations. The song is about being a light in a dark world. "I will glow, I will glow, oh when darkness closes in on us/I will glow, I will glow, like a fire burning bright, hold me up to the light/I will glow."
"Without You" asks the question of what would we do without God in our lives? Where would be without the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Chozen has an amazing testimony of what he has overcome in his life and this song is his reflection on that. "Faces" is about the happy faces that people put on the outside while they are broken on the inside. It is about seeing through the facade and comforting people in their reality and helping them to realize that God has a greater purpose and design for their lives. "All Falls Down" is another acoustic guitar driven track. The track speaks to people who get built up in themselves and rely on self to get them through, and asks the question, "who will you turn to when it all falls down?"
The title track "GLOW" closes out the album and we learn that G.L.O.W. stands for "Give Love Out Willingly." This gets us back to the simple message of Luke 10:27: "He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.'" As Christians, this is the greatest commandment and how we must live our lives. We are called to be the light of the world.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is refreshing. A new independent artist, with a fresh new sound, and top rate production. Young Chozen bares his heart in this album and his love for youth ministry is clear. The album touches on topics ranging from living a lifestyle that exudes evangelism in "GLOW" and "In The Dark" to self-esteem and self-worth in "1 to 10" and "Faces". It is obvious that this young artist's heart is for the next generation of Christians and he is fulfilling his purpose through this album.
Let It Be Known is the latest release from Worship Central. For those unfamiliar with Worship Central, it is the brainchild of Tim Hughes and Al Gordon and is based at Holy Trinity Brompton located in London. (This is the same church that developed the "Alpha" course.)
Worship Central is a worship school that was started on 2006 and this is their fifth album, a collaboration of the massive songwriting talents engaged at Worship Central plus some special guest writers that include the likes of Matt Redman, Stuart "Stu G" Garrard and Martin Smith.
This is a proper worship album--recorded live, you can hear the shouts and claps of the scores of worshippers as they enter the presence of God. The beautiful thing is that they bring you along with them.
The album starts with "Ready For You." Immediately preparing us for what we are about to encounter the initial verse says, "Here we are / Standing on the edge of something new / Lead us on / Further than we’ve ever been before." I cannot think of a better song to start a worship set. The sound is what a fan of modern worship music would expect with no big surprises, it is the heart cry of the first song that garners our attention.
The tempo picks up with "God Most High," and carries on at a frenetic pace with the title track, "Let It Be Known." If you aren’t already dancing or playing air drums on your steering wheel, you will be as soon as this song begins. It starts with what at first sounds like a sample of '80s Brit-pop and moves into a heavy bass-infected rhythm. This is a wonderful anthem encouraging us to let the world know that "Our God saves / Our God reigns / Love has come / love has won." Unlike the first couple songs--which didn’t do much to differentiate themselves soundwise from the other A-grade worship music being released--this is clearly new, with a touch of hip-hop added in for good measure. It is a refreshing break from the norm.
Things slow down with "The Cross Stands." This is a beautiful song about the power of the cross and the finished work of Christ. Matt Redman has a writing credit on this particular song, and the sound of it rings true to a classic Redman sound. This song can easily become a standard for Good Friday services in years to come. Is there a more beautiful image than an empty cross standing over our lives?
The first appearance of a female lead worshipper occurs on "Dry Bones." Nikki Fletcher delivers a powerful song that cries out for God to breathe on our dry bones by His Holy Spirit and have His way in us. The spontaneous worship at the end of the recording is especially touching and shows the importance of why worship albums should be recorded live.
"Kingdom Coming" is an open prayer to God for his kingdom to come and for a time of breakthrough to come and heal the land. It is not a secret that much of Europe is in a near-dark ages when it comes to the move of God, but with open prayers and declarations such as this, it will not be long before the breakthrough comes. But, just because it was written with the United Kingdom in mind, does not mean that we cannot sing and declare the same things for our homes.
The heavy kick drum returns with "Guardian." The song is about calling on God to be our defender, our guide, our guardian. Nikki Fletcher draws us back into the presence of the Holy Spirit with "Draw Me Close." It really gets to the heart of the matter that God is all that we need. He is our all sufficiency. "The Constant" is about just that, that God is constant and faithful and unchanging. The lyrics are simple and clear and easily transitioned to a Sunday morning service at a large church or to a Wednesday night life group.
No worship set would be complete without "Hallelujah" being sung. No other word can exemplify our worship for Jesus Christ than this one simple word. The song ebbs and flows as the Spirit moves through the service with wonderful dynamics and a powerful, driving rhythm.
Things get wild again with "Our Generation." The same sound we heard on "Let It Be Done" is back. Another song praying for revival in this generation. Declaring freedom over their land. Now, I know I am outside of the specific generation that they are targeting with this, but there’s no reason that my generation can’t see it as well. This song also includes the hip-hop stylings of Worship Central’s rapper-in-residence Myles Dhillon. The rap portion includes these lyrics: "The world cannot ever hold us down / Radical holiness marks us from the crowd. / Come on, let's dream dreams. / We could be the ones to set the nations free!"
This song flows seamlessly into one of the most powerful parts of the album is "Set Me Free." Dhillon starts with a slower rap and they then move into a chorus that simply says, "Set me free, set me free / From everything the world says I need. / Set me free, set me free / You are everything that I need." The album ends on a high note telling us that "The Same Power" that raised Christ from the dead is alive in us. (Ephesians 1:19-20)
Closing Thoughts:
This is an incredible worship album that may have been overlooked being released on the same day as the latest Passion album. Personally, I find that worship music from the UK is underrepresented in North America--whether it be Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, or Martin Smith.
This album should not be overlooked. The power and presence of God that invaded Holy Trinity Brompton during the live recording will invade your space, wherever you find yourself. For me it was in my car on the commute home during my first listen. The songs have lyrics that are easy to get to know and extremely congregation friendly. The chord charts are available on the Worship Central website for those that want to introduce some new songs to their church.
Show Me The Way - EP is the latest album from Mr. Talkbox hit the streets on January 29. This is Talkbox's fourth release and contains a combination of new and old material. Talkbox's specialty is just that, playing the Talkbox. He has featured for TobyMac, won a GMA Dove Award for writing and producing Group 1 Crew's "Moving" and provides a new level of artistry to what can sometimes become a very bland genre.
This project opens up with a new song, "Party," and features Group 1 Crew. The song is a celebration of freedom in Christ. It speaks to moving on from your past and knowing that everything will be all right. Blanca Callahan adds some brilliant vocals while Manwell Reyes provides a very solid verse. It is a promising opening to the project.
Things get typical Talkbox on the next track. "Shine" speaks to letting your light shine and also gives a spelling lesson for the word "S-H-I-N-E." The message is easy to grasp, however it is a very far drop off from the first track. This track was first released in 2012 as a single.
"Show Me The Way" has a piano-driven rhythm and a more lyrical touch. This is where Talkbox shines. His mastery of the talkbox on the verses and is something special. For the most part, this instrument is usually reserved for short highlights in the bridge of a song, but Mr. Talkbox definitely brings this skill to the forefront on this song. The song is about having reliance on God and His Holy Spirit to give us direction in our lives, and surrendering to that direction.
Another remix of "Destiny" shows up next. This song was originally from Chambers' debut release in 2004 and showed up again on The Remix Animated in 2008. The final track, "Everything Works Together" features the vocal stylings of Beckah Shae. It has a solid Gospel message straight from Romans 8:28. This song was also previously released on the 2010 album My Time.
Closing Thoughts:
EPs are always interesting to review. If it is a new artist, it can be an interesting taste of what is yet to come; many times newer artists will release an EP at no cost in order to build a following. If it is a more established artist, the EP can be a fun way to play with older songs and put some new shine on them. In this case there were two new songs, which were the highlights of the album, and three mediocre re-hashes which left me let down. The inclusion of Group 1 Crew on "Party" and the new use of the talkbox on "Show Me The Way" are definite highlights. I admire Mr. Talkbox for his production skills, however as a standalone artist he leaves me wanting more originality.
Song to Download Now:
"Party" feat. Group 1 Crew (Get it from iTunes here.)
First A-Level Rap Album of 2013 | Posted April-04-2013
The first premiere Christian hip-hop release of 2013 takes the form of Heroes For Sale from Reach Records artist Andy Mineo. This is a long-awaited follow-up to 2011's Formerly Known. The album includes production credits from a venerable who's who of Christian hip-hop producers, including J.R., Tyshane, Alex Medina and Skrip. The album touches on themes of forgiveness, sexual purity, idolatry and just plain fun.
The album opens with "Superhuman." The interesting twist here is the use of a very orchestral arrangement of the old hymn "I Will Go and Follow Jesus." From this opening the listener knows that they are in for something a little bit outside of the normal. The song speaks to how fans tend to view artists as infallible superheroes, but Mineo sets them straight saying that God is the only superhuman, and that He is not for sale.
The next track is "Ex Nihilo" which literally means "out of nothing" in Latin. The song features Christon Gray with vocals on the chorus and the song speaks to how God can bring us out of absolute nothingness and bless us beyond our wildest imaginations. Mineo also continues the theme that he will never be bigger than God and calls out to his crew to keep him in line if his head gets too big.
Two songs have been released prior to the album hitting streets. "AYO!" is a party song and is Mineo showing his lyrical skills. Representing the 116 loud and proud and telling the listener how much fun there is in Christ. "Bitter" is a song about relationships, everything from passive/aggressive Facebook and Twitter posts to jealousy. It speaks to how bitterness and unforgiveness can become poison to our souls. Mineo touches on the personal example of his relationship with his dad. It is a poignant song that ultimately tells us that if we don't forgive, we are not truly letting the light of Christ shine through us.
"Wild Things" starts with a jungle drum beat, and then a heavy electric guitar starts in. This song is about living among a lost world (where the wild things are) and being a witness to the world. This song is about real life ministry, in real life situations that many of us in the church shy away from. This song will open your eyes to the life of Jesus and how he ministered. It also contains one of the most clever uses of original greek this reviewer has heard. "I'm duckin' stones thrown from them pharisees/Gospel of Peace on my feet like a pair of cleats / Walkin' with the paraclete, that's Greek for The Spirit."
"Uno Uno Seis" features Lecrae and many listeners will be divided on the song. We learn on this track that Andy Mineo and Lecrae can rap in Spanish and Spanglish as well as they do in English. It features an awesome electronic beat and for those of you that don't like it write now, I'm confident that there will be many remixes of this one. It truly is the hidden gem on this album.
Closing Thoughts:
This is an incredible album that has to be listened to from beginning to end. Some songs may not resonate with the listener immediately, but the whole album is better than it's individual parts. When I first received this to listen to the track order was not yet finalized and I wasn't overly impressed. When the track order was announced and I listened to the album the way the artist intended it to be listened to, the album took on a life. The rhymes are clever, the beats hit hard, production quality is on point and most importantly it challenges us to better in our walk as Christians and speaks of the love of Christ to soften the hardest of hearts.
MarkRyan_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
