Gateway to Praise | Posted October-15-2015
Gateway Worship, a ministry of Dallas/Ft. Worth area's Gateway Church, is back with their latest offering for the global church in Walls. The live worship experience captures the presence of God and the power of His love for His church. The album contains 12 previously unreleased tracks, a live version of Kari Jobe's "Let The Heavens Open" and radio versions of two of the live tracks.
The album opens with high energy worship tracks "Higher Than The Sky" and "Love Has Found Us." Then in one of the most powerful worship songs of 2015, worship leader Cody Carnes brings us the title track, "Walls." I haven't listened to any other worship track this year more than this, and the album has only been out for a couple weeks. The driving drums and guitar help you to feel as though you are marching around the walls and bringing them down. It is a perfect transition song into the slower portion of the worship service.
Having heard "Let The Heavens Open" quite a bit already, I was curious about how it would translate live. In a word: perfectly. Kari Jobe's haunting vocals paired with a worship choir give this 8 minute worship anthem new life. It is truly like an all new song.
A voice I haven't personally heard on an album for a few years appears when Rita Springer delivers in classic fashion "You Never Change." There are some things that we can never tire of singing about, and one of them is the unchanging nature of our God. Each listen of this song brings new emotions to bear.
The album closes with the endearing "We Bow Low." It is an atypical conclusion to a worship album, ending with something so sweet and special rather than the typical high-energy worship anthem. It truly is where we should end up at the close of a true worship experience: on our knees in front of the throne of Heaven, washing His holy feet with our streaming tears.
Closing Thoughts:
The Gateway Worship team has put together a remarkable live worship project that will encourage you in your own worship times, while also providing the church with songs that create an indelible impact on those who sing them. I encourage you to get this album and experience God's love and power through these simple songs.
Successes and Missteps | Posted October-15-2015
When I first received Game Changer to review, I was optimistic about hearing the latest from veteran recording artist Rawsrvnt (pronounced "Raw Servant"). I was unaware that he was a Grammy nominated artist, and learning this raised the level of expectations just a little higher.
The album starts extremely strong with tracks like "Fallin' in Love (feat. Milliyon)," "Game Changer (feat. Lil Raskull)" and "Show Me (feat. Hee Sun Lee)." It is a definite party album that you can put in the family wagon and ride to. The beats are strong, and the lyrics are uplifting. Things slow down a little with "My Music," and then things slide into an island vibe with "Won't Stop (feat. St. Matthew)."
You may be reading this now and wondering why I rated it at 2.5. The problem begins at track seven, "Light Up The Night (feat. Erica Cumbo)." Rawsrvnt describes the song as a "fun, danceable track designed to be a love letter to his bride, but he also desires for it to stretch listeners' ideas about how this type of content can be presented." In short, it is a slow jam for Christians. Rawsrvnt continues on about the track, "Instead of cheapening the value of an expression of love that was designed by God (like we hear in so many mainstream songs), I pray that people latch onto the way 'Light Up the Night' can glorify Him and stoke the fires of passion in their marriages."
This is all well and good, until he does a reboot of Robin Thicke's "Lost Without U." It is somewhat confusing that he condemns the cheapening of love that was designed by God in so many mainstream songs, and then follows that with a track with lyrics like "Baby you're the perfect shape / Baby you're the perfect weight / Treat me like my Birthday / I want it this way / I want it that way / I want it / Tell me you don't want me to stop / Tell me it would break your heart / But you love me and all my dirty." It left me disappointed and confused, and immediately dropped the album to the 2.5 star rating that I gave it.
Closing Thoughts:
It is hard to give what could have been a good album such a bad score, however, I could not gloss over Rawsrvnt's choice to cover a Robin Thicke song. I feel like it sets Christian hip hop back a step. I have no problem with artists getting real about issues, however, cheapening the union of man and wife to this level is unacceptable to me on too many levels, especially with the graphic sexual nature of the lyrics. I appreciate the positive impact that Rawsrvnt has had through his ministry over the years, however, this was a large misstep.
(In)dependent Spirit | Posted October-06-2015
Veteran recording artist Manafest is back with his seventh album and his first independent release. The journeyman singer/rapper/author/skater brings us a new album filled with radio friendly songs. A meld of rock, hip hop and pop, Reborn is an album that, when listened to apart from Manafest's former work, will give the listener an idea of what he is all about in one succinct package.
The album opens with the title track "Reborn," a song that gave me flashbacks of "Come On In" by Whosoever South, perhaps because of the finger picking guitar and soulful harmonica that open the track. Manafest's lyrical chops shine through and give a message of hope.
"Let You Drive," the first single from the album, shows that even though Manafest went independent with his music, he is still dependent on God to drive. It is a song of surrender, a song that we can all sing to and confess as Christians. With the strong lyrics and radio friendly sound, this will be one that will find its way into car stereos everywhere.
The most personal moment on the album comes on "Fearless," a personal track about fatherhood. For those men like Manafest that grew up missing a close relationship with their dads, there can be a strong sense of fear when they find out they are going to be fathers themselves. This song is Manafest's own testimony about approaching fatherhood fearlessly.
Things get dark on "Army." From the brooding bass line and the cynical views about the federal reserve and the current state of affairs, the song is reminiscent of some of Manafest's older work. Things speed up for "Shine," and Manafest's countryman and fellow rocker/rapper Trevor McNevan adds his voice to the hook. This is a classic Christian rock tune that will have fans of both artists excited.
If "Fearless" was the most personal moment, then "Pray" is the most touching. It truly reminded me of "Everytime You Run" from The Chase (2010). It is a hard rock ballad with driving piano full of depth of feeling and good storytelling.
Closing Thoughts:
Even though Manafest is now an independent artist, it is clear through his music that he is still very much dependent on God. Some of the rough edge may be missing from the older music that he released, a facet fans may miss, but with maturity of age comes maturity in writing and an even greater personal testimony and thankfulness for all God has done in our lives. Reborn is the renewal of an artist who has taken his new found creative freedom and produced an album that fans new and old will appreciate.
Disturbing the Comfortable | Posted September-18-2015
With one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Andy Mineo brings us his sophomore release Uncomfortable. The album is definitely a departure from the sound we heard on Heroes For Sale, however, this is good thing. Andy has matured since his debut release. His rap style has become his own, and he has truly found his voice. The writing is honest, bringing up topics that may make the listener shiver at first, but on reflection, that is the purpose of the album. Andy has said himself that the point of this album is "to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable."
The album open with the title track, "Uncomfortable." This song sets the stage for what we are about to hear. It begins us on the journey to our own discomfort (speaking from a "shiny, happy Christian" point of view). The queasy feelings begin when Andy talks about racism, and then the knife goes deep when he mentions Christians with picket signs saying "God hates fags" and how that's not how Jesus would act. The final turn of the knife is when he points out our "happy" name and claim it as Christianity. The verse end with a golden nugget of truth, "so if you want to live a comfortable life / make sure you never love nobody, be selfish, and never sacrifice."
With the stage set, Andy gives us a track dedicated to his hometown, New York, with "Uptown." While it is a great song, how he ties it together with "Now I Know" is sheer artistry, with "Now I Know" featuring a Spanish interlude: "Padre Mio / Padre Mio / Proteja en las calles / Guardia de mi mente / Porque el mundo / Porque el mundo / Miente." Loosely translated, it means "My Father, My Father, protect me in these streets and guard my mind because the world, because the world lies."
"Now I Know" walks through the lies that Andy was told throughout life and the perfect picture that was crushed more and more as he grew older, not unlike many of us who hear the truth for the first time.
The hook on "Now I Know" features Mr. Talkbox, which gives the track an old school groove. Other features on the album include Mali Music on "Desperados," Jon Bellion on "Rat Race," and Mac Powell even shows up on "Make Me A Believer."
In one the most honest moments on the album, Andy gives his older sister Grace (who is deaf) an apology for how he treated her throughout his life on "Hear My Heart." Andy expresses that he is sorry for never learning how to sign and in not doing so becoming blind to his shortcomings as a brother. It is a touching song that may make your eyes water a little bit.
In another Spanish interlude called "David's Roof," Andy artistically gives a perfect intro to "Rat Race." The lyrics "Prepara me para la guerra / Porque comodidad es la caída de reyes / Es la caída de reyes" loosely translate to "Prepare me for war, because comfort is the fall of kings."
These touches are what set the album apart as a story rather than a collection of songs. A thread woven through each track going deeper to the core of the listener.
"Vendetta" is an instant classic. It has an incredible jazz vibe to it with horns and piano, and the message sticks. It is an anthem for millennials. With lyrics like "Pac did a lot more for me than Barack," the song speaks about how we go to Twitter for our news and that the government is out of touch with an entire generation. The final bars of the second verse sum it up perfectly: "I got excess, others got need / I got to answer to God for all of these sneaks / I got a hundred pairs but only two feet. / God forgive me, I been thinking 'bout me, uh / we point fingers at people who sin different, skin different, but the same color we bleed / you wanna know the real problem in America? / always has been, and it always will be: me / if you had any other answer you've been deceived / we been looking for salvation in education / money, leaders, and policies, but we got a bigger need / we got a sin debt that we inherited / we divide ourselves by class, skin color, and our heritage / will our creator bankrupt the heavens so that we could all be there with our brothers and sisters?"
If those lyrics do not somehow make you squirm just a little, then perhaps a search of your heart is required.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is truly the best Christian Hip Hop album of the year to date. It is masterfully thought out, and the entire album moves through a progression of many levels of discomfort for the listener. As I sit in my kitchen listening and writing, I am disturbed. My comfort is challenged, and the question remains: will I be bold enough to act in "Love?" Will we as Christians finally make a decision to love others as Christ loved the church, or will we continue to put politics before people?
Under the Radar Excellence | Posted September-07-2015
Taelor Gray is back with his fifth studio project, The Mocker and The Monarch. Your first thought may be "fifth project? Why haven't I heard the other four?" I'm just as surprised as you are. The journeyman artist from Columbus, Ohio, may have flown under the radar like his brother Christon, but with this latest album, Taelor firmly takes his place at the adult table of Christian Hip Hop artists.
The album has depth, feeling and unapologetic truth. While listening I was reminded of some of the conscious hip hop that came out in the late 90s from artists like Tribe Called Quest. Not that The Mocker and The Monarch sounds old— it has a fresh and unique sound thanks to on point production from Wes Pendleton, Wit and Daniel Steele. The lyrics make you think and reflect as the album moves from "Hollow Man" to "Hallow Man," in essence from the mocker (you and I) to the Monarch (Christ).
Album highlights include the unapologetic "Cold," produced by Peace 586. The song hits hard both in the sound and the content. The song touches on issues such as eugenics, Caitlin Jenner's ESPY and the recent Planned Parenthood scandal. These are some of the issues that epitomize the current state of our world, the things that are so cold that we need to actually allow them to hit us in our souls so that we can not merely complain about it, but do something.
"Powdered Toast Man (feat. Beleaf, Jurny Big, and DJ Efechto)" is the best song to come out of the genre this year. As soon as the beat hits, you know you are in for a treat. The verses are tight, and Efechto's scratching adds another level to the song. The song is pure hip hop, no hooks, no flourish, just rap from front to back. One also has to applaud the use of a Ren and Stimpy reference in the title.
Closing Thoughts:
There is so much on this album that you have to listen from the beginning to the end several times in order to understand the depth of meaning involved. I've had the album on repeat for a while and each time through I hear something new. Taelor Gray will not receive enough acclaim for this album which is a shame. This is an artistic project that proves that Christian Hip Hop is coming into a new renaissance and that it can be on par with what is on the radio.
Sophomore Soulfire | Posted August-19-2015
The modern worship sound from Colombia's Soulfire Revolution returns with their sophomore release Afterglow. Their debut album Revival set the expectation high for the follow up release. This album continues to provide evidence that God is moving across the world, not only in North America.
The album kicks off with "Arise," an uptempo, electro pop tune with a catchy and singable chorus. If there is one thing that Soulfire does correctly, it's providing songs that will have the ability to engage a congregation. This song is a call to worship, a call to stand and come to battle, a call for the church to arise.
"Lost In Your Love" is very reminiscent of their first album. Clearly, the gang at Soulfire Revolution have found their sound and are not straying far from it. The song delivers a clear worshipful message of the love of Christ.
Things slow down considerably with "We Will Rise Up" and "You Have Won My Heart," the latter being a precious heart cry to God. A song of devotion and praise, this is the kind of worship song that you cannot easily sing unless you mean it.
Closing Thoughts:
The album ebbs and flows, much like the Holy Spirit does during a worship service. There are uptempo praise songs followed by heartfelt worship songs. It is an album that can be listened to all at once, or you can pick three or four of your favorites and lead yourself into a powerful time of prayer.
This group of young people from Bogota, Colombia are doing an amazing job in bringing the gospel to a land that is desperate for God. Although they haven't shown much growth musically since the debut, the music they are writing and singing is doing what it needs to do: bringing glory to God.
Ethereal Eternity | Posted July-29-2015
Bethel Music is back with another instrumental album, this time moving from the full orchestra that we heard in Without Words to an inspired, ethereal electronic sound. Synethesia gives us reimagined instrumental versions of songs from the albums You Make Me Brave and Tides.
The album is not one that can be easily reviewed; it is one that must be experienced. It is an album that needs to be turned on and focused on. The orchestration is beautiful, and there is life in the music. The album reflects the fact that it is more than words that can lead us into a time of worship and into the presence of an Almighty Creator.
While listening, I was reminded of the story of David and Saul from 1 Samuel 16:23: "And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away" (NLT). The team at Bethel have in essence become a modern day David, taking up their instruments and, without any words, ushering in the calming presence of God.
If you are familiar with Bethel Music and have heard the last couple of albums, you will hear the melodies of familiar songs such as "This is Amazing Grace," "You Make Me Brave" and "Closer" and find yourself singing the words. In addition to reimagined versions of their own songs, Synesthesia contains songs written for this project alone and a version of perhaps the most popular worship song of the past few years, "Oceans." Even without Taya Smith's voice, the song ebbs and flows and calls us to that deeper place, and since it is such a familiar melody, it does not require lyrics any longer for it to evoke the same feelings and emotions.
Closing Thoughts:
I was a fan of Without Words, and I am an even bigger fan of Synesthesia. The album calms the soul and brings you to a perfect place of quietness so that you can hear the only words that truly matter: the words the Lord is speaking over your life. Much like how the score of a movie pulls you into the story, this album can be the score of your story as you grow in your relationship and walk with Christ.
Proof of Progress | Posted June-09-2015
Eighteen months after his mixtape Revert, Roy Tosh is back with his latest full length album Death Before Love. In my review of Revert, I said that "Roy Tosh will definitely be an artist we will be hearing more from." Well, I hate to say I told you so, but...
Death Before Love contains the same strength that Revert did and to that adds stronger lyricism, stronger production and a new level of polish that was missing from the last album.
The album starts with "Dream On," a fresh take on offering thanksgiving for the blessings in his life. The bass line is smooth, and Tosh's flow automatically shows growth from his last album. With Benjah as friend, mentor and producer pushing him to be better, the first track shows the work that has been put into perfecting his craft.
Things go hard on "Never Die." If you need an anthem to drive you in the gym or on your run this summer, add this song to your playlist. As good as "One" is, I found myself going back through my library to figure out where I heard it before. The message is strong, talking about the one and only true God and how it is critical that the Church stay united, but the song sounds like "Problem" by Chad Jones and "Ten" by Tedashii got together and had a baby hip hop track.
Tosh teams up with Alex Faith on "Ridin'." This track is pure, hard-hitting trap from the dirty south. Things slow down a little with "Saturday" and "Abba." J Paul's vocals on "Saturday" add another layer to the album, while Beckah Shae's voice brings a beautiful worship vibe on "Abba." If you find yourself alone and struggling with self-worth or identity issues, "Abba" is a track that will speak to the deepest part of your soul and remind you that "You can cry Abba Father."
The title track, "Death Before Love," reminds us that true love cannot exist in us until we die to self. The gospel message is shared with strength and conviction. "Domino" is a song that is a fresh take on Proverbs 7 and the issues that lust can cause in your life. It is a bold move to speak truth like this. To all the parents out there, there is nothing graphic in the song, though it could raise questions in the minivan.
The album closes with "Take Off." This upbeat track will have you bobbing your head and getting you moving in your seat, and if you are listening you may even abandon the comfort of your seat and bust a move.
Closing Thoughts:
Death Before Love is proof positive that Christian Hip Hop is growing in quality. Honestly, it gets more difficult with each album reviewed to pick out the cream of the crop. Fans of Christian Hip Hop will enjoy this album. Tosh proves to this cynic that he has staying power. To see growth in a young artist from one album to the next proves that he is not satisfied with staying in one spot, but is striving to improve his skills. With a small bit of a lull in the hip hop releases lately, this album will get you your bass fix and keep you going until the next one.
Han Solo | Posted June-09-2015
My first exposure to J. Han was as part of the trio known as AMP.
With his latest album, Tower Ivory, J stands strong as a soloist and offers up an album that blends hip hop and R&B with just a hint of tongue-in-cheek thrown in for good measure.
The album opens with promise with the track "Watch Out." J's flow is tight on this one and he shows off his ability to play with metaphors to keep you interested in what he is saying. The production quality is strong with a nice, laid back bass line. The word play continues on "Villain" and for good measure the hook is sung by newcomer Shela.
However, on "Tired" J turns to relying solely on his vocals to carry this Gospel-inspired track. He does rap on the track but the bars feel forced into a place that they don't really fit.
We return to the hip-hop on "Miscalculated," and if you've read any of my reviews before, you will know I have a soft spot for some old school record scratching and piano-driven songs. I caught myself randomly starting to bob my head to this track and thinking about the old days. The lyricism returns on this one.
When I first got the album the Star Wars geek in me got excited for the track "Han Solo." The beat is catchy on this one and the bass hits just right. The verses on this track is where it shines. The bridge/chorus leaves me wondering and just a feeling that it was forced to get something in there.
The straight hip-hop vibe gets a jazzy infusion on "Comrade," and things get soulful again with "Thank Me Later." This is the most intimate song on the album and talks about the difficulty that comes with relationships.
The tongue gets implanted firmly in the cheek on "Chukkas." Instead of rapping about Jordans, J drops a rhyme about his chukkas. Not necessarily the choice for most rappers but, hey, I always rock my chukkas, so I can relate. The song is about more than boots though, it is about expressing your own individuality and not following along with the mainstream.
Closing Thoughts:
Tower Ivory will draw a few fans to its simplicity and wholesomeness. It is definitely an album that the whole family can listen to and doesn't delve into the darker side of urban culture or the darker side of culture in general. J. Han shines when he is rapping, he has a solid rap flow and has a pure ability to play with metaphors and bring a smile to the listener's face. The album is worth a listen, however, more than likely, it will not find itself on repeat.
Flying Solo | Posted May-06-2015
In one of the most highly anticipated releases of the spring, Blanca shows us her solo skills on her self-titled debut, Blanca. The album combines hard hitting dance tracks which hearken back to the beginning of her career, tracks that will find their way onto CCM radio and worshipful songs that allow the listener to reflect on the goodness of God.
The album opens with the turn up anthem, "Different Drum." The drums hit hard and the song gives us something to shout out to be proud of being followers of the Creator and being different than the world that surrounds us. I can imagine the drumline in a live production of the song, this will be a popular track at festivals this summer.
Throughout the first third of the album the tracks go through topics of being in the world but not of it in "Different Drum," our identity in Christ in "Who I Am," being fearless and willing to follow God wherever He calls us in "If You Say Go," culminating in another hard hitting track, "Get Up" featuring Lecrae.
This song takes me back to what made me a fan of Blanca's early days as part of her previous group. It is a high-energy dance track. Blanca flexes both her vocal skills and her prowess on the mic as an emcee. This was the first track I heard from the album and I was pleased with the fact that Blanca was taking it back a little ways to something a little harder hitting and limit pushing.
The second portion of the album follows much the same formula as the first part. Four radio friendly songs concluding with another fight song. "Surrender" is self-explanatory in meaning. If I didn't know better as to what I was listening to I would mistake Blanca for Britt Nicole on this one. "Echo" follows a similar sound and could easily be sung by any of the current female CCM artists. The homogeny of this section of the album became lost on me as it felt as though I could have plugged in Francesca, Britt or Beckah Shae and had the same result. This second section ends with another fight song titled, "Not Backing Down" featuring Tedashii. The sound once again returns to a heavy dance feel and it contains a nice little dubstep drop in the bridge. The song has some really nice tempo changes and keeps the listener on their feet.
The final section of the album is a mixed bag. "Forever Love" is a love song that I could see getting popular at Christian weddings this summer. I give kudos for the SWV reference (because I'm a fan of '90s R&B), however, the use of the phrase "on-fleek" will date the song at this certain point in time.
I can only describe "Worry" as a nifty little ditty with its guitar and flute on verses and the horn section on the chorus. This is a perfect summer song, reminiscent of Jamie Grace's "Hold Me." Things get worshipful on "Greater Is He," with a return to the sound we have become familiar with on "Today." The album closes with "Chosen Ones." If I had to describe this song with one word it would be: positive. In a way it is a perfect bookend to the album opposite the opening track "Different Drum."
Closing Thoughts:
I was looking forward to this album, and there are a few tracks that will stay in rotation. This album will be a popular release this spring and will be a soundtrack for many this summer. It is an album that you will be able to turn up, turn the windows down and cruise down an open road. For me, though, it did not push the limits as far as I was hoping, but there's plenty here to love.
Song to Download Now:
"Not Backing Down" feat. Tedashii (Get it on iTunes here.)
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