The Best Is Yet to Come
Posted September 15, 2014
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
#Faster EP is the first release from Word Entertainment artist Group 1 Crew since frontwoman Blanca Callahan stepped down. The band, now fronted by Manwell Reyes, is showing that the change hasn't slowed them down a bit. Boasting a resume that consists of 5 Dove Awards, multiple collaborations with diverse artists and being a part of tours such as WinterJam, it's clear that G1C has been well received by their listeners.
#Faster is the first in a series of coming releases, with the #Stronger EP set to drop digitally on November 4 and a full-length album hitting shelves in spring 2015.
"The Wonder Years," a duet with Christian music darling Moriah Peters, is encouragement to enjoy the time we have on earth and make the most of it while we have the chance: "stop living for tomorrow and live within this moment."
Easily the most lyrically creative track featured here, radio single "A Little Closer" ventures out into the worshipful side of the record while still keeping true to its pop theme. The song is a prayer of wanting to look more like God and the journey of every day becoming a little more like Him: "there's a beauty and beast inside of me / who I am fighting who I want to be / but through the rise and falls,the rollercoaster/ I get a little closer."
Coming to life with the guest vocals of Jonathan Thulin, "Heaven" takes on a techno beat and pulls it off well, supplying us with a great tune to dance to. On "Everyday Is A Miracle," Reyes's voice blends beautifully with powerhouse vocalist Rachael Lampa and speaks of how valuable our lives are. Closing out the five song collection, "Psalm 23" puts band member Sarah Sandoz's impressive vocal range on display and serves as a scripture-packed upbeat reminder of God's promises to us that He'll never leave us.
Closing Thoughts:
Few EPs come across as well-produced as #Faster does. Every track is seemingly flawless in all areas including powerful lyrics, catchy beats and well-paired collaborations. Being the first project away from Blanca's partnership, I can imagine fans of Group 1 Crew were curious as to what the band would sound like now, if they would stay true to the sound that first caught our attention. With that curiosity being met by incredible new music, it appears that fans have taken well to the change and that, indeed, the best is yet to come from G1C.
Song To Download Now:
"A Little Closer" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By CaitlinLassiter_NRT | View CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Profile
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