John Wells (The Tonic) - The Dash

Published Wednesday 24th June 2009
John Wells (The Tonic) - The Dash
John Wells (The Tonic) - The Dash

STYLE: Hip-Hop
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 79845-15465
LABEL: Cross Movement 881413000524
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2009-04-07
RRP: £9.99

Reviewed by David Ashley

I've a lot of respect for the output of Cross Movement Records and it seems like the majority of their artists turn up at some point on 'The Dash' for collaborations with one time member of Cross Movement John Wells aka The Tonic. However, in comparison to the CMR releases I've heard before, this album is a slight disappointment. Sadly there just aren't many moments that really stand out on this project, no killer tracks that stick with you apart from the radio friendly "Can't Count Me Out". The interludes are thought provoking but a bit too long. The lyrics are clever but the hooks fail to really grab you. There are some good moments - particularly the energetic "No Time" and the heavier, rockier "Deliver Us". What I find exceptional though is John's attitude. He lays out his vision for 'The Dash' as ". . .a minor attempt to help highlight and force serious contemplation about various matters that God will ultimately hold men accountable." When you listen to 'The Dash' with this in mind you hear it in a very different way - as a vehicle designed to challenge and provoke debate. It's a fantastic blueprint for a record and both rappers and Christian artists overall could learn a lot from this approach.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description
With over 15 years in Christian Hip-Hop ministry, this solo project is defi nitely the fulfi llment of a dream deferred for The Tonic.

For all of us, the two most important days in life are the Birth Date and the Death Date. But what is often overlooked is the ‘insignifi cant’ dash that separates the two. This dash symbolises the life lived, represents the worth of our existence on earth and determines the itinerary for the life to come.

Having suffered illness that he believed at the time would bring him to the brink of death, The Tonic urges a decision of belief in Christ and unadulterated service to God while ‘The Dash’ of our lives is still being etched.

One of The Cross Movement’s key hit writers (I Am That I Am, Live Agua, Spare Change, Forever and 9/10), John Wells continues his signature style with a variety of songs that make it hard to place him in one particular rap category. Whether your vibe is rugged, street gritty tracks or eclectic keyboard
loops, The Dash is sure to satisfy Hip-Hop enthusiasts and critics alike.

John Wells is a founding member of The Cross Movement and a preaching/teaching minister of the Gospel.

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