Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Wow! Yet another former Commissioned frontman takes a turn behind the solo microphone and takes his wares into the spotlight. In the case of Montrel Darrett, he's chosen to walk a funkier path than some of his contemporaries and boy does it pay off! Pushing back the frontiers of gospel, 'Chronicles Of The Soul' proves to be a groovy R&B mix of sweet soul, raps and hand claps. Plenty of tight rhythms and soulful vocalising (check out the Prince-like delivery of  "Oh What A Friend"). Then there's sheer punchy delivery of  "Tough Love"  and the stripped down simmering undertones of the devastating "Issues" and '70s funk vibes on the rap tracks "Shakedown" and "When It Comes Back Around". But then he's also capable of stylish ballads like "Hold On" and "So Sorry". Amidst a top class album, there are two highlights, "Move On" has a seriously retro sound and swirling intensity topped off by Montrel's unrestrained vocals. The album's closer "When The Party's Over" is a dramatic song of healing which pulls Montrel's vocals out front leaving him floating in a sea of gentle soulfulness as he duets with his wife Felicia. Just gorgeous, like the rest of this.

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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