Reviewed by Rick Gregory

This is the second album from the R&B, hip-hop and gospel man from Boston, Stanley Porter. With an urban style flitting between rap and R&B the artist states that "with this album you can dance, sing, meditate or just nod your head to the groove. I guarantee, whatever your response, your spirit will be lifted." With great real lyrics like those in "Rise" there is an edge to this artist's songs. Stanley shows a good variety of styles. Starting with the gospel/R&B tones of "We Honour You" we move on to the aforementioned "Rise" which includes a great rap segment. In track six "Spend Time" we hear a gentle piano-backed gospel song which slows things down slightly. One or two tracks like "Grace Amazing" and "Porter's Back" do have that "talk over" effect as used to great effect by that classic '80s performer Carman, but there's nothing out dated about this album. The final track "I Will Never Lie" is a powerful soul-filled ballad which ties things up nicely.

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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