Reviewed by Tim Chappell

For the last 15 years this California-based R&B gospel collective have been producing songs of worship whilst paying homage to their hip-hop, West Coast R&B and gospel music roots and the West Coast R&B scene. This album is a 17-track dedicational to the works of Christ, both at Calvary and in Jones' personal experiences. An array of genres are encompassed within the group's overall collective sound, bringing us soprano/alto gospel, pounding percussion and easy listening soul, which all work well together. This collision of styles offers a unique and refreshing feel to the band's work. The amount of tracks, Scriptural substance and the two or three mould-breaking songs give it an overall value for money feel despite the fact that many of the remaining songs share an all too familiar similarity. A song to especially look out for is "I Don't Want To Go To The Club" which is currently on the Cross Rhythms playlist. With its phat beats and foot stomping qualities this is an urban gospel gem. In today's clubbing culture this is a particularly pertinent message for the masses of young Christians who want to socialise and dance with their peers, but recognise the fleshy enticements and hedonistic preaching that many clubs offer. Another standout track is the reggae/crunk flavored "The Lover" which he has dedicated to his wife, who he admits has put up with his failings through the years. Overall, Jones' latest album breaks the template that holds back a lot of urban gospel albums through the occasional introduction of format breaking eclecticism. This is one album that can have you dancing around the room or worshipping on your knees as quickly as it takes you to flick the "forward" button.

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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