Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When CR first reviewed 'Outta Space Love' in 2010 it understandably got an enthusiastic nine squares review and subsequently tracks like "Transcend", "Outta Space Love" and "Wait" have all received considerable Cross Rhythms Radio airplay. Manwell, Blanca and Pablo are helped by state-of-the-art urban production which moves between R&B and electro with consummate skill. Now this new edition of their hit album has been expanded with eight additional tracks, which include remixes of some of their biggest hits, plus four brand new songs. Of the new tracks "Control" is particularly strong. If your tastes veer towards gospel aimed squarely at the dancefloor, you will want to check this out.

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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There was a time when hip hop and Christian music seemed to be mutually exclusive, but in a few short years, Group 1 Crew has broadened the parameters of faith-based music with songs that percolate with energy and resonate with the truth of God's grace.

On the Deluxe Edition of their third Fervent Records release, Outta Space Love, the talented duo explode in a fresh way that further pushes the envelope sonically... and lyrically.

"We have a lot of songs that have great beats," Blanca says of the new music, "but then when you break them down and listen to the words, they have amazing messages about friendship, messages about love and also just being in a broken place and needing God."

Combining substantive lyrics with irresistible urban grooves has become Group 1 Crew's calling card. Since fusing their creative talents, Blanca and Manwell have earned three Dove Awards and scored such top five hits such as Movin' and Walking On The Stars, winning the duo an enthusiastic legion of fans as well as supporters at radio, retail and mainstream TV.

On Outta Space Love (Deluxe Edition), Group 1 Crew succeeds in making music with broad appeal. Listeners are drawn to the funky grooves and spirited beats, and once the music lures them in, the uplifting lyrics feed their souls. In looking to reach a mainstream audience, Manwell says they followed in Jesus' steps. "If you study the Bible and how Christ spoke to unbelievers, you'll realize that it is a story... We feel the best way to make a record is to write in parables, to write in ways that people can understand you whether they are saved or unsaved. They don't have to figure it out. The messages we have are going to point people to God."