J-Mac - Inspiration

Monday 1st March 2004
J-Mac - Inspiration
J-Mac - Inspiration

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9215-8933
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
RRP: £11.00

Reviewed by Dustin Helgeson

Jamie MacAllister from Colchester is a 46-year-old man fulfilling his lifelong dream of recording an album and with some success, he has created a funky, laid back, reflective album full of poetic, thoughtful lyrics. "Inspiration" has a cool funky keyboard groove to start the album off. I love the lyric "We're cruising through/ Watching out for potholes on the road/Appreciating natural aromas/Creeping through the cosmos in the best of our personas/Cruising through," in the relaxing, drifting "Cruising Through". Treated vocals give it a Beach Boys-era sound. J-Mac keeps it scriptural with "Songs Of Deliverance", one of three songs inspired by the Psalms. This particular song has a fun reggae upbeat which keeps it interesting; "You Are Worthy" takes its lyrics from chapter five of Revelation. 'Inspiration' is a personal declaration for J-Mac. He has created decently crafted songs out of his personal experience and a collection he can be proud of for years to come. However, as the album drags on, there becomes little immediacy and accessibility for the listener, who must concentrate to take in the lyrics. Vocal changes and melody is what lacks on 'Inspiration'. There are a few cheesy moments as well. This isn't a bad album - it's simply average.

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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Sample Track Listing:
1. Inspiration [Listen]
2. Cruising Through [Listen]
3. All Day Long [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by James Day in Colchester @ 22:50 on Jan 11 2009

This album does not "drag" or lack melody for me, and "Do not Fret" is as fine a soft rock track as you are ever likely to get - indeed ideal for the more upbeat and progressive worship bands there are around now.
Also, where else would you find a reggae version of "How Great thou Art" (late in the track order with well known lyrics!). This speaks of variety to me, and all delivered with a smooth singing style.
Lyric sheet and scripture sources complete a rounded package where seven of twelve tracks are clearly spiritually influenced. Well worth a tenner!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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