Reviewed by Sam Hailes

Listening to the opening track on 'Shades Of Grace' you'd be forgiven for thinking you picked up an instrumental album full of piano ballads. But this album is far from quiet. There's rapping, soulful guitar playing, heavy beats and great vocals throughout. Standout song "Have Plenty" raises some hard-hitting questions for anyone who can relate to the lyrics "we have what we don't want, we want what we don't have". It's a song packed full of wisdom as the Philadelphia-based emcee raps, "If I have need of anything, I have need of the king.with him I have all that I need. I have plenty". Red Baron showcases his talent for writing both serious and light hearted lyrics throughout the album. "I was getting more 'A's than a pack of Duracells," he says recounting his school days on "A Black And White Affair". "Southern Comfort" contains more great lyrics mixed in with a brief rendition of classic hymn "Blessed Assurance". With the album clocking in at well over one hour and containing 21 tracks, it's perhaps unsurprising that not every song is top rate. But there's more than enough material to keep most listeners happy.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.