Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It is the vision of Roger Moore and Divine Intavention to give a ministry platform for grassroots urban talent and to create music which appeals to youth. One of the strengths of the project is the willingness to embrace styles outside of American influenced R&B so there's a broad selection of styles here. The album starts with a selection of R&B including girl group AZ-1 whose "Who Am I" makes for a good opener. Then there is Birmingham-based Jewels who are creating quite a noise in Britain's second city. Emily Kay has a touch of Macy Gray about her while Dee Moore's "Wash Me" is one of the CD's strongest tracks mixing R&B with some ethnic Asian influences. Gospel bangra anyone? Well, maybe not quite but it's still a very interesting sound. Sammy G introduces the hip-hop grooves and rhymes and Birmingham based DJ Zorro takes it to the dancefloor. The second half of the CD sees more Caribbean influences via the musical and vocal styles of BlesSaid, reDeemeD and Princess & Royal Jade, Weapons so you get more of a dancehall tip. In different fashions, this is contemporary British urban music with a Gospel message and it's good to hear an album which isn't slavishly imitating our American cousins. It's grassroots talent with gospel ministry at the forefront.

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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