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October 11, 2004
The J Moss Project
I've been a bit apprehensive about purchasing gospel music lately. Of the Four CDs, that I purchased prior to October, 3 were very disappointing. So, when I heard that J. Moss was dropping an album, I didn't get too excited. However, when I heard a couple of the album's singles over at NuthinButGospel.com I got really hyped.
J. Moss is a highly regarded producer in the gospel music industry. He has produced for the likes of Karen Clark-Sheard, Men of Standard, Dawkins & Dawkins & Marvin Sapp. He has always worked with several secular artists such as Kelly Price, Lil Mo', Dru Hill & Michelle Williams. His very distinctive voice & style makes him one of the saught after producers in music. His album, The J Moss Project, is perhaps the most highly anticipated gospel album of the year. J. Moss & Paul Allen, collectively known as PAJAM, prove that the Gospel music talent pool is still quite full.
I pre-ordered the CD & it arrived at my home on Saturday. I've had it on constant replay ever since. I was not disappointed at all. Minus a song or two, and this album would be get 5 complete stars from me. This album should propell J. Moss to the top of the charts. He doesn't leave much to be wanted on the album. My personal favorites are Livin 4', I Wanna Be, Unto Thee & Me Again.
Below is an album listing, along with MY brief opinion descripion of each.
This intro is perhaps 7 seconds long and you can barely hear the "J Moss" in the background. The album would've done just fine without this.
This song is one of the 4 tracks displayed over at NuthinButGospel.com, and is THE biggest reason that I so anticipated this project. The song is full of energy, and there wasn't a moment in the joint where I wasn't clapping or swaying.
The righteous won't be forsaken/ Just hold to your faith/ And His word will be manifested/ Be steadfast and don't fear/ Don't pray & worry
I'm not feeling this song. It has a Cinderella/Disney type feel to it. The chorus is aight, but the verses make feel as if I'm listening to a cartoon soundtrack. The song goes from Disney to late-night church service adding to my dislike for the song. The J. Moss Project would be perfect minus this song.
Another song that I heard over at Nuthin But Gospel. I like this song alot. I don't have words to describe it, but it's one of those songs that you keep on replay for a minute.
Is it because You love us so much. You do it/ Is it because You are the Savior. You do it/ Is it because You come that we might live. You do it/ But as for me, I'm glad that You do. You do it
This joint has like a old school r&b feel to it. I feel like doing the bankhead bounce & the cabbage patch at the same time when hearing this. It's another energetic song. Towards the end when sings, "Ayyy yoo. It's a spiritual crowd and we get crunk"...he begins to sound like R. Kelly. If this was done by any other artist, I would've skipped the song. J. Moss, however, make it sound tight. Hey...I liked it.
You made my toes bring my balance to the floor/ You made my feet walk right over to your door/ You had my ankles tangled and puzzled/ You had my knees to the point they buckled (whatcha doin' to me)/ In the light of day I'd stumble over your way/ Couldn't wait for the night time, the high time, the right time/ Being as it was, we had to close the door/ It was like turning away from a millions bucks/ But I can't see you no more
This song is just deep. It's my third favorite song on the album. In Living 4', J laments about having to leave a relationship to walk in God's will. I can relate to this song. That's probably why I love it so much. J exclaims, "I give my life not unto tempation nor condemnation. For my salvation is more important to me." Someone will listen to this and be moved.
This song, hands down, is my favorite song on the album. It's a passionate worship song. Unto Thee is a very moving ballad. This is what those of us reered through Campus Crusade would call a "JAM Time" song. JAM stands for Jesus and Me. JAM (or quiet time) is when one finds a quiet spot to get personal with G-O-D. Unto Thee is a perfect song selection for some who choose to listen to music during their peronal time with God.
Don't Let reminds me of an old school Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ song. In the middle of the song, he actually begins to sound like Fred Hammond as he begins to speak. I love Fred Hammond. However, it took me a while to like this song. It's grown on me though.
Through hatred and anger/ Through struggles and stumbles/ You have made me strong/ The more I think/ The more I think, I thank You
Another moving song. I like this alot too. The more I think about the things that I've overcome...hmmm. Sweet.
I don't like this song at all. J uses the same beat that he used to produce Trin-i-tee 5:7's "Holla". Psalm 150 also sounds like "Can't Nobody Tell It" by Lamar Campbell, which Moss produced as well. The lyrics to Psalm 150 are decent, but the track is weak. I skip this song whenever I listen to this CD. In my opinion, this album would've been perfect if not for tracks 3 & 10.
I wanna give you more/ I wanna share my life with you/ More than money can pay for/ Allow me to give you more
Give You More is one of the best songs on the entire album. The song is about wanting to give one's all to God. It's a great song.
Forgive me Oh Lord, It's me again/ Forgive me Oh Lord, It's me again/ I've disobeyed Your Word/ I've slipped out of Your Will/ Regretful I stand/ It's me again
Me Again is my second favorite song on the album. I giggle when I hear the intro to this song. It's not that J Moss says anything funny, buy he sounds like Lenny Williams (Think Because I Love You) when he speaks. Disregarding the Lenny Williams comparison, this is a GREAT song. Me Again is another moving song on the album. I can certainly relate to having to ask God for help & forgiveness on more than one occassion.
Work Your Faith is the bonus track on this album. I like it. I've heard it somewhere before, but I can't think of where I may have heard it.
Album Rating
Overall, I give this album 4 stars. There are some weak moments, but those moments are overpowered by the great vocals & song arrangements of albums majority. It's worth the price that one might pay for it that's for certain. So, I say, go to the record store and pick it up.
Posted by Timi at October 11, 2004 3:58 PM