Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Grits
Dichotomy A



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks
Street Date: June 29, 2004


Grits follows up their smash-hit Art of Translation with Dichotomy A, part one of a 2-part project with its second half Dichotomy B releasing in November. I first received the album a few months ago so I had a while to listen to it. However, with only having one half of a two-album project, the artists have more freedom for each record, which Grits took advantage of on Dichotomy A. Also, to base a review for an entire project on only half of that work, makes it harder and possibly less fair. Nevertheless, these are my thoughts on Grits' Dichotomy A.

After listening to the album for awhile I came to the belief that Grits wasn't going for a full-fledged hip-hop album. Their experimentation with more R&B and reggae influences as well as some smooth jazz expands their talent into new territories for them. If you buy Dichotomy A expecting it to be an extension of Art of Translation, you're in for a surprise.

The album opens up with "Hittin Curves," with some reggae thrown in for good measure. While this is not bad, it isn't what you'd expect from Grits, which leads me to my next point. The song "Anybody" features smooth female vocals that open up the song with a poem and flow into more of an R&B sound. The vocals sing through the next song, "Pardon Me Yo" as well. Her voice compliments the music very well and fits in well with Grits' new sound.

"Get Down" offers more of a smooth jazz, R&B sound while "Bobbin' Bouncin" re-visits Art of Translation with that high energy hip-hop dance club feel, which leads into "Where R U Going?," one of my favorite songs and a highlight on the album. The song opens up with some beat-boxing and a nice mix of piano, basically telling the listener Grits mission statement of their ministry to reach the lost. "Shawty" is a sad song about someone involved in gangs and acts as a song of encouragement to those who may be stuck in the same situation. That's what Grits' ministry is all about.

The message of Dichotomy A is great, which is one thing I'm glad they didn't change. Songs like "Anybody" address modesty, and watching our speech because God listens to what we think before we think it. "Shawty" speaks on the topic of gangs and letting God work in them to realize their true potential. The song "High" addresses letting the Holy Spirit fill you up to soar on angles wings.

Overall, the album is different from what you might expect from Grits. The album blends hip-hop, R&B and jazz together to create a different sound for them. Give the album a listen and allow some time to let it grow on you. Grits took advantage of this double album concept and experimented with some new sounds, heading them in a new direction. I look forward to Dichotomy B to see where they continue to go...

- Review date: 6/28/04 (PReview: 05/4/04), written by Kevin Chamberlin



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Gotee Records
. Album length: 12 tracks
. Street Date: June 29, 2004
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Hittin' Curves
  2. Bobbin' Bouncin'
  3. I Be
  4. Anybody
  5. Pardon Me Yo
  6. High
  7. Get Down
  8. Where R U Going?
  9. Blowin' Your Mind
  10. Shawty
  11. Gutter Boy
  12. Sunshine
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images