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

JFH Music Review


Group 1 Crew, #Stronger EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Group 1 Crew
#Stronger EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop
Album length: 5 tracks: 18 minutes, 14 seconds
Street Date: November 4, 2014


In the absence of Pablo and Blanca, Manwell Reyes continues to press on, releasing the second Group 1 Crew EP since Blanca's departure. The first EP, #Faster, displayed a band that was struggling to find an identity, bringing in a plethora of talented guest appearances to attempt to offset that. #Stronger fares quite a bit better than its predecessor, but some of the weaknesses are still apparent.

"Keep Goin'" starts things off with a bubbly synthesizer and fluid rapping from Manwell. The CCM styled hip-hop in the verses transitions to a Capital Kings-led EDM chorus. The lyrics in the chorus are a little cliché, but the irresistible dance vibe makes this flaw largely forgivable. On the piano driven "Star Track," Josh Zegan (formerly of post-grunge band Dizmas) leads an R&B flavored chorus. It's a laid back song that occasionally takes it up a notch with an explosive electronic post-chorus. It's hard to tell if the Star Trek references are meant to be funny or serious, but whatever the intention the song, it shows some of the corniest lyrics on the EP: "we boldly going where no one's been, that's star track."

The upbeat "Rise from the Ashes" is stylistically the most CCM'y song on this 18-minute album. Manwell's voice shines here as he reminds us of God's promise to never leave us. "Award" brings in former Press Play vocalist and active solo artist Paige Bryan in the chorus and bridge. The verses of "Award" have a piano over a light hip-hop beat, while the chorus has synths and strings over a dance beat. Though the lyrics are solid, the concept of the song, of God receiving an award, is simply too cheesy.

Group 1 Crew saves the best for last on this EP. "Elevator" brings a more serious tone than the rest of the songs, largely aided by delicate keys and audacious lyrics like "You pray and honestly you feel like that's enough / well ask a hungry man if prayer can fill his belly up / before you crucify my view make sure you understand / I love to pray but also feel like I should lend a hand," which call scriptures like James 1:22 to mind. The song even gets pretty vulnerable as Manwell opens up about internal struggles with selfish motivation. After the two-minute-long first verse, the song turns into a full-fledged rap song with fast-paced spitting and hefty bass.

Where #Faster felt like Group 1 Crew was trying too hard to fill a void with guest vocalists, #Stronger feels like a more natural progression of their sound. Additionally, Manwell seems more comfortable in his new role as he has skillful rapping and singing throughout the album. Though there are a few imperfections here, the energy level is high and truth of God's love and grace comes across well through the music and lyrics, making this an album that you should consider looking into.

- Review date: 12/4/14, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Word Records
. Album length: 5 tracks: 18 minutes, 14 seconds
. Street Date: November 4, 2014
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Keep Goin' (feat. Capital Kings) (3:34)
  2. Star Track (feat. Josh Zegan) (3:29)
  3. Rise From the Ashes (3:20)
  4. Award (feat. Paige Bryan) (3:58)
  5. Elevator Doors (3:53)

 

 

 

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

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