The trio of sisters known as Out Of Eden have been making music together for a decade now. Their debut "Lovin' The Day" released nearly ten years ago as the flagship artist for Toby McKeehan's own record label Gotee Records. The album introduced three young teens with a passion for soulful hip hop and r&b coupled with a positive message for their peers. The OOE girls are all grown up now, as is their sound. The foundation of OOE remains the same, but their sound has evolved with their age and with time. Their latest release Love, Peace, & Happiness rides on the heels of bass-laced artists like Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera.

The album's opener, "Make Way" is a party anthem, but a borderline obnoxious one at that. While it would gel well with similar cuts found on secular radio, it's not a welcoming sound for what we have come to expect from the OOE girls. In fact, the following track "Just The Way" almost starts out like Spears' "Slave For You" before breaking into a worshipful hip hop track with wonderful classic OOE harmonies. The title track is a highlight on the record, a catchy and upbeat song of praise to our heavenly Father. The only drawback to the record presents itself on tracks like "Make Way" and "Soldiers." The girls try covering new ground with more of a party feel on tracks like these, but the end result isn't as effective or successful as I'm sure they intended it. Out Of Eden has always shined their brightest when their vocal harmonies and down-to-earth songwriting have taken the spotlight. On songs like "Soldiers," these characterstics take a backseat to loud, uproarious party rallies. "I Know" and "It's You" are prime pop examples of what the Kimmey sisters have made a name for themselves with.

While it's nice to hear Out Of Eden experimenting and branching out their style, the outcome just isn't as effective as with past attempts. While only a few tracks feel out of place or rough around the edges, it's tracks like "Just The Way," the title track, "Sincerely," and "Drama Free" that really stand out on the album. Most likely not their best effort, but definitely not without a few sure-fire hits, Love, Peace, & Happiness is still a worthy installment in what has been nothing short of an impressive decade for Out Of Eden.

- Review date: 2/9/04, written by John DiBiase