Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review


Carlos Whittaker, Ragamuffin Soul
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Carlos Whittaker
Ragamuffin Soul



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 45 minutes, 9 seconds
Street Date: April 27, 2010


What is a "ragamuffin?" Well, according to Google, it's a science-fiction novel, a domesticated breed of cat, or a dirty shabbily clothed child. This word reached a certain level of popularity after the Brennan Manning book "Ragamuffin Gospel" about God's ever-reaching grace to our dirty sin filled world. As a matter of fact, Manning might have incited a movement declaring that with grace there's nothing we can do to deserve it or earn it. Newcomer Carlos Whittaker has decided to follow in this grace movement as he presents his debut offering, Ragamuffin Soul (If you're still wondering which definition of "ragamuffin" this album is referring to; you can count out the sci-fi book and the kitty cat).

The album starts with "Rain It Down" petitioning God to rain down His love on His people. While the song is not the strongest opener musically, lyrically it's almost a throwback to the Psalms as Carlos sings, "With desert hearts looking to the heavens, desperate for your holy fountain, our eyes will turn to the skies." This is followed by "Can't Start This Fight," which is reminiscent of a 90's pop song with a rhythmic flow but a melody that doesn't really go anywhere dynamically. "We Will Worship You" is the first seemingly slow song on Ragamuffin but surprises the listener with a well executed chorus that really cries out for God to save the world.

"Because of You" has a very contemporary worship sound similar to that of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, well-orchestrated but not something very different than what's already out there. "Grace Already Won" sounds like it was designed to be an anthem as the chorus says, "Grace already won, grace has covered us, grace runs deep, it's never ending." While the message is strong the anthem aspect isn't. The chorus seems to be so wordy that it makes the song stiff. The album concludes with "We Will Dance" and appropriately the song is driven with an electronic drum beat. While not an actual dance song, it does sing of celebrating the creator of the Universe with all that we are.

Ragamuffin Soul is a hit and miss album. Some will like it while others will not. Carlos does seem to have a slight lisp which can be distracting at points but at other times it sounds completely absent from his speech. The music, melody, and lyrics all are decent but nothing progressive. Worship leaders might be able to find a pinch of something different in his music, however it might not be the kind of "different" that they are looking for. Nevertheless, I don't believe we've really scratched the surface of Carlos Whittaker and I look forward to seeing what is deeper inside of his ragamuffin soul.

- Review date: 4/27/10, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Integrity Music
. Album length: 12 tracks: 45 minutes, 9 seconds
. Street Date: April 27, 2010
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Rain It Down (4:20)
  2. Can't Start This Fight (3:32)
  3. God Of Second Chances (4:19)
  4. We Will Worship You (3:59)
  5. No Words (4:33)
  6. Because Of You (3:43)
  7. Shine On (2:57)
  8. Grace Already Won (3:18)
  9. Jesus Saves (3:23)
  10. In Your Presence (4:00)
  11. Your Name (3:48)
  12. We Will Dance (3:21)

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Tommy Royale, gio. Like Dat - Single [Capitol CMG]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images