BENBORI has a passion and indeed a mission to share the love and saving grace of God with a world in need. What sets them apart however, is their unapologetic and evangelical approach to their life and music. With modern rock sounds and aggressive pop influences, BENBORI challenges Christians to live a sanctified life; to live their faith without compromise.
Listeners are treated to a brilliant set of polished lyrics and moving melodies infused with unearthly energy and passion. Sonically, the album meets even the most exacting commercial standards. Indeed, listeners of all backgrounds will appreciate the scope of the record and undoubtedly find songs that they will add to their lifelong list of favorites.
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Faith Without Compromise| Posted January 19, 2012 With so many up-and-coming talented artists in the Christian music industry, it can be very hard to choose who to support. However, there will always be an artist that will come along and captivate your heart with their talent and genuine love for God. That is exactly the case with BENBORI, an aggressive pop/modern rock duo with a vision to share the love and life changing power of God through their music. On their debut album, Not Bowing Down, Ben Clark and Bori Afolabi deliver ten action-packed tracks that encourage Christians to stay true to their faith and live completely for God.
The upbeat and rocking "Wanted" kicks off Not Bowing Down, as it speaks about the world's desperate need for God's love, and reminds us of our responsibility as Christians to show His love towards them. "...No more hiding out with your head in the sand/It's time to take a stand." The encouraging reminder of our duty as Christians was very welcoming in this song, as well as the dynamic guitar work and infectious melody. The passionate title track follows, encouraging the listener not to fall into worldly temptations, and to serve God only. When listening to this song, the passionate chorus compelled me to pump my fists and praise the Lord. "I'm not bowing down, I serve the Lord/I don't care if that's not popular." This song is an incredible statement of faith from BENBORI, and possesses a truly inspiring message. "Devil To The Door" leans on the quicker side of things, and speaks of dismissing the devil and his evil ways from your life; as Ben and Bori sing in unison "Shout it out loud....from the bottom of your soul/Giving up praise...show the devil to the door."
"Compromise" is a seismic referendum on wishy washy Christianity, encouraging the listener to live their life for God without compromise, and mirror Jesus wherever they go. The lyrics in this song are extremely convicting, especially during Ben Clark's verse; "You can't love Him, if you don't despise the world/You can't serve Him, if you still love the world." This song was easily my favourite from Not Bowing Down, because of its thought provoking lyrics and hip hop drum beat. "My Love" is a slow moving, piano based track that eventually builds up with a blues guitar solo and almost haunting harmonies. If I had to pick a least favourite track for the album, it would be this one. It is not a bad effort by any means, but I felt that because of the song's length and slow pace, it struggled to hold my attention.
"My Heart" is a laid back and comical collaboration between Ben and Bori, as the two sing about their hearts being on fire for God. "My heart is still beating but I'm not alive/Oh my heart's on fire....for you." The fun, upbeat vibe and clever trading of the vocals between the two secures this song as a highlight from the album. The following track, "The Mountatin" retells the story of a person's struggle to get past the mountain of sin that they have created between themselves and God. It describes how there are many distractions in this world that can lead us away from following Jesus, and I think this is something that all listeners will be able to relate to.
"The Blood" is a fast paced, rocking track that talks about the power of Jesus' blood through his sacrifice on the cross, and its ability to renew and redeem us. "What can wash away my sin?/Nothing but the blood of Jesus/What can make me whole again?/Nothing but the blood of Jesus." "Jesus Said" is an acoustic guitar driven track that reminds us what Christians must endure in this life. While it says that we will be persecuted and hated, it also states that we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus will never leave us through these difficult times. The introduction of strings during the final chorus contributes a beautiful element to the song. The final track "Time And A Reason" seems to be based on Ecclesiastes 3, as it talks about how there Jesus has a specific plan for everything that takes place in our lives.
Overall, BENBORI's debut project Not Bowing Down was a thoroughly enjoyable listen. I was certainly treated to a brilliant set of polished lyrics, moving melodies and Ben Clark and Bori Afolabi's heartwarming sense of energy and passion in sharing the love of God. BENBORI's modern rock sound infused with aggressive pop influences was very appealing. The band's focus on The Music, The Message and The Movement is a challenge for all Christians around the globe to step out in faith and live their lives for God without compromise. Ben Clark and Bori Afolabi are two extremely talented musicians, and I am truly blessed to have discovered their music!
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