Like Chinese Takeout Wrapped in a Foil Swan | Posted June 05, 2013
No Pressure is the debut EP release from Chris Jackson. An accomplished producer in his own right, he is now making his stamp on the Gospel/R&B scene with this project. This is seven tracks of goodness that features some recognizable samples and some sweet scratching.
"Incredible" starts off with a familiar voice to all hip-hop fans—a sample of the distinctive voice of Chuck-D. Immediately your ears perk up to this and you will say, "That is a bold move for a Christian artist!" As bold as the Chuck-D sample is, the sample of "Getaway" by Bobby Brown may be even more so. Regardless, the job is done and you will be engaged to listen through. The focus on the song is that God is incredible. Full stop. A simple message wrapped up in a clever package, kind of like Chinese takeout wrapped in a foil swan.
Being a mixtape there is no clear stop and start of the songs. The transition into "Call Your Name" is seamless. The beat changes, but not abruptly. Jackson has an incredibly versatile voice and some of the high notes he hits on this track are pretty impressive. The lyrics are not heavy laden with metaphor and deep meaning, just a guy worshiping God in his own way proclaiming how good God is to him and that he can freely call on the Creator whenever he needs Him.
The feel of the album changes with the very rhythmically driven "Lay It On Me." The beat is unusual, but in a good way. It seems more organic and less contrived than a majority of the beats out there. The subdued beat allows Jackson's vocals to shine through. Almost a response to the last song, the organic beat is the background to God's response. An exhortation that whatever our problems we can lay it on the Lord.
"Be With Me" has a laid back '70s R&B vibe to it. A love song from Jesus to His bride, it encourages us to spend our life with him and just be with him. I didn't need Jesus to serenade me to give my life over to Him, but it would have been pretty sweet if this was my conversion experience. Vaughn features on the track with some killer bars calling out to God in what is his response to Jesus' serenade.
I don't know about the readers out there, but if Jesus serenaded me, I would truly be feeling "Blessed." This song is just about that, living a blessed life. Blessed with family, friends and most of all the love of Christ. As much as it is a humble brag about being blessed, Jackson also invites others to experience the faithfulness of Christ.
From a '90s R&B vibe to a piano/double bass reminiscent of a Spike Lee soundtrack, "His Pain" is completely different than anything else on the album. A man's pain and insecurity are laid bare while wondering "I don't know why He keeps blessing me." The answer to the question is so that we can bless God. Blessings from God in spite of all we've done so that we can bless Him. That is the love of Christ.
The album closes with "Rear View Mirror." The song is an artistic reflection on Philippians 3:13-14: "Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus." Life is about looking ahead and not focussing on what's in the rear view mirror.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is surprisingly complex. The lyrics move from simple messages like those in "Incredible" to the more complex in "His Pain." The sound of the albums reflects on several styles of R&B and drops a jazzy/blues vibe. The production is top notch. I truly can't wait for the next project from Mr. Jackson.
Song to Download Now:
"Incredible" (Although the entire mixtape is available for free download here.)
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