It's A Shame They Went Unnoticed| Posted June 30, 2007
Probably one of the most underrated albums of 2002, The Fault Is History is an amazing step in the right direction for Urban/R&B Christian music. SoulJahz is comprised of siblings Joshua (22), Je'kob (20) and Rachael (17) Washington. Determined to overcome and overturn the messages that society presents to their generation, the group combines a barrage of music and styles that is both eclectic and relevant to where music is going today. SoulJahz' debut album is layered with Rachael's beautiful "Lauren Hill-like" harmonies along side her brother's tag team rapping that can easily give mainstream trash-talker Ja-Rule a run for his money. Combined, they sound very much like an energetic City High. The creativity present on cut after cut is what makes this album so special. From amazing interludes that contain poetic cultural ravings reminiscent of the poetry found on Kevin Max's Stereotype Be, to the beautiful ballads to the high energy groves, SoulJahz deliverers what sounds more like a group who has been around for awhile versus a debut national release. Produced by Tonex and Chris Rodriguiz, highlights on the album include "The Color Of Hate," "Poor Man" and the energy driven song "Jubilee."
It Took Some Growing Time...| Posted November 13, 2007
Like "aylaeh", at the time I bought this album, way back in 2003, I wasn't really into rap or hip-hop. I enjoyed the album then, but about half the songs sounded bland to me. I liked the more upbeat songs, but once you get to the middle of the album, you have about 4 or 5 slow-paced songs in a row. The beautiful ballad, "True Love Waits" is what persuaded me to get the album in the first place. Back then, I remember my favorites were Let Go, Jubilee, Beneath The Surface, and True Love Waits. I absolutely did not like Same Old Game, Reflection, or The Color Hate.
But just the other day, 4 years later, I picked it up off the shelf and listened to it once. In today's pop culture, rap/hip-hop music is dominating the charts and is now "what's hot" in music. So I actually like this kind of music now, so I wasn't surprised that I actually really liked Souljahz's album this time. I can definitely say this is an album that had to grow on me. I'm still not a fan of Same Old Game and Souljahz Don't Stop, but Reflection slowly grew on me, and The Color Hate is now one of my highlights. If you still haven't bought this album, you should if you're into the music that's topping today's Billboard charts. Even though it's 5 years old, it doesn't sound outdated or anything, and will be a great Christian alternative. Throughout the album, there are some Chris Brown R&B moments, Nelly rap moments, and when Rachael takes the lead, even hints of Beyonce.
The album starts off at a slower pace, with Let Go (very catchy) and All Around The World (kinda catchy) being midtempo R&B jams. Other midtempo cuts include Worship (catchy chorus but the rest is bland) and Poor Man (awesome!). Jubilee (great at first, but gets very repetitive and annoying after awhile), Same Old Game (blah, VERY repetitive), Keep Rising (eh--OK), Souljahz Don't Stop (lyrics are kinda silly and repetitive), and Anthem (good beat but not really catchy) are the more upbeat songs on the album. Slower cuts dominate the middle of the album, with songs like Color Hate (beautiful), True Love Waits (beautiful), Reflection (good but gets repetitive), and Beyond The Surface (spectacular).
Favorites: True Love Waits, Let Go, Poor Man, The Colour Hate, Beneath the Surface
Good: All Around, Keep Risin', Anthem, Worship, Jubilee
OK: Reflection, Souljahz Don't Stop
Bad: Same Ol' Game
i liked this| Posted August 01, 2007
i enjoyed this album. i remember listening to it at a time when i wasn't much in to that style of music. but i really did like the album.
to add lyrics if not listed.
