Christafari - Valley of Decision
Posted June 11, 2010
By DGray,
In 1986, Mark Mohr visited Jamaica and drew near to reggae music as well as a longing for marijuana. He took his passion for reggae music and after only 3 years, Mohr had established himself in the Reggae Music Industry. But in 1989, a new longing replaced the desire for marijuana; it was the the longing to know Jesus Christ. At a youth camp Mohr attended that year, he committed his life to Christ and shortly after, Mohr fused his passion for Reggae Music and love for God. Within two weeks Mohr, had written and performed his first gospel song to the public. He then attended the Biblical Institute of Los Angeles and felt the Lord’s calling to start the first Christian Reggae Band in American history. Mohr, being a former Rasta, (a person who believes in the God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit but believes that Emperor Hailie Selassie I of Ethopia is the reincarnation of Jesus. Selassie I himself, discouraged this, and recognized he was not the Savior, and that only Jesus is) was approached by the bass-player that played for Mohr’s first gospel song said, “So you’re no longer a Rastafarian, your a Christafarian.” With a shortening of the name, and an adding of several members including his wife, Christafari was born.
Returning back to the states, Christafari made their first independent album and were recognized by Toby Mckeehan, CEO of Gotee Records, who eventually signed the reggae sensations and up to 2010, Christafari has performed in 45 nations, 46 states, 2 Olympic games, and even performed for the President of the United States. Valley of Decision is the sophomore album release under Gotee Records and is the best selling selling Christian reggae album in the history of the genre. With unguessed mashes of reggae, R&B, heavy bass lines, talented horns, scripturally-based lyrics, and exciting sincere hearts, Valley of Decision transcends all barriers of any listeners status quo playlist. In the opening track title track, “Valley of Decision” lead-singer and smooth-voiced vocalist through most of the songs on the album, Erik Sundin, provides the serenation of knowing we have complete victory every time as long as we trust in God in no matter what valley we are in as Mark Mohr intricately blends his parts in the bridge . The start of the song starts with an excellent Spanish guitar solo that leaves any long time guitar player in awe.
“Can’t Stop” is a pop-flowing song that has a feel that could be played for wedding receptions or any type of outside party as they rock to the feeling of how there is no way possible to stop praising God for all He has done. “Best Friend” is speedily paced that has mainly Mark Mohr singing while Sundin accompanies him for the background vocals saying “I love Jesus”.
There’s a beautiful gift that is received when someone receives the the gift of life and that is new sight. Not necessarily, brand new physical eyeballs, but the ability and mindset to see things clearly through Gods’ eyes and “My Eyes” speaks of this holy epiphany. “You filled my eyes with fire!” belts out in the chorus, as he seemingly correlates it to Revelation 19:12 where it says Jesus’ eyes are like a flame of fire. “Modern Day Pharisee” pleasantly challenges “Valley of Decision” as the best track on the album as Erik Sundin speaks on the self-righteous, selfish people who think they are saved on their works and find pleasure in belittling anyone who disobeys God’s word instead of knowing that they too are only saved by grace not by actions. “Modern Day Pharisee” is packed with the best lyricism and perfect bass drops as well as unapologetic truth.
“Long is the road to Mount Zion, but strong are the Arms that carry me there” is the hook of “Surrender” which also begs a case for the title for the for the best song on the album. It speaks of surrendering all your time to the One who deservers it, in this magnificent rhythmic piece. “Set Me Free” and “Freedom Dub” is a long, very simple yet relaxing number where Sundin speaks out to the Lord to set him free and lead him out of temptation because he is still enslaved to some of his sinful habits. “Jungle Inna Babylon” is the most fast paced song of the album that heavily relies on Mark Mohr talents to sing and skat random sounds that gives the sound a unique feel.
“Keep On Looking Up” has an awesome double meaning to the song. The first meaning is to keep persevering in the Christian walk and that it is a must to keep our on eyes on God and His new promises everyday which is a humongous must. The second meaning is to keep on looking up in the sky for the return of Jesus as Sundin conveys in the second verse when he says “one day we shall see His face” while in the breakdown bridge he says “no more crying, no more suffering, a world of laughter.” “Live This Love” talks about showing the love Christ shows to us daily. Though it is extremely tough, we must do it to show the world a refelction of what He has done for us. “Time” stresses the importance of spending personal time Jesus as “Him Die Fi Yuh” (He died for you) blends jazz and reggae as Sundin and Mohr shows the indescribable incredible feeling of being forgiven and giving all thanks to God every single day.
After a short “Ad Lib” interlude, Christafari revisits “Can’t Stop” but this time performing the entire song in Spanish in “No Puedo Dejar”.
Valley of Decision is by far one of the top albums in reggae history. It will bring a new perspective to listeners who are not very familiar or typically listen to reggae, as well as edifying the listener Biblically. View All Music And Book Reviews By DGray | View DGray's Profile
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