J. Moss is back and he is on the other side of a victorious return
Posted July 31, 2012
By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
J. Moss is a man that has been very grateful with the restoration of his marriage, and even the repair of his image. When he released Just James, which was a collection of songs about Gods love during the restoration process, it was a less urban offering than we are used to seeing. Now he is back with V4…The Other Side. What is obvious from the beginning track is that J. Moss returns to a more urban-flavored album while blending in worship songs. The album is produced entirely by PAJAM, headed by J. Moss and Paul Allen.
He shows that he knows where to place his trust on "God’s God It," while he shows his street edge on the banger, "Imma Do It.” The latter has him going at life with great faith in God in spite of obstacles and those who doubt him. One of the things about J. Moss is his ability to have well written, but yet scaled down songs where people can understand and identify with the message. "Take Me" is just that. It is a song of turning back to God to seek refuge after being a prodigal son. It is a pop offering topped with Moss’ signature layered background vocals, and his soaring tenor beautifully weaving throughout.
"Good and Bad" is a repeat-worthy ballad that has Moss expressing passionate thanks to God for loving him in times of rebellion and times that were pleasing in His sight. When the song builds to the tag of "You keep on loving me," Moss sings and squalls in a way that only Gospel artists can pull off. "You Did" proves that one can bob their head to a slowed down beat while still sitting and giving God thanks.
J. Moss was blessed to be born into such a talented family. His late-father, Bill Moss Sr. had a group, Bill Moss and the Celestials. While his brother, Bill Moss Jr. is an accomplished musician and songwriter. Gospel fans are well aware of the fact that his first cousins are the renowned, Clark Sisters. One of the Clark Sisters, Karen Clark Sheard, joins guests on the uplifting, "Good Day," along with her daughter Kierra Sheard. Both mom and daughter sing background vocals and it is impressive to hear them sing it as if they were young children singing the chorus. Jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics are thrown in throughout the song without overdoing it. Dorinda Clark-Cole brings her jazzy vocal style to assist Moss and Hezekiah Walker on the foot stomping, "The Prayers."
Although there are fresh offerings and beats that keep up with today’s trends, J. Moss knows that people have come to appreciate songs like, "We Must Praise", "Praise On the Inside", and "Holy Is The Lord." It is the song that is vertical in message, but it still has that choir sound that has made J. Moss a mainstay in the Gospel world. You must check out the title track not just to hear the message, but also to hear how a banjo is actually played on this semi-urban song.
Closing Thoughts
J. Moss is back and not looking to quit. With V4…The Other Side, he will continue to get the attention of the youth without alienating the more seasoned church folks. He has found a great niche of blending the sounds of the street and mixing it with is Gospel upbringing. Let’s be honest, the brother can just flat out "sang," not just sing. View All Music And Book Reviews By DwayneLacy_NRT | View DwayneLacy_NRT's Profile
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