Mass Appeal
Posted March 19, 2014
By MarkRyan_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Save The City Records artist Benjiman's latest album Can't Stop is a mix of pop/urban and hip-hop. The artist, while being on his third release, is a new name to this reviewer. I can't speak to his spiritual or artistic growth from his previous release, S.K.R.I.P.T., but what I can speak to is the quality of this album as it stands alone under Benjiman in my iTunes library.
When I first pressed play, I was reminded of one artist, Je'Kob. You may have heard of him from his work with The Washington Projects or from his solo material. It sounds like Je'Kob for good reason. Je'Kob produced the album, features on three tracks under his name and one as part of The Washington Projects. He's also a fellow Save The City labelmate. This isn't a bad thing, however, the album begins to blend into the background and doesn't stand apart. The production is solid on the album. The album definitely carries a larger mass appeal due to the pop/urban nature.
The highlights of the album include the title track, "Can't Stop" (feat. Jesiah Dzwonek), "Hopes and Dreams" (feat. The Washington Projects), and, "Absurd Hope" (feat. Je'Kob). Can't Stop is a guitar-driven anthem. The song speaks to how we as Christians can never stop representing Christ, regardless of our circumstances. We have to trust on the Spirit of Christ within us to make that difference we have been called to make. "Hopes and Dreams" has a completely different sound with a piano backed melody and Rachael of The Washington Projects on the hook. The song is about staying firm in your faith and not giving up on your prayers, God hears and answers, and will use you mightily through your prayer life.
I am a sucker for acoustic guitar, whether it's Shane and Shane, Eric Clapton or just a bit of acoustic guitar providing the melody underneath solid verses by a gifted emcee. This is why "Absurd Hope" made the highlights. This is a song that you just want to bob your head to. The song has a great message of keeping on even when hope seems absurd. It's a message that more people need to hear.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the album is solid throughout. The pop/urban tracks will have mass appeal, while the straight hip-hop tracks will fall short of expectations of hip-hop aficionados. Production is solid on the album and the features from fellow Save The City Records labelmates are well placed. The biggest detraction to the album is the lack of an original sound that would allow Benjiman to stand out to listeners.
Song to Download Now:
"Absurd Hope" feat. Je'Kob (Get it on iTunes here.)
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