Hard Hitting Grace
Posted June 24, 2014
By MarkRyan_NRT, Staff Reviewer
In his third offering, Ain't Supposed To Be Here, 5ive gives the listener his personal testimony, a story of redemption and salvation. It is a relatable story that we have all heard before: a boy with feelings of hurt whose father left at a young age, who turned to drugs and porn to fill the gap, and in a miraculous turn of events was set free from all of it with a single prayer. The story is powerful, and the album that explains it does it artistically and goes to the heart to the issue.
The title track, "Ain't Supposed To Be Here," frames the album perfectly. It talks about his history, the confession of people around him that told him he would end up a deadbeat just like his own father, and the people who doubt his ability to deliver the gospel. It really is a story of a man who shouldn't be where he is, but thanks to the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, he can walk victorious and free, rejoicing in his Saviour. This is a song of thanksgiving. Chris Cobbins lends his vocal stylings to the track and adds a worshipful vibe to the song.
Any time Dre Murray and Corey Paul feature on a song, you know you will get something raw and rough. "Winning" gives us this harder edge. From losing to winning, this is 5ive's story.
Being on the Save The City label means that we get features from Benjah and Je'Kob. Benjah shows up on "Come Home," a song calling people to turn from lives of sin to turn to Jesus, much like Jesus called the prodigal son home. This song is about open arms. 5ive shares more of his own story on the track as well. It is refreshing when artists bare themselves and their scars in order to speak to people who may be caught up in something to turn to something better, something eternal.
A great piano intro followed by a solid drop is how "All Things" opens. The song is a reflection on Phillipians 4:13. Rachael Messini from Washington Projects and Souljahz adds her voice to the chorus and paired with the piano, the song is absolutely beautiful.
"Church" hits hard. SPEC and Je'kob feature on this track. This is the hardest track on the album, by far. The bass comes heavy, and SPEC's verse is incredible. In somewhat of a surprise, Je'kob drops what may be the best verse on the album. Interspersed throughout the song are tidbits of 5ive preaching. This song delivers the heat that the album was missing up to this point. Je'kob features on "Do You Believe In Love As Well" but this time in his usual chorus, hyper-synthesized, unmistakable Je'kob sound.
The album closes out with "Freedom." This is 5ive's entire testimony from fatherlessness, to marijuana, porn, suicidal thoughts, cocaine, crystal meth, to freedom. He searched for freedom in all of those other things just to end up in chains, but Jesus spoke to him and gave it all up. This song will speak to the hearts of many.
Closing Thoughts:
This is the first time I've listened to 5ive. I was hesitant going into the album, but after hearing a man expose his heart and his story so that God can be glorified and others who may be in similar situations can receive hope from another person's testimony, I think I can clearly say that I "ain't supposed to be here" either. Thank God for His grace and for the reminder that can come through music of such an Amazing Grace.
Song to Download Now:
"Church" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By MarkRyan_NRT | View MarkRyan_NRT's Profile
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