Childlike Faith Exemplified Posted May 17, 2023 By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Orlando native and RMG Amplify artist Roy Tosh released his latest project, Young Forever. It’s a 5-track EP rooted in a youthful spirit found in Christ Jesus as a believer. It’s Tosh’s fourth project since debuting in 2015 with Death Before Love. Two of the tracks have previously been released, “Young Forever” and “Those Hands,” featuring Quinten Coblentz.
Since 2022, Tosh has also been releasing music directed solely toward sync placements under the stage name “Txsh.” His art has been heard on massive networks such as ESPN, Hulu, Netflix, LionsGate films, CBS, and a multitude of other placements. This form of art blends elements of hip-hop and pop balance with high energy and glass-shattering 808s. “Beast” featuring Avila has amassed over 32,000 streams on Spotify alone separated from any media placements.
What it Sounds Like Tosh has always been known for an upbeat, positive faith-affirming message and flow. His music provides smiles and enacts an instant mood change. The opening track and one of the singles released prior to EP’s drop date, “Young Forever,” encapsulates this exact feeling. The track takes fans on a trip down memory lane as a child in the 90s with references to pop culture and the overall joys childhood brings.
“Figure It Out” is highlighted with a ukulele and instantaneously provides a feeling of vacation on a tropical island. Surprising yet invited trumpet sounds infiltrate the track adding to a “happy raps” vibe. Also, we’re treated to Tosh’s vocal talents aside from spitting constant sixteens.
“Believe In Me” plucks the heartstrings, as it’s an emotional collaboration with Kaden Jordan. Two of my favorite sonic attributes enter in, too, with strokes of piano keys and an acoustic guitar. It’s an anthem for the spirit and heart uplifting believers to strive forward through the strength of God.
“Let You Go” stands alone from the overall soundscape picking up the tempo towards a dance record. It’s something one may hear in a club or at a party. A summer anthem, perhaps? The track may do well on media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Wrapping things up was the other pre-released single, “Those Hands,” featuring Quinten Coblentz once again. The hook provided by Coblentz has a feel of a worship track, quite inspirational. His lyrics pull feelings directly from the soul. Tosh enters with words of encouragement and praise to our Most High Lord. I’m a fanatic for tracks that tactfully infuse worship and hip-hop vibes. It’s an amazing proclamation of what God can do in times of victory and struggle.
Spiritual Highlights The Young Forever EP is smothered in spiritual references and related to personal faith. Tosh has always made it a priority to translate his faith into his art through lyricism. Most records have a worship feel. Not only are the tracks upbeat and uplifting, but a personal testimony of Tosh’s own trials during his relationship with God.
In “Figure It Out,” Tosh explains, “if we ain’t got much, we got what we need.” Next, he admits, “I felt so lost until I found Him” in “Let You Go.” Lastly, Tosh says, “Surrender is the place I should have began” on “Those Hands.” Little, minimal snippets similar to these exist throughout. Tosh accounts God for his strength, victories, and all things in between.
Best Song on the Record The creative and eclectic soundscape on “Figure It Out” sold me on the top song of the small 5-track EP. I love the integration of the ukulele, trumpet, standard drums, and everything wrapped together. Also, I enjoy the replay value of the track too. The audience can see it as either God and you figuring out difficult situations together or a more linear viewpoint of a spouse/relationship being the source of the collaborative assistance. It’s a stance someone like Lauren Daigle has nearly perfected, satisfying Christians and non-believers alike.
Final Word: The idea of an EP packaged with 4-7 tracks is the new normal, as the idea of an album seems to be seen as an afterthought these days. Thankfully, some artists are able to capture the complexity and storytelling of a long-form album and translate it into something smaller like an EP. The Young Forever EP has a small piece for most types of listeners. Thematic summer anthems like “Let You Go.” Worship, faith-focused songs like “Those Hands.” Playful offerings like the title track. Also, emotionally-focused transparency is found in “Believe In Me.” Truly, there is something for everyone. Tosh has evolved into one of my favorite artists, as his songs are relatable, humorous at times, and downright catchy. This time around isn’t any different. This EP will continue on my weekly rotation far into the summer months.
