Description
Chronicles of the Soul is the solo debut album by the American contemporary gospel singer and songwriter Montrel Darrett, former lead singer of Commissioned, released on EMI Gospel in March 1999, a division of EMI Christian Music Group, distributed in the US by Chordant Distribution Group. Also marketed and distributed in Europe by Alliance Music. The album was produced by Montrel Darrett for N/tymze Productions.
There’s enough ultra-fortified funk in Montrel Darrett’s debut to grab even the most casual listener by the collar. Boasting the poise and punch of a veteran, Darrett produces, arranges and writes all the songs a la the Artist Formerly Known as Prince – and wastes little time getting down to business with «Tough Love». Darrett’s blues vamp pulsates like some long- lost ’70s soul session, and the lyric reveals a depth and richness to match. We’ve heard Christ’s love described as triumphant, merciful and awesome, but when was the last time anyone dubbed it tough?
From there, Chronicles grooves from strength to strength. «Issues» tackles race relations within the church, with Darrett seeking reconciliation. Then comes «Shakedown», with Darrett delivering a textbook example of vocal multi-tracking; the result is a thrilling rap roller coaster.
Another highlight comes halfway through with «Move On». This tune of encouragement showcases Darrett’s voice at its versatile best, backed by an ultra-fat track of stubby bass, wah-wah guitar and horn stabs. Delightful as it is, rest assured that each serving of ear candy includes a double helping of soul food. Darrett manages what’s become a difficult trick in Christian music: He covers time-honored themes of redemption, salvation and faith in trial, but in an engaging way that is totally his own. [Lou Carlozo, CCM, November 1999]
Wow! Yet another former Commissioned frontman takes a turn behind the solo microphone and takes his wares into the spotlight. In the case of Montrel Darrett, he’s chosen to walk a funkier path than some of his contemporaries and boy does it pay off! Pushing back the frontiers of gospel, ‘Chronicles Of The Soul’ proves to be a groovy R&B mix of sweet soul, raps and hand claps. Plenty of tight rhythms and soulful vocalising (check out the Prince-like delivery of «Oh What A Friend»). Then there’s sheer punchy delivery of «Tough Love» and the stripped down simmering undertones of the devastating «Issues» and ’70s funk vibes on the rap tracks «Shakedown» and «When It Comes Back Around». But then he’s also capable of stylish ballads like «Hold On» and «So Sorry». Amidst a top class album, there are two highlights, «Move On» has a seriously retro sound and swirling intensity topped off by Montrel’s unrestrained vocals. The album’s closer «When The Party’s Over» is a dramatic song of healing which pulls Montrel’s vocals out front leaving him floating in a sea of gentle soulfulness as he duets with his wife Felicia. Just gorgeous, like the rest of this. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, August 1999]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/chronicles-of-the-soul/724796833)
CD tracklist:
01. Tough Love – 4:47
02. Issues – 4:56
03. Shakedown – 3:38
04. What A Friend Oh – 5:22
05. Hold On – 5:17
06. Move On – 4:49
07. Free – 4:38
08. Rain – 4:17
09. Soldier – 3:40
10. So Sorry – 4:39
11. When It Comes Back Around – 3:43
12. When The Party’s Over – 5:04
13. Hold On Outro – 0:34
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by EMI Gospel.
“Free” (MUSIC VIDEO)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.