Customer Reviews

Chronicles of the Soul

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I tell you what, I am a Christian and I love jazzy, soulful music. So naturally, I was inclined to listen to D'Angelo back in the day. However, D'Angelo is not good for the spirit. I wasn't getting that sound from any other gospel artist. Some tried, but then came this album. Man, I couldn't get enough of it. The grooves are tight as the Mint. This was a breakthrough album and I'm ready for another one. Unfortunately, somebody stole my CD and I haven't listened to it in about a year.

REALIZE this album was released SIX years ago and still holds it own against this "Neo-Soul" mess. Before Musiq Soulchild was missing notes, Montrell was hitting them. This album came along when everybody was in a group (Commissioned, Take 6) and he stepped out alone, with no choir or any of the normal "gospel music safety nets". Montrell was homeless at one time and picked himself up to proclaim for the kingdom of God. Then church folks who won't witness to their dog, downgrade something so special. This album made gospel music cool to me when I was in a drug-infested high school. It made me stronger in knowing that God could sound different and still be powerful. I have become an artist and I give credit to Montrell and others like Tony Rich and Lauryn Hill for my sound. Groundbreaking. Thanks 'Trell.

I came to know Montrel Darett because there were some grumblings as to why he wasn't nominated for a Stellar award for best new artist this year.Now I see why! He is absolutely off the hinges! This album is very funky and groove oriented. As well, Montrell talks about issues(which by the way is one of cuts off this album)that the church tends to not deal with such as racism, fornication and just plain old brokeness.Now don't make a mistake and think that this album is sad, because it definitely isn't:however, it definitely makes you pause and think about your walk with the Lord.This album also shows that the Gospel can be ministered in song in a very contemporary and urban way. Montrell is a real talent and is definitely anoited by the Lord to do this work .This album is worth every red cent.

The cool, smooth soulful sounds helps you to unwind from a stressful day by gently opening up your spirit to the comforting words of our Father speaking into our situation, using Montrel's voice He say's yes let's get real. I know what's going on out there in the real world, I also know where you are at spiritually, emotionally and physically but you can get through it, and yes I'm always going to be here for you.

The ballads reach deep down inside and touch the places where it hurts. I find it useful to reflect on God and those that I love whilst listening to Chronicles Of The Soul, it is such a fitting title for this album. Montrel is not only annointed but also clearly blessed to be a blessing to others. The words of the songs are deep and gives a clear insight to the effects of the pressures of living in the 21st century particularly for black men.

I find that apart from being comforted the Lord feeds me prayer points when I am chilling out with this album, each time I listen to it I get something new out of it. This is a definate must for your collection, new Christians into contemporary music will definately love this one.

I have listened to the album countless of times as I have it in my collection and believe me there is something for everyone.

Montrel you are blessed keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing more from you.

I loved this CD. I am just starting to get into contemporary gospel music. I am more of a traditionalist. I am a new christian and a lot of the contemporary gospel made me think more about going to the club than about Jesus. Montrel has surely turned me around though. There were a couple of cuts with rap that I didn't care for but who likes every song on an artists CD? I think he has sort of a 'D' Angelo sound but with all his clothes on.:) My favorite song is FREE because we are all struggling to be FREE from something everyday of our lives and one day we will be FREE.

This is a layback, relax and focus type of album. I like the fact that montrel includes real life situations on each track, not to mention the whole album sounds good! My favorite song is Hold On. It helps you think about the loving encouragement God provides when you are hurting on the inside.I can honestly say this is the best album I have bought so far.Keep up the smooth sounds and the good work Montrel!

I hadn't heard of Montrel Darrett before I bought this album. After listening, I am more than pleased - what a great debut! It's calm, it's mellow, and it's smooth. He obviously has a lot of experience in the industry. I played it for a friend and she just about flipped. Recommended for anyone who likes a little more flavor to their gospel music and who isn't afraid to break from the norm.

Though this album was released what seems like eons ago, it was definitely a ground-breaking album. It wasn't the first gospel album with a "neosoul" feel; that feat belongs to Tonex (Pronounced Toe-Nay actually came out in 1997), but it was definitely an underrated album when it hit the shelves. Nowadays, neosoul is like one of the hottest trends among black music, both in the secular arena and in gospel. I mean why else would artists like Brian McKnight, Patti Labelle and Fred Hammond try that sound on their latest albums if it wasn't so trendy. 'Trel was doing it before it became a fashion statement, so that's big.

My favourite songs include "Oh What A Friend", "Tough Love", "Shakedown", "Hold On", "So Sorry", "Free", "and "When The Party's Over" which features his wife Felicia Darrett. I'm not really feeling his rap flows on here, but it has more to do with the beats and not so much the lyrics. Regardless, still a great pick-up, and I definitely got my money's worth......

Montrel, your album is bangin. I bought it a year and some change ago, but I still play it like it's brand new. I buy gospel music constantly, and most of it gets one -two listens, and then it goes on the shelf. Not this one though. The production is bangin, the concept is bangin, and the ministry itself is unbelievable. For any fans of art, buy this album. This to me is a break-through album, because Montrel didn't just go for the mainstream. he didn't compromise artistry just for sales. I wish more gospel artists would have the courage to break out and be creative like this brother. (David P. Stevens) peace

I had too much going on when I first listened to this album. The beats were good, the arrangements were very cool, the album was okay. I've hear it, it's okay, and now I'll put it away. But, something was calling me back. The album had already penertrated my soul and was demanding me to stop and HEAR it. So, obediently, I played it again. BOOM! The riches and depth of this prjoct grabbed me like I hadn't heard the first time. It spoke the truth, it grooved my soul, it challenged my life, it made me pay ATTENTION, it lift my eyes to God, it made me play it again and again. And the more I played it, the more I GOT IT! Is this album for 'everybody'? Maybe not, but don't cheat yourself by not getting into this album (or rather letting this album get into you)