Customer Reviews

Playing Games

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Raymond & Co present 'Playing Games' on the Integrity Gospel label

Raymond & Co are an awesome new phenomenon in Urban Contemporary Gospel music.
Based in London, England YES ENGLAND! and armed with songs so funky you wonder how? they're sure to wow the hardest anti-gospel fan. The group have made the balance complete with urban beats, raging vocals AND uncompromising lyrics making their debut album 'Playing Games' a must have CD!

Raymond & Co has five members, the founder Isaiah-Raymond Dyer, Lisa Allen, Janine Dyer, Christopher Gordon and Gillian Nembhard. Each singer has vocal ability fitting for each song and never cease to amaze in their chosen mode of vocal delivery. You'll be amazed at the vocal agility as the singers fire runs, riffs and scales that we thought only Americans gospel singers were renowned for, infact upon the first listen one wonders if the group are relatives to Karen Clark Sheard or Mary Mary?

The Vocal influences ooze out of this album like honey from a honeypot, sweetly satisfying you again and again, my ears instantly detected influences such as
Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Twinkie clark, Kim Burrell, Daryl Coley, Tonex, Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Al Green, my Savior you'll not believe your ears and the rewind button will be pressed continually....

The music production provided by 'Linslee Campbell' (WHERE has this dude BEEN!?? - oh I forgot!- they from ENGLAND!!) and Nicky Brown (Phew!) has such depth and 'urbanity' coupled with a good ole soul felt CHURCH feel stamped on it in a modern way! (Did that make sense?!)

Songs such as the driving 'No Limits', the hot track 'Fire' , the challenging 'Playing Games' , the mega urban 'Since I Found You', the summery groover 'Everything' , the cool neo soul 'Crazy Faith', the roaring 'He Can do it', the daring 'God says No', the convicting 'Changed' -the list goes on (there are 18! yes 18 tracks!!) all these show that Raymond & co are simply not 'Playing Games'

One can talk so much about an album, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so with your ears acting as your mouth, and the 'Playing Games' CD being your dessert; I'd say it's time to get eating............

Every now and then a sound or artist/group comes along and forces the industry to sit up, listen, and create a new genre in music. In this case the group is Raymond & Co, their CD is Playing Games, and genre is soon to be named "Funky Neo-soul Gospel".
A soulful nuance of urban flava that consist of driving 808 bass lines, rhythmic high-hats, head nodding changes, and melodic grooves blended with near flawless vocal harmonies that extol the name of God in every lyrical phrase. Dare I say gospel funk.
Even with it's heavy urban/club scene sound the message is never lost and you won't have to send out a virtual search party on a subliminal hunt through a forest of confusing lyrics to try and find some spirituality or even the Word of God in the music.
I mean I've been literally waiting for a CD like this for a hot heavenly minute.
If you are a parent that has had to compromise by letting your teen or pre-teen part-take of secular music to keep them in the car with you, pop this CD in the deck and watch them nod as you discover what they mean by the phrase "getting crunked". Oh, a bit of "WARNING". Turn the bass down a bit if you value the life of your speakers.

We live in a world where many people think that Christianity is "boring" and that you cannot have fun and enjoy life as a Christian. When it comes to Christian music the same false impression continues. But ever since the days when the Winans (Marvin, Carvin, Mike, and Ron) ruled the Gospel scene (and Commissioned, of course!), this has been changing. I ran into Raymond & Co in a Christian bookstore and listened to a few songs, and I immediately fell in love with their unique style and harmony.

I did finally buy the CD a few days ago, and even though almost all the songs are very good, I am particularly loving the songs "No Limits," "Everything," and "Miracles." One of the major criticisms of this kind of Gospel is that it is "too worldly."

However, there is nothing inherently wrong with certain beats or melodies. I don't see any Scripture which says "Thou shalt not use a 50 Cent beat to praise God." Besides, half the time many of those in the "hip-hop" community "steal" beats and melodies from the Church, not the reverse. These guys are so good that I plan to recommend them to "Club Yahweh," a Christian "club" (that's right, I said Christian CLUB) located in Oakland, CA where Christians can go to praise God in song and the dance (if they don't already play Ray & Co.).

But my main point would be that even though groups like Raymond & Co use more contemporary music in their praise of God, we can be sure that it is GOD they are praising because their lyrics are clearly in praise and worship of God. How much more can anyone praise God than by saying: "Lord, You are my everything...Shepherd, Master and my King. Without You I am nothing, no. I love You so, ooohh"? So let's stand up and support these brothers and sisters from the UK and praise God with them!

Ok, here's the thing. Honestly, I don't even own this cd (YET)I'm in the process of ordering it. But just by listening to the samples, I already want it. I already luv Gary Mayes and Nu Era, and this group is on the same level with a twist. I applaud Raymond and Co for doin their "thang" and bringin somethin real to the US, which we seem to lack in from time to time! I didn't even know they were from London at 1st, I didn't realize gospel's impact on the other side of the world. Another reason why I am and you should buy this able (Hinting BUY not BURN) is because Isaiah R. Dyer is one the most down to earth people I've met with status so high. I've had the pleasure to conversate with him, and not no 2 sec one but a real long one. He encourages and gives advice. He spoke blessings to me and my choir and he and Chris (Tenor/Member of Ray and Co.)both said a prayer for my choir and EVERYTHING! Also he is one of the funniest people to ever talk to. I have never laughed so hard in a long time, and each day he gets crazier and crazier! Ray Ray (He hates that name! :D )if you read this, just know that you are inspiring and a blessing and especially ANOINTED! Can't wait to finally meet in person one day, can't wait to hear the album from start to finish. Raymond and Co are "DA FIZZ" (You already know!)

This CD is a wonderful CD. The music is off the hook and the singers are wonderful. They are from London I believe please dont get mad if I am wrong but their gosepl sound is just wonderful and the writers must have had a sneak peek into my life. Thanks !

this album is so good u'll listen to it over and over again.the songs i love in the album are playing games,since i found you,crazy faith,give him all da praise,changed,he can do it,and song in the midnight.the album has dance tracks and soulful songs that touch your spirit and takes u to another level.this is their first album i've heard and i don't know if they have other albums,but this one is really good.

Without a doubt the debut album from Raymond & Co is five stars. If you're looking for an album that is original and different, then this album is the album for you!

From start to finish this album is filled with encouraging and uplifting songs that will touch your body, soul, and mind. Songs like 'He Can Do It', 'I know You'll Remember' and 'Song In The Midnight' are songs that really minister to the heart and lets the listener know that through the rough and hard times God is always there to comfort and guide.

Another highlight on this album is the song titled 'Crazy Faith'. What can I say? The tune is just bad! This song is sang by the amazing Christopher Gordan. I'm telling you that the boy can sang! The way he sang this track would remind you of a D'Angelo vibe but Chris has a style that is all his own.

The song 'Changed' is a personal favourite of mine which is sang by the group leader Isaiah-Raymond Dyer. This guy has such an amazing voice that is completely original and is demonstrated on this very track. This track is very touching because it is sang with a lot of heart and passion. The background vocals to the chorus are sang with such power and authority which really drive the message home.

I can chat all day about this album but I feel I have said enough. 'Playing Games' is a must buy album today, so don't delay!

I've known Raymond and Co. for a little over a year now and I was highly anticipating their newest release "Playing Games". Well I ordered mine the second it was available and I have to say this album did not disappoint from track 1 to 18 this cd is jam packed full of soulful, inspiring and kickin' music straight from the hearts of some true men and women of God in Raymond and Co. If you haven't picked up this cd yet dont wait!

Have you ever wondered whether the UK was capable of exporting real heartfelt talent?
I've just picked up a copy of Playing Games and was truly moved by the consistency, depth and overall mastery of gospel on this CD. Standout tracks include Everything, and Whadduya Know of Jesus their feel good factor of funk had me reaching for my wing collar shirt and corduroy jacket both possess tighter then tight grooves that flow effortlessly through my stereo and with its simple message of love for Jesus will have you hooked from bar one. Changed shows a direct contrast in style and is like a breath of fresh spring air, Isaiahs's cries are surrounded by Janine, Chris, Gillian and Leelee's powerful and faultless harmonies. The simplicity of We Wait is the most thought provoking and introspective and contains a twist in style that is mindblowing. The rest of the album has many more suprises, using dance, pop and even organic soul to capture the spirit. There's nothing more I can say except if you haven't `copped this disc' already then you really are playing games with your collection.

Where does one start? Raymond and Co are one of the best, if not the best UK Gospel group. Their sound appeals to a wide audience. From traditional gospel to urban gospel lovers. If you love good music and life changing lyrics, you'll want to add this album to your collection. If you like Kirk Franklin, I guarantee you'll like this one

The album PLAYING GAMES is so phat that I have to play at least some of tracks daily. 18 tracks! (that's more than average) and production that is really worth a lot of praise. to R&B, Soul, Traditional, Dancehall flavors to a tiny Lil urban rock soul jam describe this project.

Some of my favorites on this album: "Crazy Faith" is one of the best songs ever written. (You can't take my Crazy Faith). Then there is the hip beat banging "Playing Games" - this is a tuneeeeeeeeeeeeee guaranteed to get you getting your groove on. Trust me. Other heavy hitters are "Fire" "He can do it" "Come follow me". "Song in the Midnight" is a song of strength and encouragement. We're human and some times have our down days. This tune reminds me that God don't sleep and He knows what we're going through. -Big tune, big vocals.

My goodness and then there's the traditional "No Not One". And I can't forget "God says NO" - the vocals on this are Tight. You know what you've got to listen to the album for yourself; you will not be disappointed.

Whether you are into music with a gospel message or not you will like this album.It's encouraging, uplifting and definitely acknowledges Jesus!

I have seen these guys in concert a few times and I can tell you they are excellent. In a music industry were 50% of singers in groups actually can sing. You'll be glad to know that every member of Raymond and Co can sing. -I mean they can sanggggggggggggggg. The ladies tear it up. One listen on any track and you'll see that. The fellas keep it real also. All different voices create a harmony so nice that you want to keep listening and at the end of the album want more. The vocals in Raymond and Co are just Breath taking!

You know what? Enough said. Go get yourself a copy and see how much of a difference it brings a difference in your life. I know what it did for me.

Take care, people. (Good musiq like this is nourishing for the soul)