Customer Reviews

Project Plato

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Not only is this CD long overdue, but so is this review. I've come out of reviews retiremement to share my thoughts on this CD...Project Plato. But before I do, I should point out that a) I am a huge fan of their first CD, and b) I've had the incredible experience of interacting with members Kenni Ski and T-Ross when interviewing them for my website, NJS4E. During that interview, they came off as genuine, conscious, sincere and seriously down to earth. I've since even showed up in the liner notes of this album, and that totally floored me upon getting my copy not long after the CD dropped. I wondered how I could come up with an objective review to do the CD justice. Well, unfortunately I can't. What I can do is share what this CD means to me, and why you should give it a chance.

First of all, Christion has undergone a change, as many of you have probably read. Allen Anthony, the most frequently heard voice on the first album has since gone solo. I must say that his vacancy is noticeable...as even the group members freely expressed during our interview, Allen is an incredible singer -- underrated, but greatly gifted in his ability to let his emotions permeate his brilliantly nuanced vocals. However, for what the new Christion no longer has in Allen, it steps up its uptempo game in a major way with the addition of T-Ross, and a grittier-sounding Kenni Ski, who turned out "Soon" from the first album.

Instead of going through the entire album, I will call out the highlights...

"Save My Baby" (Track 4) has a great beat, and hushed vocals and lyrics that are clearly inspired by a real life situation. Definitely a track (production-wise especially) that grabbed me upon first listen.

"Let 'Em Know" (Track 7) was the first single from the project, and I can honestly say this is a San Francisco Bay Area-flavored jam. A head-nodder that sounds good on a great sound system.

"Presidential Suite" (Track 8) is slinky fun...a catchy chorus, jazzy vibe, and a mischevious theme overall. Again, all three songs I've mentioned so far are uptempos.

"Just Move" (Track 9) is where the party really begins. If I were running things, I'd shoot a relatively expensive video and really push this as a single. Christion gets the most 'contemporary' with this single, featuring East Indian chants by singer Bikram Singh, and some sitar-laced motifs. I love this song. I really, really like this song. Makes me think of driving down an open road in Miami with the top down.

"Never Seen U Before (Interlude)" should not have been merely an interlude. It's catchy, it's different, and would sound great as an entire song. It has a sung chorus, with rap verses that are delivered with a casual cool that is not only believeable, but utterly refreshing. Dig this.

"I've Grown" is hands down one of the most accomplished songs on this album. Musically, it reaches the level of sophistication that Ghetto Cyrano started (admittedly this album is grittier -- the first album is classy all the way). It reminds me a bit of Lenny Kravitz (think "I Belong To You") but with a much more urban, cooler edge. I love, love, love this song. Thematically, I couldn't relate to it more. It is such a man's anthem. A sensitive, mature, and confident man's anthem.

"My Reason" has a sweet sincerity to it that I simply can't ignore...but I must confess that "Slow Motion" will reward anyone who cops this CD. It is a ridiculously smooth song that sounds like it was recorded not long after the Ghetto Cyrano sessions. Hearing this song will remind you of what Allen Anthony brought to the mix, and why Christion should really consider either becoming a trio, or even a quartet. Ezra also makes an appearance here, and fits in just fine. I really can't over-hype this song...if you enjoyed "Ghetto Cyrano" then you will certainly enjoy this one. This kind of music needs to be supported more. The quiet, mysterious vibe that Christion mastered on the first CD, and prove they are still capable of delivering on this masterpiece of a seduction suite.

While "Farrah" has a great theme, and "Grandma's Grove" also has its status as an album standout, my attention goes to "Broken Streets," a beautifully written and performed ode to the imperfections of life -- particularly the inner city life. The group's passion, and desire for better living for everyone -- particularly the urban community, really shines through on this winner. It has a folk-y sound that is great.

"Do Ya Dance" is easily one of my favorite songs. Thanks to new member T-Ross, we're given an organically upbeat song (with a Stevie Wonder feel) that has such a great beat, I'm not sure how one can resist cutting a rug to this one. I love the singing, I love the instruments, I love the voice-over, I love it all. The horns too. Yup...Christion should definitely do more material like this.

That's pretty much where I stand on the album. It's a long piece of work...perhaps too long, but at the same time I have to admit being thankful that the group did not hold back. They clearly wanted to make sure fans like myself got the full dose, especially considering we had to wait nearly 8 years before being graced with a new album!

Let's hope this is not the last we hear of Christion. Let's hope they reunite with Allen Anthony on wax. Let's hope that perhaps Ezra can show up more often. Let's hope they have more songs like "Just Move," "I've Grown," "Do Ya Dance," "Broken Streets" and "Slow Motion." Let's hope more people discover Ghetto Cyrano. And fans...check Allen's falsetto on "Where Yo Girlfiend At?" ... let's demand that Christion re-connect with dude, aight? This reminds me of Bobby Brown and New Edition...they are both dope separately (Heart Break, Don't Be Cruel being cases in point!), but they are also dope (if not doper) when they are together...everyone follow me?

- Andrew Knyte

Just when I thought that music lost it's "heartbeat"...there was Project Plato. This album is slammin'!!! The writing and production on this album is sick!!! Christion delivers a spritual journey of emotion and relationship. Each song paints a picture on my soul. Wrap your head around this one...it will draw you in. From it's bangin' club beats to it's heartfelt ballads; Project Plato has something for everyone. "My Reason" is definately the next breakout ballad that will be a must in everyone's slow jams mix. Props to Christion for keeping it real. Project Plato is a no-brainer.

Christión did some serious croonin' on their debut release "Ghetto Cyrano", bringing us hustlers-need-love-too anthems and street-life grooves reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. Now on their very disappointing follow-up "Project Plato", Christión minus vocalist Allen Anthony have become a bit too mainstream for my taste, sounding a lot like these new kids on the block who beg and whine just to make a dime--y'all know who you are!!! Nothing on "Project Plato" grabbed me, although I'm sure with the current condition of music today it will appeal more to the masses. Every song here lyrically sounds ridiculous and the sexiness seems forced, unlike on "Ghetto Cyrano" when it was natural (obviously due to Anthony's absense). I tried listening for a glimmer of hope on this release--a song that made me fall in love with Christión in the first place, but I simply couldn't. Maybe as I listen to "Project Plato" more, it will grow on me, but that's not likely. I know each artist's release has to progress and shouldn't sound dated. I didn't expect Christión to sound the way they did eight years ago, but you gotta admit at least eight years ago--during the Timberland era--music was music and Christión had it goin' on.

I love this album, has something for everyone, but my favorites:
* Chapter IV - The Journal. A classic masterpiece.
* Broken Streets - amazingly lovely, brilliantly written, you will cry
* Farrah - I want to be Farrah in a fantasy
* Do Ya Dance - this song will be playing 50 years from now, timeless
* My Reason - woo your woman with this one. . . you'll win her over.
* Never Seen You Before - fresh.
* No Place - gives me hope
* Let 'Em Know & Just Move - will get your ass on the dance floor.
* Where Yo Girlfriend At? - clever
* Blackmail - even more clever
PICK UP THE ALBUM. More soulful and not as smoothed out as GHETTO CYRANO, but A CLASSIC, just like GHETTO CYRANO. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

This is a must have album. Every song has a purpose and in this day and age of music it's about time. Ski's lyrics are tight and with T. Ross, Ezra, Allen Anthony and Cookie mixing it up, it's an Album I could listen to over and over again and again. The knockout blow is "Just Move". Man you all hit it big with this album. Great job! All the blood sweat and tears were definetly worth it.

Through journeys in life the uniqueness of that journey is that it's your own. The bonus is if you can put it in words and then pour a blend of sweet melodies and street confessions. Christion has "Grown" with Project Plato. Ghetto Cyrano told us fans where they were from. Project Plato explains the journey and complexities of Love. Of a man loving a woman in all ways possible and so much more. The dance track "Let em know" funky base and beats is a club banger. I personally like the "010 deeplak mix". Every girl wants a Superman out there working hard, who can't wait to come home to her. Hey.. "I've Grown" was the soundtrack to my weekend a couple weeks ago.. I played that song like 10 times. The hook is "Can't you see it baby, Can you feel me, like I feel you babe". Also my favorites are "No Place", "Broken Streets" love the melodies and stories of searching. "My Reason" & "Slow Motion" are sexy tracks to turn on this winter. Christion vocals and lyrics are rich with Awesome Productions. The wah wah guitar, serenading boards , deep bass grooves and smooth sweet vocals are there signature. The family continues to grow. Pick it up for the winter fireplace gatherings.

In 1997 I picked up an album by the name of "Ghetto Cyrano" which featured two cats from Oakland, CA named Christion. The first single, "Full of Smoke", prompted my purchase, but the CD sollidified my appetite for a "true" ALBUM indeed. Out of all the Soul/R&B cats who were out at the time, (Maxwell, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Chico DeBarge, Jon B.), Christion was the ONLY ones who actually sang about something real. The album flowed from chapter to chapter, and basically shutdown any other album out then, or now.

After waiting for sooooo long for these brothas to come back out, I can finally say... THANK GOD FOR CHRISTION! Beginning with "No Place", Christion recaptures the eseence of what Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield and James Brown sang before them... real life issues.

Songs like "It's Gonna Rain", "Save My Baby" and "Blackmail" are instant soul classics. Continue forward with "Let 'Em Know", "Just Move", "I've Grown", "My Reason", "Farrah", "Grandma's Grove" and "Broken Streets", and you just my pass out from too much good music.

And unlike before, this time Christion adds THE JUKE JOINT! Any fans of Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Cameo are going to LOVE this new addition of Christion flavor!

Have I sold you on it yet? Trust me... there are hundreds of CD's coming out each month, and thousands coming out each year, and the only one you're gonna need is titled "PROJECT PLATO".

Buy this album, and please, please, please make sure you request these songs on the radio, so the world can discover the genius of Christion!

Thank you for taking us on another soulful journey. I love this album! If you love deep lyrics, great melodies, and soul singing, then this album is for you. Songs like "No Place" & "Save my Baby" tell it like it is and rep the hood right. And the ladies will love when you put on "Slow Motion" & "My Reason". People slept on these dudes 1st album Ghetto Cyrano, don't sleep again, buy this record now!

I must admit, when hearing that a second cd was going to be released I was afraid that it would not sound as rich and soulful as the first. As time passed and the 2nd cd never dropped, I was beginning to feel doubt that it would even happen. To my suprise, the cd has arrived with a destiny to leave it's mark on our souls and minds.
They have songs that make you think like No Place, Save my Baby and Blackmail, songs that make you groove like Let 'Em Know, I'm Grown, and songs that make your soul smile like Slow Motion, and Grandma's Grove. This cd is worth buying. I look forward to future releases, hopefully that will showcase your true vocal talents. Good Luck!!

Okay, I got Christion's cd-single fo' free , when me and my boys were at a club.
Let 'em Know was the cool joint. The remixes on the cd-single were kinda okay.
But Twisted{He Gotta Get A New Name} kinda did it for me, pushed it over da top.
So when the album drop, picked it up, and the CD had better songs on it.
Haven't heard the songs on the radio though, but I hope I do.
From 1-2-10, I give it a 7 or 8.
All they need is a major to pick them up, then they'll be rollin'.
Cus, I had never heard of " The Mint Records " as a record label.
I looked it up on the Internet and it's an independent record company.
I'm just into find out what liable people are on, who wrote what, and who produced the music. From the CD, they have young up_&_coming producers.
I wish them luck. Cus, the last cd was dabomb!

KC