Customer Reviews

Surrounded

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, Let me say that I agree that Kirk Franklin's "Hero"is 5 stars and one of most powerful and creative gospel albums ever. However, I think "Men of Standards" new album is misguided. While there are higlights on this album such as "Cover Me", "Surrounded" and "Latter Rain", their voices are too grand for most of the material on this album and it isn't particularly creative. The upbeat songs sound as if they were written in the early 90's and beg the question "Why?" Very few artist in gospel music do uptempo songs well and uptempo songs only work well when the artist who have comptemporary voices (Mary Mary). Just look to some of the recent albums by artist like Fred hammond, marvin Sapp and even some of the songs on Darwin Hobbs previous offerings. All of these guys, including MOS have grand voices that are better suited for semi-traditional songs where they can use their full vocal ranges and soar musically. I think they should continue to work with K. Franklin, but should work with writers like Donald lawrence, Isreal (not a big fan of his music, but work on Darwin Hobb's latest offering is wonderul), Smokie Norful. I think all of these writers strike a good balance between traditional and contemporary and would suit MOS's voices well. Lastly, what is up with the outfits on the cover? Those outfits were again from the 90's. MOS is trying to emulate younger more hip acts, when they should be positioning themselves to become the next "Commissioned", "take 6", "Winans', etc. If MOS is reading this, ask Kirk to executive produce your next album and you will be in good hands.-remember "There's Something About the Name Jesus" is still your best work to date and an album full of soaring songs like that would make you a household name.

It has been a while since they have come out with a new project. This is well worth the wait.

Now this is urban gospel music! I love the 1st2 tracks "I Will", "Power" uptempo joints with a tradional sound w/ urban qualities. Track 3 "Alright" is a reggae tune w/Heavy D yes Heavy D...real nice. Now I expected contemporary ballads, but truthfully they are musically diversed from "Covered Me" to "Latter Rain" just off the charts. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because Kirk Franklin's HERO is 5 stars and MOS's cd isn't on that level.....

The cd case was crack in a few spots, but the cd itself plays well w/out skipping.

These boys have always been a favorite of mine but this CD albeit good just seemed to fall short of there previous works. Also the songs were short like interludes. Another thing is that it never seemed as if they took it church on the songs that really felt like that was where they were headed.

well I did like this because I love Gospel music and sometimes with a twist and when I heard the preview/premiere song "I Will" I jumped on my feet unfortunately it is one of the shortest yet best song on the album. the album is nice but not the best I think the last Kirk Franklin, the last two Israel, as well as Martha Munizzi albums were better

You will not be disappointed when you purchase this cd. This cd is for all ages. It's hip enough for the teens and it has that solid spirtual theme for the older crowds. If you want something to rock to and something that is contemporary this is definatelyt he cd for you.

I have to be honest and say that Men Of Standards worst album (which was not that bad) was their first one, which was on a different label. I love these guys, because they can really sing, every last one of them can sing lead and that's pretty rare these days. They have had different producers, but they still produce a quality product. The only problem I had with this album is it's too dawg gone short. I recommend this album and all of the ones before it, even the first (so you can appreciate the evolution of these guys).

There is a different message with each song and each song has a different beat.

Loved it! Wish there were more songs on the album though. Great Job!