Album Review: J Moss – ‘V4…The Other Side’
Artist: J Moss
Album: V4. . . The Other Side
Street Date: July 31st, 2012
Label: Verity Gospel Music Group
Genre: Gospel/ R&B/ Hip Hop
iPod Pick: Good Day ft. Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard.
We love J Moss! If you don’t know J Moss please get familiar with him! Fans and supporters of him have definitely been awaiting the release of ‘V4…The Other Side.’ Check out the album review below…
The album opens up with the declarative cut ‘God’s Got it,’ that lyrically discusses allowing God to step into situations because he cares for us. Of course Moss provides nothing short of a respectable vocal performance laced with tight production courtesy of PAJAM. Boasting cockiness in abundance, the PAJAM banger is everything the opening track on an LP of this magnitude needed to be. Assertive, confident, and laced in swag. A fitting re-introduction to J Moss. ‘Do It’ is fresh and innovative, unlike the first track this is a new territory for the amazing vocalist. J Moss croons and sings high pitches in rap formats; a familiar sound would be found on albums from mainstream artists like Pharell Williams of N.E.R.D and the new edgy sounds Chris Brown tries to bring to the table at times. But I must say though this is a great tune! ‘Take Me’ is beautiful in its entirety though has this hint musically that might get you wondering ‘ sounds familiar, sounds familiar’ but it’s a great song of surrender. ‘Strong Enough’ slows things down a bit but still flows in the same vein as the previous track. It would land on your ears as any other R&B song you’ve come across until you hear the sweet echoed tune somewhere in the chorus.
‘Good & Bad’ I must say is classic J Moss. The cut is definitely a shining moment on the LP for me. The ballad really makes me appreciate Moss’ musical genius. The background vocal arrangements are EVERYTHING. ‘Good Day’ featuring J Moss’ hip cousin Kierra Sheard and the legendary Karen Clark Sheard is the song we’ve been waiting for and might just be the whole point of J Moss’ new project. The album slows down again after this with the very reflective ‘Caught In Love.’ The chorus will draw your heart to sing along. Honestly it will.
The pulsating and energetic ‘Shout’ is sure to get your head bobbing. The track ushers in shining moments vocally and showcase Moss’ vocal styling’s in a different light, indeed a gifted singer. Then quickly taking us back to church with the Sunday-morning jam ‘Holy is your Word.’ I can hear this cut being sung by praise teams around the country. The cut definitely sets the mood for ‘The Other side of Victory’ as well as the rest of the album; though an exception is ‘Keep Your Head Up’ an upbeat infectious tune which would sure get you moving. And you gotta love ‘The Prayers,’ which features Dorinda Clark Cole, Pastor Hezekiah Walker and his must love choir LFC. Musically, this is gospel on a whole new level; get your praise dance ready.
After his last much underappreciated album ‘Just James’ which was very personal and unlike anything J Moss had ever recorded, It’s nice to see Moss get his mojo back with ‘V4…‘In a world where very few artists are being original and following what’s trendy we know we can always count on Moss to keep it hott and fresh but remain true to himself at the same time. If you are fan of J Moss, this is a must get. Lovers of hardcore gospel and urban aren’t left out. I would advise new listeners though to check out ‘Just James’ before checking out ‘The Other Side’ J Moss has chosen to venture into on this project.
