TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?? DA GOSPEL TRUTH READER REVIEWS BYRON CAGE’S NEW RELEASE “FAITHFUL TO BELIEVE”
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Sometimes I feel the “media” or “music critics” are scrutinized a little harsher because our opinions are out there for all of the public to read, which is part of the job! I’m not trying to run from that at all. But I also think it is very important for artists to hear directly from the people who are purchasing their music and get their honest viewpoint. If I were an artist I would want to know if the majority of people who bought my album felt they got their money’s worth. So instead of me doing this review, I reached out to one of my readers, Brian Sings. (yeah I’m going to research that last name lol) I asked him if he’d be interested in doing this review since I knew he had purchased this CD. He obliged and this is what he had to say about Byron’s latest offering.
BRIAN SINGS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- 27 years of age from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area (born & raised)
- Favorite types of music: Gospel, Neo-Soul, Alternative, etc. (im kinda an eclectic soul, but it MUST be of substance)
- I play the alto sax, drums & play the keyboards a little by ear, but my main focus has been my vocal (both lead & background vocals)
- Raised Baptist, but now I am in that good ole’ Church of God in Christ & have been for the past 5 years
- I am a director of our Youth & Young Adult Choir as well as an active member on the Praise & Worship Team
Given the history of Byron Cage, I expect nothing but greatness from him. I mean, he has been involved in a lot from a behind the scenes standpoint from directing the choir on numerous projects for Dottie Peoples, New Birth in Atlanta and his home church of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD to breaking out with his own material. The new CD from Byron Cage “Faithful To Believe” is a well put together effort to spread the Gospel across the nations. With Stellar Award winner DeWayne Woods assisting as musical director, I had high expectations prior to listening to this CD, especially knowing that Woods is from Donald Lawrence’s camp.
Some components definitely stick out more than others in comparison to Cage’s previous CD’s. The sound of the background vocals are totally different in some places, a bit pitchy in parts and not blended well in my opinion. Musically, I was left a little confused with the direction and the arrangements on certain tracks. But there were some tracks that caught my attention like “In The Midst” featuring Tye Tribbett. I mean who wouldn’t know Tye from his distinctive high pitch screams and infectious energy. The song, “I Can’t Hold It” took me to church with the hand clapping and foot stomping. However, the song that stood out the most is, “You’re My Everything”, featuring Pastor Marvin Winans & Karen Clark-Sheard. You have two musical giants that lent their unique style and sound to this track. Pastor Marvin Winans is smooth with his delivery, yet you still hear the sincerity in his voice, while Karen sings with her signature “Clark” growl and riffs. All in all I say this CD is okay, but not Byron’s best.
Aside from the tracks previously mentioned, the majority of the content seems a bit underwhelming.
