Search - Christion :: Project Plato

Long Overdue...3 and a half stars...keeping it real...

Knyte | New York, NY | 12/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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









"

A MUST HAVE !!!!!!!!!

K.C. | Philadelphia, PA | 10/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

THE RETURN OF TRUE SOUL

DJ Cool Breeze | Atlanta, GA | 09/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"