Search - Men of Standard :: Surrounded

Sorry To Dissagree With Previous Reviewer

Harvey Rupert | Mineapolis, MN United States | 08/04/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Men of Standard

C. Jones | Greensboro, NC | 05/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

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

That's What I'm talkin' Bout

Allister Brockington | Daytona Beach | 07/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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....."