MUSIC REVIEW: WONDERFUL TO ME – YAW OSEI OWUSU

YAW OSEI OWUSU

Date: September 30, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Worship/Contemporary)

Release:  March 31, 2013

Rating: 3.75/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

This song describes the brilliant worship leader Yaw Osei Owusu is. I personally haven’t attended a live ministration by Yaw Osei Owusu and his team but by listening to an mp3, his worship sessions or ministrations are anointed. I chose to use ministration and not performance or concert because the difference is crystal clear. If you are an unashamed believer of the gospel of Christ, or if you worship GOD completely unashamed, you will also testify after listening to “Wonderful to me.” It is a suitable worship song as you awake to pray at dawn. I do not however mean you should listen only at dawn but whenever and wherever you find the need to worship; this is your choicest of songs. The lyrics simply praise GOD, describing Him in the most admirable way. 

MUSIC REVIEW: FIND THE WAY ft. CHOICE – CASEY ED

CASEY ED

Date: September 29, 2013

Genre: Africans/ Soul

Release: July 07, 2013

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

I sometimes prefer certain kinds of songs because they are not noisy. They are easy to sing along, lyrics convey a positive message and you can relate to it. “Find The Way” is a good song. I love the wisdom in it; a few taken from the Bible, other lines from his mother (according to Casey in the lyrics). Mothers may not know it all but like my mother always says; mothers know best. This song cuts across all manner of persons. What is it in life are you searching for? Is it to be a better father or mother, to prosper, live the luxurious life you've always dreamt of? How beneficial will that be to the people around you if you are not selfishly looking out for your own desires? Casey Ed in this song encourages you to keep pushing, till you “find the way” to becoming the better you and acquiring the better things you labor for. All hope is not lost. 

MUSIC REVIEW: TELL THE WORLD FT. MALI MUSIC BY LECRAE

LECRAE

Date: September 28, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Rap)

Release:  September 04, 2012

Rating: 4.75/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

What do you still think about rap music? Gospel rap music? I simply refuse to write much about this song. I refuse to believe you have not heard about Lecrae. This collaboration is a dazzling one. I cannot imagine any other person besides Mali Music singing the chorus the way he does it in this song. With his type of voice (very unique) and style, Mali Music nails it right on the head. Lecrae says a lot in “Tell the world.” The lyrics are thought-provoking, straight to the point and the message, a task. It is a task because he entreats you and I to go out into the world and tell all and sundry about JESUS. If your child loves rap music, this kind of rap music is different; this kind preaches about the good news. It speaks positively into lives. Take a listen.

MUSIC REVIEW: TRUST AND OBEY – KAYSI OWUSU

Date: September 27, 2013

Genre: Gospel (R&B)

Release: March 2013

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Once again I got the opportunity to listen before the public did. Not only because I am a radio presenter, but also my innate sense of good music. “Musical ears” are what I like to call the two parts of my body, one on each side of my head. Kaysi Owusu’s remix of this beautiful hymn makes you appreciate gospel RnB. There is no need to struggle to learn the lyrics because you already know them. Listen once to get the rhythmic sound or movement, and voila! You will also appreciate the creativity in the instrumental or beat put together by the audio engineer. Kaysi Owusu has a beautiful voice! It makes listening to this song a delightful one. Even though “Trust and Obey” lacks music authenticity or originality, the message in this rendition remains unchanged; “trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS, than to trust and obey.”  As a teenager growing up, I never got around learning the second verse of this hymn. With this rendition as a personal favourite, I am determined to learn it. Through the storms of life, Kaysi reminds you to trust GOD and obey Him till the end.

MUSIC REVIEW: OVERCOMER - MANDISA

MANDISA

Date: September 26, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Pop)

Release: August 27, 2013

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

What complements a good singing voice, lovely instrumental or beat, and a pleasant rhythm? The first thing that comes to my mind is the lyrics. After listening to this song if little or even nothing about it sweeps you off your feet then you have to listen to it again, and pay more attention to the lyrics of the song. “Overcomer” is the lead single or the first track on her most recent album “Overcomer,” and it is an extension of the impactful message once began with her song “Stronger;” an anthem that reminds listeners that there is hope in the midst of life’s battles. According to Mandisa, she recorded both the song and the album to fuel faith, empower people, and remind those facing a battle, that all of the strength, power, and weapons of warfare they need are readily available to them. We are all overcomers. If you believe you’re an overcomer ready to overcome any obstacle, hindrance or obstruction, let Mandisa encourage you through this beautiful song.

MUSIC REVIEW: I’M RICH - ADA

ADA

Date: September 25, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Afro Pop)

Release: May 6, 2013

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

If you’ve never felt rich, you should deliberately try to have such a feeling. If you’ve never told yourself “I’m rich,” you ought to start today. Say it with conviction and using your mouth. Believe it without doubting and using your heart. You might have heard someone say: “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That is absolutely false. The words you speak affect and influence your life positively or negatively. In this song, Ada shares how financially blessed she is. She claims to be as rich as the central bank. If you google her name you will not find her among the class of the wealthiest people in life today, but, you should not be surprised if you do in some few years. This song is a declaration which if you continually make daily, could turn you situation around financially. Believe it or not, there is power in the tongue. 

MUSIC REVIEW: LOVIN ME – JONATHAN McREYNOLDS

Date: September 24, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Ballad)

Release: September 25, 2012

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

You now seem to be used to all the discouragement surrounding you. Words of discouragement coming from friends, family and also the person you see anytime you look in the mirror. You wonder if you will get any better. You wonder if the odds will fall in your favour. Better yet, you sometimes feel like ending it all because no one seems to love or care about you anymore. My dear reader and friend, you are mistaken. Often than not it can be complicated to think someone loves you despite all your mistakes and even worse your flaws. “Lovin me” by Jonathan McReynolds is a beautiful melody which encourages and reminds us of the absolute immense love Christ has for us, notwithstanding our flaws, and notwithstanding the errors we keep making in life. Jonathan’s excellent vocal prowess in this song speaks to the emotions. He realistically talks about similar situations you and I encounter daily, in each verse. Whenever you feel less loved, let this song remind you that God loves you even with the pimples on your face. You are his most treasured possession!

MUSIC REVIEW: BRAGADABA – FLO ROCKA

Date: September 23, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Contemporary)

Release: August 31, 2013

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Hit song after hit song after hit song! That is how talented and creative Nathan Flo is. I must add highly blessed and favoured! It may take hard work, sweat, toil, dedication, commitment and determination to get to the top; however it takes grace, mercy, goodness and the favour of GOD to keep a man there. I will not rule Nathan Flo out, when referring to men and women whom GOD is keeping at the top. Personally, there is none of his songs I do not enjoy listening to. Having digressed enough, I now direct attention to the song; “bragadaba.” I wish it was longer in length so listeners could dance some more. This song will surely get you nodding your head to say the least. Do not worry about the title. He clearly explains the message of the song and summarizes in the end, what he sings about. It is because he mixes the English language and the Pidgin English which dynamically brings out the originality of the song. Reminding listeners it is gospel music brewed in Nigeria. The rhythm, the beat, the hook are splendidly on point! Nathan Flo in this song reminds listeners to be patient as there is an appointed time for every man under the sun to shine. Surprisingly, your time is now! You have been waiting anxiously, patiently, in preparation for a breakthrough. This song like a motivator, joyously grabs you by the feet and unto the dance floor to inform you of a “Now Time” which beckons you to shine, and shine now. So dear reader, if you aren’t already shining, get ready to do so!

MUSIC REVIEW: I WIN – CWESI OTENG

CWESI OTENG

Date: September 23, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Contemporary)

Release: January 28, 2013

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Have you ever been in a state where you heard a song and didn't really like it until you saw its music video? What about a song you really liked which for some time died down but, with the release of its music video the song instantaneously erupted back to life. “I Win” is an example. I must say it is a coincidence I chose to write a review for “I Win” by Cwesi Oteng today because the music video was officially released some few hours ago. It is a beautiful one which you ought to see immediately you’re done reading this. Gospel music videos in Ghana in the past left much to be desired but not anymore. This video complements the song which I must say is a record breaking, chart topping hit song! It compels you to get out your seat to dance dance dance! It is a prophetic song; a declaration which you make even before you pick up that victorious crown. I am talking about winning in life and starting right where you are with what you have. JESUS already declared you a winner, the head and not the tail. If you can remind yourself of this every day, you will be convinced without doubt as you say to yourself: “I am an over-comer, I do not know defeat.” Culled from the lyrics.

MUSIC REVIEW: LIKE A TREE – FOLAKE AWESOME

FOLAKE AWESOME

Date: September 22, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Rap)

Release: September 22, 2013

Rating: 3.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Even though I received this song a week before the official release date, I decided to hold on and publish this review on the day of its release. Thanks once again to Folake and her management for the song submission. She sings and raps of being like a tree. Why would anyone yearn to be like a tree? The Bible describes the righteous man or woman as a tree whose leaves do not wither. Its roots are planted by the stream, it bears fruit in season and whatever he does prospers (Psalm 1:3). With this description why wouldn’t you want to be, or want to flourish like a tree? Be mindful it is not just any tree, but the kind that honours GOD. Folake puts these words in a fast-tempo upbeat song with an “easy to sing along” and catchy hook. Even a child hearing it for the first time will walk away singing: “I am like a tree...” 

MUSIC REVIEW: WONDER FT. PROVABS - IZZY

IZZY

Date: September 21, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Afro Pop)

Release: September 21, 2013

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

My expectation for this song was met. It is a stunning stunner, a definite hit song!  Izzy is a U.S based Nigerian Gospel artiste, making a positive impact on the African continent with songs such as WONDER and MUKULU MUKEKE. WONDER is a song that features Provabs; an award-winning gospel lyricist. This song expresses how great God is, and how He is able to surprise you with great and mighty things which you do not know, you have not heard, you have not conceived. The beat will get you dancing, the lyrics will leave you smiling, because of the choice of words which excitingly keep rhyming. 

MUSIC REVIEW: I WILL BE ALRIGHT - LIVRE

Date: September 21, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Contemporary)

Release: March 6, 2013

Rating: 4.25/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

In life we all have problems. You have yours, I have mine. We may not be able to take them away, but there is one person who can. You sometimes forget He’s there, I sometimes forget too. When the thought of His existence dawns on you what do you do? I remember a friend telling me in response to my question; “Repeatedly listen to one inspiring Christian song, and read your Bible.” Which of them? You may be asking. “I will be alright” by Livre. It is “heart mending,” encouraging and you will be inspired as you sing along. The lyrics in this song are very encouraging. I am deliberately using the word ENCOURAGING because we all need some encouraging words at some point in our lives. Family and friends will not always be present to encourage you, and so the onus lies on you to pick yourself up, dust off the pain and hurt, and encourage yourself in the Lord. “I will be alright” is one good song title. Take a listen to the song. You will feel much much better!

MUSIC REVIEW: THE ONLY GOD - LIVRE

Date: September 20, 2013

Genre: Gospel (R&B)

Release: April 19, 2012

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

These words if meant for a lady would sweep her of her feet. Livre is a dynamic group of New York City based vocalists. Livre’ means “FREE” in the Portuguese language and this group of singers displays their freedom in God expressively through their music and movements. The group is comprised of five spine-tingling talented vocalists: Ajanee Hambrick; Ariel Malloy; Malik Spence; Kenneth Williams; Cree Summer Rey and Richard Tolbert. The beat is nothing extraordinary nevertheless the sound of the piano makes it a classic urban R&B song you would to love to listen to over and over again. That is what got me listening till the very end the very first time; the sound of the piano at the beginning. The lyrics of this song are indeed valuable. Valuable because you can appreciate the originality in lifting up the name of JESUS using words that express sincerity. These are not the usual kind of words you will find in the lyrics of many songs. Don’t get me wrong the lyrics don’t extremely determine the beauty of the song but they make you value the ingenuity of a beautiful song put together to get a message across.

MUSIC REVIEW: I SURRENDER ALL – SANAA

SANAA

Date: September 19, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Jazz)

Release: August 18, 2013

Rating: 3/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Yes! You guessed right. It is the jazz version of one of your favourite hymns. The one you have been singing since you were a teen. You also remember the lyrics and that makes this song your “breakfast tune” as you get out of bed to prepare for the day, or your “bedtime song” as you crawl into bed to rest for the night. If you happen not to know the lyrics, you will still enjoy this song as the skilled bass guitarist works melodic wonders using his fingers. You also hear the sound of the saxophone. That happens to be Steve Bedi; a talented jazz artiste whom I could also call a favourite to many in Ghana. I really was expecting a lot more creativity in the rhythm and the beat. Nothing so special from the drums and keyboard as they harmonize or complement Sanaa on the guitar and Bedi on the sax. It is his first official single. There is no denying the imminent ones will sound much better because for a start, I surrender all by this experienced bass guitarist is a good one.

MUSIC REVIEW: Get Down by I-MA

I-MA

Date: September 18, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Pop)

Release: September 09, 2013

Rating: 3.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

This is definitely your dance tune. The title says it all. Get down no matter who you are, get down no matter where you are. What part of your body can you move best? Is it your arms, legs, hips or head? “Get Down” will get you moving to the glory of GOD. The lyrics are easy to learn and sing along; well the chorus to be precise. It also happens to be the “hook.” I-MA repeats it many times you cannot get it wrong. The musical influence in this song is quite strong that if pop is your choice genre of music, you will not think “Get Down” is gospel. Try forgetting about your worries but if you cannot, put on your dancing shoes and join I-MA shake every stress off, to the glory of GOD.

MUSIC REVIEW: Follow You – Tuci-G

Date: September 18, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Hip Hop)

Release: December 2012

Rating: 3/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Tuci – G is an upcoming gospel hip hop artiste who in the near future will convincingly make huge strides. He aims and dreams of transforming the face of gospel music in Nigeria. “Follow You” is a fast tempo hip hop song which to begin with is complex to dance with. However, there aren't any fast dance moves you cannot do using this song. This is a very appropriate rhythm for the athlete or trainer who likes to take part in aerobics at the gym or run hundreds of miles with inspiration playing in his or her ears. On a graver note, Tuci – G reveals how disappointed you can be if you decide to rely on parents, family or friends when you should be depending on a friend who sticks closer than a brother. This is the friend he admonishes us to follow.

MUSIC REVIEW: My Heart Sings - Aijay

Date: September 17, 2013

Genre: Gospel

Release: September 05, 2013

Rating: 3.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

“My Heart Sings” reminds you of scripture in 1 Samuel 16:17 which partly reads, “... Man looks at the outward appearance but GOD looks at the heart.” Aijay sounds melodious as she sings this mid-tempo song from the heart. Sending a reminder that singing with the voice will win you the praises of men, singing from the heart will win you the praises of GOD. Aijay sings of the new mercies and blessings GOD showers on her daily. She quotes scripture in the lyrics (Your blessings make rich, no sorrow with it...I’m blessed in the city, I’m blessed in the fields) to remind listeners that GOD’s daily blessings do not deserve only lips that express appreciation but also a heart full of praise and thanksgiving which GOD looks at. This is certainly a song I would love to not only play again and again on radio, but also a song that I would love to sing over and over. It is a simple yet beautiful song. Simply singing it is also confessing the blessings which GOD has bestowed on you and hence your every right to claim them as a Christian, and at the same time stating how grateful you are to Him.

MUSIC REVIEW: C.R.E.A.M by VIVID EXP

VIVID EXP

Date: September 16, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Rap)

Release: September 16, 2013

Rating: 3/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

This may not be your favourite rap song if you love to “dance to the beat,” but you sure may consider it a new favourite if you’re particular about lyrics. The song title is first and foremost creative; C.R.E.A.M, Christ Rules Everything Around Me. Vivid EXP, real name Onochie Onyekwena doesn’t sound Nigerian even though he is. He is a promising rapper with smashing hit songs we can look forward to and C.R.E.A.M is not an exception. The message is loud and straight to the point; an anthem that shouts out the fact that we should shun the world system and embrace Jesus fully. CREAM (Christ Rules Everything Around Me) is the first official single of his upcoming debut mixtape "66 Chambers."

MUSIC REVIEW: Yahweh by Kofi Karikari

KOFI KARIKARI

Date: September 15, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Worship)

Release:

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Listen to this song when in dying need of help and you could end up crying. Listen to it when hopeful for a better tomorrow and you could be smiling. Whatever the situation, whenever, you will love “Yahweh.” What do I mean? This song with such simple and short lyrics is a “soul searcher.” You cannot sing this song if you’re not willing to be humble and if you’re not willing to sing (worship) in truth and in spirit. And I do emphasize on “CANNOT” because of the message the song carries. You can listen to it like any ordinary song and that’s fine, but try singing it and your mood could instantaneously change. Unless you decide to sing along in a group because you’re compelled to do so, and hence go with the flow. “Yahweh” is a “soul searcher” because it convicts you, makes you admit you’re merely clay in the hand of the potter. Yes, there are hundreds and thousands of songs which express worship to GOD, but this one reminds you of the higher than high, supremacy of GOD, as the songwriter humbly talks of how he ought to BOW DOWN first, even before he begins to worship GOD. The very first time I heard this song I did not like it, I loved it!

MUSIC REVIEW: Break Every Chain – Tasha Cobbs

TASHA COBBS

Date: September 15, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Worship)

Release: February 05, 2013

Rating: 4.25/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Break Every Chain is undoubtedly a beautiful song! Tasha Cobbs inarguably has a powerful voice! It may sound as understatement if you already have listened to this song. You will know it is because you like the song, and you agree with Tasha when she says in the lyrics: “There is power in the name of JESUS to break every chain.” But what is it about the song that makes it a beautiful one? I would say the confession of the power of JESUS and the affirmation of the broken chains. Once again it takes faith to sing with belief because it’s a declaration which you will be making as you sing along. And without faith the Bible says, it is impossible to please GOD. This is your song as you bind, break, overcome and overrule every plan or every weapon the enemy has fashioned against you. Honestly it is not about the song, but the worship. Break Every Chain was written by Will Reagan – United Pursuit Band.

MUSIC REVIEW: Without You – Okey Sokay

OKEY SOKAY

Date: September 14, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Ballad)

Release: July 24, 2013

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

“With you I am the best I’ll ever be... In times of distress Oh Lord you’re my fortress. In you with you there’s no stress, so much gladness whenever I’m in your presence.” A few lines culled from the lyrics of a song you can easily fall in love with. Okey Sokay describes the absence of GOD in a way Romeo would describe the absence of Juliet. However in this 21^st century, Okey Sokay does it better. His choice of words very descriptive leaves you in a bit of suspense in the beginning; the chorus is simple, repetitive and tuneful. Listen to “Without You” a second time and you will not only be nodding your head in agreement but you will also be singing with ease, especially the entire chorus. This is your song when favour shows up in your house or at your workplace, knocks on your door and says, “GOD has smiled on you.” This is your kind of music when GOD reminds you of how powerful He is when you go through a crisis and how able He is to bring you out of every dilemma. Okey Sokay is an amazing audio engineer, a producer, a creative musician. His creativity manifests itself in this meaningful song which you can listen to any time of the day.

MUSIC REVIEW: Crazy Love - Akesse

AKESSE

Date: September 13, 2013

Genre: Gospel (Reggae)

Release: February 14, 2013

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

This song is sure to win your heart if reggae is not your favourite genre of music. However if reggae music is, you will think it is another love song until you hear the word JESUS. But then of course it is a love song. A love song to the One who sticks closer than a brother and loves like no other. The title is unique, the rhythm is lovely, and the approach to the chorus from when Akesse begins singing the verse makes you appreciate the beauty of “Crazy Love.” The title says it all. A love song to the One who is love; GOD. The song has not reached its target audience yet because, a song such as “Crazy Love” will still be enjoyed after many years. And for anyone who hears it for the first time will think it was released yesterday or recorded and released within the same year. (I am referring to how new this song will still sound to first time listeners, a number of years from now). Crazy Love featuring Qhakrah. He does not sing, and so you ought to listen to the song or watch the music video to hear exactly what Qhakrah does. 

MUSIC REVIEW: Unto Your Name - Ani Light

ANI LIGHT

Date: September 12, 2013

Genre: Gospel

Release:

Rating: 4/5

Reviewer: JEFFREY OWUSU

Perhaps you want the appropriate words to describe GOD; perhaps you’ve just been promoted at work or received a pleasant surprise you’ve been looking forward to. The words to show your appreciation are made simple and easy to sing along by Ani Light. “Unto Your Name” is a slow urban worship song, I choose to call it. The sound of the piano in the intro of the song will quickly draw your attention, as the melodious voice of Ani wastes no time at all to describe how good and beautiful the Lord is. “Lord You are glorious, You are beautiful...Lord You are so good, You are so kind...” are a few lines from the first verse. I will not say too much about the vocal ability of Ani because I would want you to listen and judge for yourself. So, the little I will say is that she can sing! She accurately hit a high pitch and I found that to be very impressive as it really conveys the message to listeners. To read about Ani Light, visit her blog:  www.anilightmusic.blogspot.com