Music Review: Releases for Weekend of May 8, 2020

This weekend has no shortage of new projects for you to listen to! Find links and brief reviews for those we checked out below:

Barely Finished 2 x Mission & BrvndonP

Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop

Project Type: Album

Recommended For: C2C Lovers; Workout Music

This high energy collaborative album features both rappers/vocalists delivering highly crafted bars and top-notch production by BrvndonP (under his producer moniker Black Knight). As is custom for both Mission and BrvndonP, the lyrics discuss the facts of their day-to-day lives and testimonies. The samples features throughout the album add a fun, pop-culture attune touch to Barely Finished 2 as well.

The Lost Demos x TobyMac

Genre: Pop/Rock

Project Type: EP

Recommended For: Lighthearted Driving Music; Dance (or Cleaning) Party Around The House

Christian music veteran TobyMac in what has become his signature style blends his rap and vocals in a primarily upbeat EP. Similar to Andy Mineo’s 2019 album Work In Progress, TobyMac’s The Lost Demos features a collection of previously unreleased and unused song demos (supposedly that did not make the cut for previous projects’ final edits). The EP features a song with Byron Chambers a.k.a. Mr. Talkbox as well as a record written for/about Toby’s late son, Truett.

Never Have I Ever x Hillsong Young & Free

Genre: Pop/Praise & Worship

Project Type: Single

Recommended For: C2C Fans; Morning Pick-Me Up/Mid-Day Boost

This release from Hillsong Church’s Youth-focused music group is upbeat both in music and in message. Listen to Never Have I Ever when you need a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness. The single release features both a live and a studio version of the song.

Waymaker/See a Victory x Anthony Evans

Genre: Gospel/Worship

Project Type: Single

Recommended For: Quiet Time Lovers; Worship Playlists

Anthony Evans blends two worship favorites in Waymaker/See a Victory. Please make sure you’re able to either multitask well or that you can focus your full attention on the Lord when you listen. This cover is heartfelt, dynamic, and moving – a great addition to any Quiet Time or Worship playlist.

NEVER FAIL (Remix) x Da’ T.R.U.T.H. ft. Swoope & Greg Cox

Genre: Rap/Urban

Project Type: Single

Recommended For: C2C Lovers; Introspection

Da’ T.R.U.T.H. delivers a remix ft. Swoope to his original release of NEVER FAIL featuring Charlotte-based artist Greg Cox (on the Chasing Ghosts EP which dropped in March of 2020). The honest record provides honest introspection that could well induce some of the same for the listener. The bottom line: no matter what we may see, experience, or feel, God never fails.

Grateful x Lion of Judah ft. Drakeford

Genre: Alternative Pop/Praise & Worship

Project Type: Single

Recommended For: Mellow Mornings Lovers; Easy Listening

This single from UK-based group Lion of Judah is a feel-good reminder that we have an advocate with our Heavenly Father in our big brother, Jesus Christ. The lighthearted guitar riffs, harmonies, and electronic touches throughout Grateful make for a pleasant and intriguing listen as well. Be prepared for the catchy tune to get stuck in your head.