Church of Rhythm band members Max Hsu, Jason Gregory, Nathan Clair, and Carlton Coleman met while serving in various ministries at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. It was there that they discovered how their diverse musical talents and abilities could work in harmony to create a group that thrives on excellence in music and ministry. This self-penned, self-titled debut is one of the slickest youth-oriented projects I have heard. With high-quality production work of big name producers Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff (Clay Crosse/Michael Bolton), Church of Rhythm should win many young fans this summer.
Musically, Church of Rhythm offers a vibrant and smooth brand of music which includes rap, hip-hop, and R&B-flavored pop influences. Not since Sounds of Blackness have I heard an album that tried to be so all encompassing. Balancing an aggressive style much like Janet Jackson's with the silky sounds of Boyz II Men and Kool and the Gang is not an easy task, but the innovative men of Church of Rhythm pull it off well. However, their strength and their trade-mark--diversity--can also be a weakness. While much of their music is fresh and competitive with what's hot in the youth music scene, the album as a whole often lacks cohesiveness. Perhaps it would have served the project better to group the songs differently or to offer fewer stylistic changes (you can only go from def-jam to sweet ballad so many times before you start to feel like you are on a roller coaster ride). But overall, Church of Rhythm has more going for it than detracting from it.
Lyrically and vocally, Church of Rhythm is tight. It is clear from the first cut, "Take Back the Beat," to the closing hymn, "It is Well with My Soul," that this band is committed to bringing the Gospel to today's youth. The project is infused with exhortations and encouragements to live life for and with God. In "Take Back the Beat," they take the charge to proclaim the Good News seriously:
We stand together for what we believe Light a candle in the darkness hold it up for all to see... It's time to join hands, believe Stand in faith and receive in the Light And take the beat back from the night If I could be silent, I'd be livin' a lie It says the rocks will cry out for my God is alive!
The strong messages are backed with blazing harmony. Each of the group's four men have a powerful and complementary voice.
With high intensity and a great deal of creativity, Church of Rhythm is providing youth with a viable alternative to some of today's most popular musical styles. Combining a strong background in ministry and musical talent, they are taking the beat to a higher plateau.
