It is hard to categorize certain seemingly obvious musical releases; they seem to extend themselves slightly beyond what is nominally expected of the genre in which they are placed, so that the listener has not only a musical experience, but also a bit of an intellectual one. As a follow-up to 1997's God's Property, The Nu Nation Project is somewhat predictable based on past releases, but also peppered with nonmusical elements that give the album a bit of a cultural context as well as a musical platform.
Unfortunately, amid the spirit-charged gospel music and inspiring lyrics are two interludes which I found not only uninteresting and over-dramatized, but detracting from the otherwise praise-filled and uplifting tunes that surround them. The result is an album that pulses with waves of positive gospel energy, interrupted by statements of barely disguised, ill-placed anger against judgment and hypocrisy - I think.
However, musically, once the "Interlude" elements are removed (that's what God made the "skip" button for), the album is full of positive, occasionally deep, and often praise-filled songs that charge and inspire the listener with a powerful blend of traditional and modern gospel elements. With (minimal) assistance from such notable contributors as Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, Bono, Crystal Lewis, and the incomparable Fred Hammond, The Nu Nation Project does succeed both musically and lyrically.
The end result is an album that is not unworthy of Franklin's past acclaim and success. The Nu Nation Project is well-produced, lyrically inspiring, and musically enjoyable, and - at times - even a bit challenging.
Similar sounding releases
1999New DirectionNew Direction
2004J MossThe J Moss Project
2004L. Spenser Smith & TestamentAssignment No. 1
1998Trin-i-tee 5:7Trin-i-tee 5:7
2003Jewel With LoveI Can't Hear You
2005Mary MaryMary Mary
