If you were looking for a model of how artistry and faith can be in perfect union, Soul-Junk may have the answer. Because of the group's commitment to their music, it will gain an audience that would otherwise not hear the message of the gospel. Glen Galaxy and his partners in Soul-Junk are pushing the limits of music with their fusion of hip-hop, techno, and indie rock.
Soul-Junk quotes scripture and makes overt remarks about their Christian worldview. But I have a feeling audiences won't turn away. Because of the band's uncompromising musical style, people will listen. Author, musician, and CCM Magazine columnist John Fischer recently wrote that if Christians focus on their art, they can then weave their faith into it. Fischer writes "Sacrifice the art, and you guarantee the message will be heard only by those who, because they already support it, are tolerant of any effort on its behalf." What a novel idea; Create great art that draws us in, and then hit us with the gospel. Neither style nor substance has been sacrificed. Faith and art can go hand in hand.
Musically, the album spans several genres, yet the vibe is consistent. Whether it's the straightforward hip-hop of "ill-m-i" or the college-radio friendly "Sweet to My Soul", 1956 isn't disjointed. The only problem with this kind of musical experimentation is that many people just won't get it. Unless she's truly hip, your mom won't understand this stuff; The masses probably won't get it either. 1956 is not as consistent, or catchy as Beck's Odelay, another album built on intertwined layers of hip-hop and indie rock. Soul-Junk can't top Beck, but who can? His magnum opus Odelay won a Grammy. For the daring listener, 1956 is a sonic treat, breathing new life into a stale musical marketplace.
I've heard enough from Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. Give me Soul-Junk, because it's "Sweet to My Soul."
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterForget Nelly and Sisqo and Eminem. Soul-Junk had this summer's most addicting, thumpin-in-the-cruiser song; 'Ill-m-I,' which resurrects late-80s rap to provide (a little) continuity to an eclectic mix of digital and instrumental sounds, creating a sweet piece of ear candy that's as fun to dissect as it is to listen to. 'How we flow' follows up with a strong mix of hip-hop groove, off-key…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Jai AgnishJust when you thought you had the Junk all figured out…nope. It's hard to get a handle on Soul-Junk. Each album brings a new direction, a new move, a new experiment. And like a true innovator, Glen Galaxy distances himself from the past for a slap of random sweetness in 1956. Lots to choose from: jungle curiosities, crazed hip-hop gems, heart-felt and mellow guitar/computer-based numbers and…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by Luke10:21RomerThe White Hot Apostle Strikes Again! This is not a review of the new Soul-Junk album, 1956. This is a preview of things to come. It isn't the turning of a new leaf, but the growth of a completely new tree--and hopefully an entire orchard. Once you hear the fruit of the Spirit of Soul-Junk, you'll wonder why David never thought to plug in his harp. Where do I start? The music showers down around…Opus 2000Reviewed by Jason MoreheadMy first introduction to Soul-Junk was at Cornerstone 1998, when they played an after-midnight set with the Danielson Famile. I'd just spent the night dancing to Joy Electric and watching MC Hammer, and I was tired and exhausted when Soul-Junk began. Their music was the very definition of quirky, with band members all over the stage, playing Casio keyboards and children's toys before hitting the…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Justin W. JonesUsually when Soul-Junk is heard in Christian music circles, they are mentioned in the same breath as The Danielson Famile, and with their experimental style of hip-hop/noise/rock you could see the comparisons. But with their latest album 1956, there is no category other than "genius" that connects these two innovative groups. Far more structured than earlier ventures, 1956 should push them out of…Similar sounding releases
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