Positive Entertainment Reviews

Release Date: August 21st 2015.
Record Label: Capitol Records.
Music Style: Indie/Folk/Pop/Rock.


We are now on Rend Collectives 4th full length album ''As Family We Go'' and yes they are getting even better through every album they make. Now about Rend Collective, they are a community band that are pioneering fresh direction in Praise and Worship music and they have written a good few songs that are being sung in modern churches. Their well known songs are ''Build Your Kingdom Here'', ''My Lighthouse'', and ''Praise Like Fireworks''. These are some of the songs they have written and past and now they have come backs with some fresh new songs.


The party starts on the first 3 tracks ''Celebrate'', ''Free As A Bird'' and ''You Will Never Run''. They are both awesome songs that energize and get you dancing big time. If you have listened to their previous albums, you will realise that they are always willing to try something new and level up in their musical delivery. ''Celebrate'' is more than likely to start a heavenly party since it is such a vibrant song and ''Free Like A Bird'' is more souring and quite gigantic. ''You Will Never Run'' is quite different stylistically for Rend Collective and quite unconventional in the world of Worship Music. I really like the fact that their music is quite colourful and is a strong reflection that they are about family and community. We cannot categorize them in a box because they are so colourful with their blend of Folk, Indie/Rock and Pop. They go in a more Gospel/Soul direction on ''Your Royal Blood'', and it is quite an uplifting song that revisits an old hymn about the fact that nothing can save us apart from the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed at Calvary. ''Every Giant Will Fall'' is a bit of a grower as it will grow on you the more you listen to it. It is a fantastic song which is lyrically faith building.  The closing track ''The Artist'' goes into Indie/Rock territory and again it is stylistically different for the likes of Rend Collective. I quite like the chorus which talks about Jesus making all thing bright and beautiful, wild and colourful. Jesus is the one true artist since he is the most creative being in the whole universe.


As a whole, ''As Family Will Go'' is a very adventurous album that you can listen to on your journey and it is a very exciting record. The musicianship is excellent and the vocals are quite powerful and soaring. Yes, their are some mellow moments but I believe this whole album will go down as a masterpiece.


Other albums by Rend Collective.
The Art Of Celebration.
Homemade Worship By Homemade People.
Organic Family Hymnal.

Year Of Release: 2015.
Music Styles. Electronic/Pop/R&B/Hip Hop/Soul/Funk.

Tobymac seems to freshen up quite a lot since ''This Is Not A Test'' is his 6th full length studio album as a solo artist and his creative energy is still going strong. There is no trace of burning out from the likes of Tobymac since he has been in the CCM scene for such a long time. I believe God has blessed him in such a massive way and that a lot of young people are being impacted in such an enormous way through the likes of Tobymac.

''This Is Not A Test'' is one of his strongest albums in his songwriting career and there is so much adrenaline going on. This album is so incredible from beginning to end and the more i listen to it, it grows on me and the album becomes more epic and exciting. The opening track ''Like A Match'' will set the whole course on fire and will inspire us to turn up the love and strike it up like a match. It is such a fun and inspiring track. ''Backseat Driver'' is about letting go and letting God take control of our lives since he has a plan for us that will blow our minds. Musically, it is a bit different and it has a blend of Funk and Hip Hop with a little bit of Reggae in the middle.. ''This Is Not A Test'', is so full of adrenaline and will totally energise you big time. This song reminds us that we have got one chance in life to make a positive difference in life. I like that particular track quite a lot.
''Lights Shine Bright'' has a strong Hip Hop vibe and i believe it is the sort of song that inspires artists that make music that inspires people around the globe and shines God's light that illuminates the whole atmosphere.
''Til The Day I Die'' is quite innovative and more power pumping and it is real evidence that Tobymac is so committed and more focus on making music that inspires people and lifting God's banner high regardless of all misconceptions.
''Feel It'' is a very funkified song that ought to be played in nightclubs. It will get you on the dancefloor in no time. It is featuring Byron Mr Talkbox Chambers and he is ever so diverse and innovative. His record ''My Time'' is absolutely brilliant.
Tobymac reunites with DC Talk, one of the trailblazers in the CCM scene on the song ''Love Feels Like'' and it is a very epic song. It is one of the strongest and most boldest songs on this album.
Tobymac used to be in DC Talk in the 90's and they pioneered a fresh direction and brought a colourful and eclectic blend of Hip Hop,Pop,Rock and Soul into the Christian Music scene. If it wasn't for the like of DC Talk and some other CCM pioneers, Christian Music would have been even more stigmatised and more boring than ever.

''This Is Not A Test'' is a very energising album and listening to it will be like drinking lucozade. This is proof that Tobymac will always make innovative music and yes he is still going strong.

Release Date: October 11th 2010.
Music Style. Indie/Electronica/Folk/Experimental.
Record Label. Asthmatic Kitty Records.
Nationality: America.
The Age Of Adz has 11 tracks.

Sufjan Steven is flat out independant in his music and his creative freedom is evident on this particular record. He is one of the most creative and expansive artist and he definately sits well in my music collection.
Now the first time i have heard the name Sufjan Stevens was through a Snow Patrol song ''Hands Open'' and it says in the first line on the last verse, Put Sufjan Stevens on and we'll play your favorite song. Ha ha ha. ''Hands Open'' is on the Snow Patrol album ''Eyes Open'', and it come out in 2006.
Before i bought ''The Age Of Adz'', I listened to a Sufjan Stevens album called ''Illinois'' on Xbox Music on the internet and i managed to listen to most of it. I was so impressed with the fact that Sufjan Stevens is very imaginative and his music is different territory compared to what you usually listen to.
If you like Radiohead: Kid A and Athlete: Vehicles and Animals, The Age of Adz is highly recommended and it is a mindblowingly expansive and experimental album. It sounds like this album was quite difficult to make and it must have taken a long time to complete since this record is very detailed and there is so much going on. Now, as a music reviewer and an individual, I quite like a lot of quirky music that breaks the traditional mainstream music barriers and i'm willing to experiment and listen to quite a lot more independant music that is more interesting musically.

The Age of Adz starts of on a mellow and melodic note on the opening track ''Futile Devices'' and it won't be long until it explodes into an electronic extravaganza which will arrive like space invaders on the 2nd track ''Too Much'' with its retro futuristic and animated computer gamey experimentation and it will take you on a rollercoster ride. Make sure you fasten your seat belt.
The Title track is a bit more dramatic, exciting and relaxing at the same time and it goes on for a long time and it focuses on eternity. It is a very epic song.
''Now I Am Older'' is a wee bit atmospheric and a bit more soothing. You can actually have a rest when this song comes on.
''Get Real Get Right'', is a very apocalyptic song that challenges us to get right with God. We must be ready at all times since we do not know when Jesus will come back. Musically, it sounds like it comes from the future and it has a very spacey and cartoony feel. What an awesome song.
''Vesuvius'' continues the wildly imaginative electronica and it is very otherworldly. It will take you into a very futuristic realm. I think it is a fantastic song.
The closing track ''Impossible Soul'' is the longest track and it is the most experimental track on this record. It truly shows that Sufjan Stevens is always willing to exlore and discover new territories along the way. Sufjan Stevens Christian faith is evident on The Age Of Adz and i pray this record will inspire you to live in light of eternity since God's kingdom is coming soon.

You know what, i really really like this album so much and it is soooo mega awesome. It truly satisfies my thirst for independant music that is experimental and i like listening to music that is futuristic. What will this world be like if all the music artists had a lot more creative freedom. This world would be way more colourful and exciting than it is now.

Other Recommended albums.
Athlete: Vehicles And Animals.
Radiohead: Kid A.
David Crowder Band: A Collision.
Gruff Rhys: American Interior.

Grits are an incredibly exciting Rap Duo who are on Gotee Record, a label that promote cultural and racial diversity in music and this record is literally incredible. I like this record quite a lot and i am so pleased to review it. This record was released in 2004 along with Dichotomy A and i believe this album is a continuation of Dichotomy A.  Dichotomy B is awesome from start to finish and it is a musically colourful record. ''If I'' is quite futuristic with a video gamey feel. ''We Don't Play'' blends in Calypso, Rock and Hip Hop and it does it really well. It is featuring Manchild who is a rapper in Mars Hill and Deepspace 5. They are recommended if you like Underground Rap and Hip Hop.
''Saved Soul'' and ''U Want It are both musically different and creative. I quite like Underground Hip Hop music since a lot of it is interesting and most of it done by Christians is totally upbeat and distinctive and it doesn't conform to the Hip Hop norms. I totally recommend the Hip Hope Hits CD's. They are jam packed with so many awesome and  exciting underground Hip Hop music that can pump up the video gaming arcades. Don't miss out on them cos they are super amazing.
When you read this review, may i remind you that there is a lot more music out there if you dig deeper. I believe this Praise Illuminator Music Review Blog will inspire you to in your journey of digging deeper.

I am so proud of my faith in God since he is the only reason why i have more purpose in my life. God can make your life a lot more interesting if you give him a chance to change you from the inside. God is brilliant at changing peoples hearts.

I bought the Grits album ''Dichotomy B'' at the Big Church Day Out in 2014 and when i first heard the whole album i thought it was amazing. I like the fact that it is musically eclectic and that it doesn't attempt to sound like the other stuff we usually end up hearing. I bought a few underground Rap albums from the Big Church Day Out and they are stunning, believe me, i know what i am talking about. Here they are and they are recommended.

Braille: Box Of Rhymes.
4th Avenue Jones: Stereo The Evolution of Hip Rock Soul.
LA Symphony: Disappear Here.
29th Chapter: Supernova.
Lecrae: Rehab: The Overdose.

This album came out in 18th May 2015.
Music Styles. Electronica, Psychedelia, Rock, Jazz, Funk.
Saturns Pattern is an amazing and adventurous follow up to the futuristic ''Sonik Kicks'' album and Paul Weller definitely goes up to the next level creatively. ''22 Dreams'' and ''Wake Up The Nations'' took Paul Weller in a more experimental direction and ''Sonik Kicks'' is completely dazzling and exciting. This new record ''Saturns Pattern'' continues Paul Wellers unbridled creativity and it paid off. It is ever so fantastic from start to finish. This record contains nine tracks and they are all awesome.

 This album is quite different since Paul Weller has resisted the urge to repeat his past albums. Saturns Pattern is proof that Paul Wellers creative fires is still burning brighter than ever and the songs are ever so incredible. This record opens up with an inventive Electro Psychedelic Rock song ''White Sky'' and the positively uplifting title track ''Saturns Pattern''. ''Long Time'' is quite a short track that will rock the house. it is featuring Josh McClorey on the guitar and he is an unbelievable guitarist from ''The Strypes'' and they are an incredible band.

This album is a perfect resource for new bands since i have a strong passion for creative excellence and i would like to see future band take creativity to a higher level.

Release Date: May 20th 2014.
Music Style: Electronic/Pop/Hip Hop/Techno.
Record Label: Clear Sight Music.

I am going to do a review of one of the most talented female pop artists who not only does good quality pop music that is well up to date, she truly stands out lyrically and she is truly positive through and through. This album review and this whole music review blog is proof that there is so much more artists out there that haven't been explored yet, so you cannot rely on what is in the charts.
One listen to this CD and you will gain a brand new perspective and you will be inspired in a whole new way. ''Forever After'' is a very positive and glowing record while at the same time genuine.
This album features collaborations with the likes of Flame, Shonlock, Da Truth and KJ-52, and they are amazing artists. They are well worth checking out if you are looking for modern music that is musically excellent and lyrically positive and faith filled.

Musically, this record is so vibrant and in no time you will be dancing and having a party. V Rose is a very talented artist and a positive role model for the youngsters to follow. you can listen to V Rose on www.xbox.com/music.

Lyrically, this record will help us to see ourselves differently in a culture that puts way too much emphasis on fashion and image. The world is always, constantly telling us to look and act like other models that we see in magazines and it is ruining and poisoning the perception of so many young people.

This awesome V Rose album will inspire us to be true to who we are since God made us and he created us for his own glory and pleasure. You don't have to spend your life trying to be someone else when you can embrace the freedom to embrace your true colours and be you. Be the person God made you to be and live a life that causes people to see Jesus in you since it is Jesus Christ. that ultimately changes lives and brings us back to God. It is not about religion, it is totally about relationship and it is when you have a relationship with God, your life changes for the better and you will become a much better person that ever before.

Recommended albums.
Flame: The 6th.
Flame: Royal Flush.
Da Truth: Heartbeat.
Da Truth: The Big Picture.
KJ-52: Mental.
KJ-52: Dangerous.
Shonlock: Never Odd Or Even.

Shonlocks albums are not on xbox music but you can either download or order them online.
Never Odd Or Even is an awesome and excellent record and it is musically diverse with elements of Hip Hop, Dance/Pop and Rock.

This album is a perfect tool for resourcing the creativity of future bands and artists.


Absolutely is the 2nd album by one of the most talented, innovative and most vibrant and exciting bands of all time and it is completely awesome from beginning to end. This album came out in 1980 and it is the follow up to their debut album One Step Beyond which was also fantastic as well.
Madness are one of the bands that have shaken off the musical mediocrity that has been plaguing popular chart music and have made music that is so out of the ordinary.
Madness are a very diverse band and their music consists of Ska, Reggae, Pop, 60's style Rockabilly, Motown.
The singles ''Baggy Trousers'' and ''Embarrassment'' are on this record but don't stay settled on those two songs because they are tasters of what this record actually sounds like. ''Absolutely'' is a very adventurous and eclectic album that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of your life. This is real evidence that Madness are truly a multi talented and eclectic band and yes, they evolved and devoloped throughout their journey and thankfully Madness are still going strong.
If you just stick to listening to their popular and well known single, you will miss out big time on the adventure of listening to their full albums. Do you want to go much deeper, you can get some of the remastered versions of some of the Madness records and you will be able to hear the original albums and also the B sides and different mixes. Their B sides are ever so incredible and it shows that Madness have taken some musical risks and have gone into more adventurous waters. The 2nd disc on the remastered version of ''Absolutely'' is Madness live in concert.

As you know, ''Absolutely'' is the 2nd Madness album, and personally i don't believe in the difficult second album syndrome. The problem is the major record industries compare the 2nd albums with the success of the debut albums and it bothers me because i am well interested in seeing bands and artists evolve and develop their music. So many 2nd albums are seriously underrated and i find that ever so disturbing. Bands have got to grow and develop whether people like it or not and it is no good playing it safe and going the easy way. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to really make music and it is not easy.
The fact is when you make a new album, you cannot repeat the albums you did previously and go through the motions. When you make a new album, you you got to move to the next level, you can't stay on level 1 time and time again and sound the same. You must be willing to grow as an artist and record even better songs. The difficult second album syndrome is a lie and you must never let it hinder and stifle your creativity. I have had enough of record companies contributing to the status quo when artists need a lot more freedom to be creative and explore different territories. There have been a lot of bands and artists who have taken a lot of risks and have defied the music norms and these are the bands and artists that have made music so much better and have paved the way for future music makers.