Could
it be that simple … that the cross can save us all?
The
River
Artist:
Jordan Feliz
Label:
Centricity Music
Length:
11 tracks/36 minutes
The
first sounds from The River by Jordan Feliz are a needle
dropping on vinyl followed by the crackle often heard on a record.
The pure tones of an acoustic guitar then launch into a blues melody.
It’s like listening to an old classic. What a start for lovers of
vinyl and/or the blues!
This
59 second intro to “The River,” the first single, serves as a
stark contrast to a contemporary R&B/pop sound featuring
prominent hand claps on a driving rhythm.
The
forceful singing is a call to faith. This river is the water of life,
found in Christ.
Next
up, the second and current single, “Never Too Far Gone.” It’s a
worthy followup with an equally captivating rhythm, and again, a
message of hope that can apply to anyone.
Perhaps
“Simple” could be a future single, one of the finest tracks found
here. A playful melody serves as the background for basic questions
with profound implications:
Could
it be that simple, that you love me and that’s it
And we only need little, a little bit of faith that’s heaven sent
The
latter part of the chorus points toward the revelation that this
world so desperately needs:
Don’t
want my pride to get in the way, of the love that you give away
Give
me you, Give me truth, that the cross can save us all it’s really
that
Simple
The
clarity is refreshing; the music compelling.
If
the latter is more elemental on the stanzas of these songs, it
highlights the expansiveness on the choruses. It may not be anything
new, but I like how full and grand these punchlines sound. It’s
along the lines of “Paradise” by Coldplay; the verses a little
subdued followed by a majestic chorus. Though pop oriented, R&B
is in the mix.
This
is one of the things that intrigues me about contemporary music. You
hear sounds that were unimaginable years ago. I’m fascinated by the
synthesis of the manufactured and organic. One moment you hear
something bewildering; the next, the strumming of a guitar or a
piano.
Occasionally,
you get heavy industrial synths, but it merely serves as the setup
for a more satisfying resolve. Overall, the production is top-notch,
on par with what you might hear on the radio.
It
moves along on a steady clip until the last two tracks where it slows
down. It fits the weighty subject matter: constancy and longing. The
closing “Satisfied” showcases the raw talent of Feliz.
This
is a solid debut. Expect to hear more.
