Album Review : Isaac Blackman 'World Changers'

Music is without a doubt a powerful medium that can change attitudes, cause reflection and create negativity or affect positive change. Jamoo though by the Blackmans have been bringing forth those positive traits within their music for nearly 3 generations. However one Blackman that has recreated and revolutionized Jamoo was Isaac Blackman his latest album titled ‘World Changers’

Artist: Isaac Blackman

Album: World Changers

Record Label: Jamoo Good News Ltd.

Release Date: 17-Aug-2011

Synopsis:

Grasping an understanding of what is needed to make superb musical production, mixed with singing about personal circumstances and issues and the original intent of God for His Kingdom and His people, Isaac has created an amazing album.

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but for the most part I can tell you I beg to differ. With graphical work done by Christophe Pierre of ‘Design By Spirit’ it had already began to impress upon my mind that it was not the average local album. If anyone knows anything about these designers, it’s that they mean businesses and clearly to be a world changer you have to begin to think ‘internationallyl’ so they sought the best!

I must confess that since I attained this album I have played an average of 14 tracks per day from it. In other words I have listened to the entire thing countless times. It’s that feel good music with a good message toward righteous transformation.

Let Me Break It Down:

I always enjoy watching Isaac perform, and truth be told it’s like I have that experience every time I listen to his intro track, ‘So Good’. He lets you know that he was born with the gift of music and he’s worshiping God and nothing else. With an up tempo rhythm and a mixture of other genres in the Jamoo it creates a good’ feeling.

When I was asked by a friend what is one of the best songs that I’ve heard prior to the album’s launch, without hesitation I exclaimed ‘Sweet Music’. This track breaks cultural indifferences, ideologies and stays true to the family’s love for seeing unity in the body through worship unto God. Featured singer Neval Chatelal also brought that distinct Indian flavor that no Trininbagonian can resist. Creating that fusion of chutney and Jamoo was ingenious.

Another favorite of mine is ‘Do you Like It’. If you’re from the Caribbean and you‘re familiar with ‘chippin down d road’, Latin dancing and Calypso you’d appreciate it and have your hands waving ‘Yess ah like it!’ Mixing righteousness with a fun melody, it can be the ice breaker in any crowd. If you’re a DJ get a copy of this song (Purchase it eh!)

I see nothing but a trend with this album in that Isaac loves to make people dance! After all the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost! In ‘Dancing Thing’ Isaac made it clear that he wasn’t ashamed to celebrate salvation. That alone is reason enough to praise God with dancing and spread joy.

‘Holiday’ is a celebratory song that perfectly expresses the feelings, and emotions that one would experience after obtaining favor, miracles, or even deliverance. It’s about thanking God for newness of life, finding purpose and another favorite of mine with a Soca mix.

One I think that is dedicated to selfish people and who wonder why they don’t have friends is ‘Learn to Share’ featuring Koen Duncan. The bible says in Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly. We see so much of the opposite even in the church where we don’t have regard for one another but here is a very strong message about showing love and respect for one another. Simple words yet it has a powerful message that can change the lives of other people if we only consider our brothers and sisters.  Well done Koen and Isaac! Humility is something that God honors and exalts man for.

The album had a surprise and I got that with ‘No Retreat’. With infectious drum rolls at that beginning,  the song built up into a song of warfare issuing stern warning to the enemy that he’s gonna lose. It was done with authority and affirmation that we need to guard or contend for our faith (Jude 1:3). Isaac described himself as ‘the voice of the Commander’.

Bringing in that Jampop that he introduced with new artiste Konata, Isaac brought a fresh twist with older brother Sheldon. With influences from the Hip Hop genre, the beat was ‘harrrd’ as we say in Trinidad which often means off the chain, dope, maad! ‘Untop Of The World’ is another track that he did a wonderful job with.

‘Just say God’ takes you back to the pure Jamoo and hails the King of Kings for all that He is. The next track was dedicated to all men. I applaud Isaac for doing this given that the enemy has been attacking our men in and out of the church. ‘Stumbling’ encourages men to reclaim their lives by confession to the Lord for need of His forgiveness. Just to quote a few lines the song says…

Verse 1

‘Youre a real man when yuh say that yuh sorry

You’re a real man when yuh say God forgive me

It takes a real man tuh recongnize yuh wrong

If you’re a real man yuh gotta stand strong’

Chrous

If yuh feel like yuh stumbling

If yuh feel like yuh fumbling

Start all over, start all over

The next song took you in warfare mode again with ‘Me Boot’. Jamoo, reggae and roots took got you into preparation for the battle. Intense, passionate and full of the intent of victory are the words I’ll use to describe this

‘Sweet Son’ is another passionate and sincere song. Singing about the constant need for the Son of God in his life he describes what he becomes with Him and what he lacks when he’s distant from Him. Somehow this song brought ‘Old School Love’ to my recollection. The song was approximately six minutes long, two of which took listeners on a musical journey as the band ‘jammed’

The title track ‘World Changers’ and ‘All Is Not Lost’ is something I’ll leave for you to experience. It’s  songs that I appreciate and causes you to mediate upon his prolific words. Overall the album was well produced, on par with international excellence and something that would do well on the international market. Purchase the album and let us continue to support our brother and friend as he spreads the Gospel across borders in heavenly, sweet and sensational Jamoo. Are you a WORLD CHANGER??

Written by :

Esther James

 

Features - Music