Album Review: Nehilet and d All Girls Band First Album

With first solo album indeed but not new to the Gospel arena, Nehilet Blackman succeeds at her latest project with her All Girls Band [A.G.B]. In an article earlier featured on the Globe, Nehilet described her fear for being alone in this undertaking, though the album proved that she was in good hands. We take a look into the album song by song grasping the very essence of what Nehilet wanted to portray.

Artist: Nehilet Blackman & D All Girls Band

Album: Nehilet Blackman & D All Girls Band

Synopsis:

With experienced brother and producer Isaac Blackman, he has given the album quite an edge from the norm of Jamoo music. With accompaniment of members of A.G.B, they have also raised the bar of Jamoo/Soca. All persons brought to it their individuality, in style, flavour and flare; 3 things that most followers look for on stage and on track.

The album is what I will call uplifting, meditational and brings a soothing calm to any troubled soul. As the tracks play we are encouraged line by line, verse by verse to hold steadfast and continually to surrender our lives.

Its bright colors and beautful pictures makes it invting and peaks one's interest. With photography done by Sancho Francisco and Kevon Thomas, graphics (to my suprise) Avion Blackman, and layout by Mark Mohr, it certainly is appealing to the eyes. Very nice layout indeed.

Breakdown:

The intro track ‘Hey Love’ does it all in preparing you for what was to come. I sensed nothing but pure praise and worship as Nehilet’s voice escalated to the melodious sounds of an acoustic guitar. The serenade to Father God, asks that she be kept near to Him with passionate pleas, and total surrender of her being. With great sentiment one can feel the gratitude and do nothing but give thanks as well. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Track two’s ‘Sweet Refreshing’ was then sung by Karma Ramsey. With her use of metaphors, she gave the contrast of her life and many known bible characters wanting God to change and use her like them. With an approach of humility and grace, she acknowledges the need of God in her life. With softly played guitars, keyboard and drums, they blended in with the revitalizing sounds of her voice. Ackowleging the creativty of the late Atinga Cox and Isaac Blackman the song was well done! I truly enjoyed it. 7.5 out of 10 (Live performance 8.5/10).

I was surprised by the instant change in tempo as we got it on with Soca in ‘New Beginning’. With signature sounds on traps that only the Blackman family have perfected, it helped to energize the song. It was sung with victory, over confusion and delusion. With that continued sense of surrender, Nehilet portrayed obedience throughout the song. I was immediately reminded of the portion of scripture 1Sa 15:22. ‘To obey is better than sacrifice’. She continued to shout proclamations, and thanks for a total makeover in her life and newness of season. I give 10 out of 10

‘Close to You’ began with a pounding base and background sounds that gave a folk, jamoo and R&B melody. With earnest pleas again of continued dwelling in His presence, I felt in my room the descent of the Spirit of God as I sang and opened up my heart. [Yea when I listen to an album I interact with the songs].Another personal favourite of mine that elevates in worship and surrender. (I think that this song should be made a chapter in Psalms.) Easy 9 out of 10

‘Who is this child’s voice?’ I asked myself as I listened closely to her testament. With a voice that brought a smile to my face and beauty to my day, Naila Blackman in ‘Heaven Above’ calmed me. Originally sung by her aunt Avion Blackman, she made it her own. With sincerity of prayer to Indian sounds, I sensed love and affection from a truly innocent heart. Simply beautiful is what I call this song. I’ll give her a 9 out of 10.

With the cries of Annessa Sherine Aziz in ‘Focus’ to the beginning I was being drawn in to surrender burdens, and dance in the solitude of my room. I felt instantly a deep connection formed between God, myself and the words of the song as it resonated towards heavens. As my hands were thrown up to the Most High and legs elongated to the harmonies of the backups in chorus, it did a total realignment in my heart for a deeper realm of worship. With slightly unique electronic sounds in the background, it made the song an emotional one that any young woman would enjoy. Well done chick! I give you 20 out of…I mean 10 out of 10!

Nehilet once again brought earnest praise and reflection of God’s image in ‘Represent’. Proverbs 31:24-26 comes to mind to describe Nehilet as I saw her and dancers perform this live the Satuday night of launch gone. When you listen to this song on the album, there is denial of self and an understanding to please God for herself and many other women (men too!). Fast life and popularity is worthless to sum it up. Represent Him by praising Him daily. It’s a fun and lively song that will be the highlight in any Christian Bachelorette party. I’ll give 8.5 out of 10.

Angelic Iantha Hicks did a captivating composition titled ‘You are My Peace’. I must say though that this song live is jaw dropping as all girls sing with great feeling/emotion.Still on the album all young ladies sang at their finest. It’s another track like Annessa’s that encourages worship in dance/mime. Can’t wait to see what any avd dancer will do with this album! I’ll rate this song 9 out of 10.

‘Christ is the Way’ is what Nihilet Blackman aka mini Nehilet sang in the next track. Ebullient like her aunt, she sang with gladness of heart and excitement. A very good pece done by Abbi Blackman. Instruments synced to give that want of having a praise break. With her on the track it was  to me ‘cute’. I’ll give it 7.5 out of 10.

‘I Pray’ had an unusual twist that I didn’t expect. This group is known for soca/jamoo but hearing R&B this round showed their versatility and ability to be on top of their game. I heard their Trini accents and that was different to what we’re accustomed to hearing from many others. It was nice. I’ll rate it 8 out of 10.

Wrtten and arranged by Sherwin Gardener, ‘Feel Your Touch’ is another personal favourite. Keeping it upbeat and energetic, this was simply beautiful. Another one that my legs seem to love. From a dancers view and fan of both Sherwin and Nehilet, I give it 10 out of 10.

Ahhhh! ‘FAVOUR’ The ablum should that title have been Nehilet! Lol (Editor's Note: Esther really loves Nihilet's music!) I love this song! There’s no more to be said other than Isaac you were GENIUS on this track! I give this 10 out of 10.

Special Guest Marge Blackman with ‘Hide Tide’ came mellow and reflective of how life can be somewhat trial-some. In spite of that pain though she offered hope of high tides and removed pain in Christ. With music done by her and Isaac, crashing waves, acoustic guitars, pianos and drums blended well!  9 out of 10.

Ricia Archer in ‘Hallelujah’ brought another dancer side alive in me as I wanted to salsa to this track. With captivating sounds of the guitar that were no doubt Isaac’s doing; and her worship filled approach, made this song simply beautiful! I ‘ll give this 9 as well.

‘I Pray’ (Jamoo Remix) brought back the true essence of A.G.B. With signature sounds that are trademark for the Blackmans, it brought the album on home wrapping it up with that continue flow of joy, peace and surrender to our Lord. 8 out of 10.

Honestly all young women did wonderfully. Coupled with experienced and capable Isaac, composers such as Sherwin Gardner, Abbi, April and Marge Blackman, this album was given the headstart it needed to be ground breaking and revolutionary for women locally!

The average rating it attained was 8.8. ECELLENT! I look forward to another and pray God’s richest blessing upon Nehilet.

Be sure to purchase your copy of the album, and support the band!

Written by :

Esther James

 

Features - Music