Shine High Album Review - by Dj Livstrong

Dj Livstrong gives Gospel Globe his first album review, starting with Koen Duncan's sophmore album release - Shine High. The young artiste has been riding high (or should we say "shining high") recently, and at the point of publishing this article, is preparing to celebrate ten years of his ministry.

Artist: Koen Duncan

Album: Shine High

Record Label: Independent

Release Date: 08-May-09

Synopsis:

After two plus (2+) years without releasing an album Koen Duncan returns to the shelves of your favourite record store with a hard hitting 14 Track album. In many ways this artist has grown and continues to raise the standard of Trinidad and Tobago gospel music. With a nice blend of reggae, dancehall, soca and acoustics, 'Shine High' seeks to encourage believers to follow the principle of Matthew 5:16.

Breakdown:

The album kicks off with a simple intro relating the scripture excerpt taken from the famous sermon on the mount found in Matthew 5:14-16. It titles the album as an experience which it definitely is as it takes us through various genres and moods of music. The hit single 'Shine High' kicks of the music with it's infectious one drop and the rough raspy dancehall voice of Koen Duncan proclaiming that "Light supposed to shine!". More than anything this track almost chastens Christians to do their daily duty of evangelizing the gospel by a shining light centered around our daily living.

"What's Due" continues the experience by interestingly relating the fact that we need to give God what he dserves over a somewhat Jazzy R&B beat with heavy emphasis on guitars and pianos. This track and "Weakness" demonstrate the versatility of Koen's peculiar voice that can forcefully sing an R&B and not cause you to press the skip button.

We then take a trip to a hybrid old testament principle that foreshadows the work the Christ does in our life. "Sprinkle" does what a reggae song is supposed to do; emerse you in a mellow vibe of reflection and meditation. What does it meditate upon? The blood of Jesus. The track needs no further explanation.

In a somewhat twist of pace "Mountain Mover" and "We Shine" ft. Dulani 'Ethicz' Howell increase the pace of the album with the latter leaving a little to be desired on the production and cypha side. The attempt was valiant but in a age where Christian Hip Hop has many heavy hitters that constantly raise the bar, it does not match up.

"Miracle" shows vintage Koen duncan staying indeginous to his Trini roots and simply letting you kow that the Lord can still do miracles in your life in the form of helping you overcome. It spicifically points out that 'Christ the answer bald head or rasta'. I must point out that the organ interlude in the song adds a splendid 'churchy effect'.

I was a little perturbed by "Pray Up Fi Dem" the flow can only be described as 'different'. It does grow on you. After close examination I don't know wether Koen always had this in him and Elisha learn't from it, or Elisha assisted him in writing the one. For the wild at heart i'm sure it appeals to them. Shades of J Prince come to mind.

So the most hype that is found ont he album spans from track 5 - 8 "On My Mind" and "Weakness" seem to transtion in terms of theme in the fact that God's love should alaways be on your mind and because of that you have a weakness for God.

True to Trinbagonian culture the inclusion of a soca track would not do justice to Koen's roots of his first breakout track (post Broadway Boys) "All de Time". "Upright" is just what it sates which is a song about righteousness based on God's standards. It promotes the shunning of worldy wisdom to dictate our actions as Christians.

Into the Heartfelt section of the album that starts with "Worship God" ft. Elisha. I don't think that Elisha has yet found the touch of singing like his brother has. His vocals, while heart felt don't seem like they complimented the accompanying vocalists on the track. "Seek Christ" continues the vibe and it is a wonderful acoustic guitar track which again highlights the unique voice that Koen Duncan has been blessed with. His flow is amazing, this is a definite track to repeat because it speaks to the heart of men in so many different ways.

In many ways Koen Duncan has produced a solid album both musically and lyrically. His impact on the gospel music industry of Trinidad and Tobago will be further cemented with this effort. We should all try to pick this one up at our favorite book store and remember to pray for our ministers as they labor in the vineyard.

Meters :

Timbrel and Harp:

Written by :

Guest Contributor

 

Features - Music