Reviewed by Steve Hayes

America's mainstream spiritual hip-hop collective Arrested Development stand out as a band of pure quality - instrumentally, poetically and lyrically. Since their first album they have consistently produced albums with socially and spiritually challenging messages, loaded with live instrumentation and catchy hooks. Their depth in 'Since The Last Time' is a far cry from the superficial hip-hop that unfairly gets the radio play. In the words of the funky title track, "...we never sold out for the high chart position." Standout tracks lace the album from start to end, with tracks such as the uplifting "Miracles" bringing a breezy old skool vibe, along with the beautiful "Sao Paulo" and "Heaven". The crunk infused but highly infectious "Down & Dirty" deftly proves the versatility of Arrested Development. Messages of hope, character and positivity flow throughout the album such as the lyrical message from Speech that "the things that I stand for tell who I am" in "Stand" to the cry for hope on the streets in "It's Time". Love fills the airwaves, from the inter-racial love story of "Sunshine" and the insights in "Nobody Believes Me Anyway" that everyone should have "someone to love above themselves to help (them) grasp the depths of love."

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.