Reviewed by Steve Hayes

G.O.L.D. (God's Other Living Disciple), otherwise known as Rob Howze, hails from Buffalo, New York and has produced an album that is hard to categorise musically. In his words, his music "bridges gaps and shatters barriers" moving between rhythm and praise and hip-hop, like the pulsating "Don't Judge Me". Working with his wife, Nicole Howze, what emerges is a talented and musically varied album, mixing piano, guitar and beats with some refreshingly raw vocals. "Every Time" is a real standout tune, mixing R&P and rap vocals. Several tracks have a smooth rolling rhythm and praise groove, moving from uplifting to more thought-provoking slower jams like "Shine On Me". The first real hip-hop direction comes through in "Somebody's Watching You" as we learn how God's eyes are on us from birth. "Heaven Step" is as it says, a dance track with G.O.L.D shouting out the moves over a musical breakdance backdrop. As the project draws to a close the musical influence continues to develop in the challenging title track as we journey through a man's fallen choices and restoration to his wife. Other life stories come thick and fast in "The Truth" mixing sung rap following the melody line and rap. "It's Not Too Late" is a worship track, "to give your life to the one who saves", with the acoustic guitar vibe continuing to the end track, "Jesus Loves Me."

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.

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