Reviewed by Steve Hayes

'The Yearbook' is an album that crosses a diverse musical spectrum from minimalist breaks through to heavy rapcore styled tracks. "Will You Ever Know" goes minimal as KJ goes through what Jesus did on the Cross. "Do Your Thang" is a party track reminiscent of some Will Smith tracks over a 4/4 kick beat. We then cross over to the heavy rock side with "Take Me Down". Three tracks. Three styles. Nice. KJ goes through some of the struggles and personal criticism he has had to face (unfairly) in tracks like "It Ain't Easy" and comes out fighting in "I Won't Ever Stop" and with humour in "Say What You Want" - "When your hair's so greasy, you need an oil change.." Common to KJ's albums are letters and testimonies from fans. "Fanmail" is a powerful and moving track, rapping the struggles many of his fans go through, and the truth that God is always there for us. KJ faces up to some of his wrongdoing in "Can I Be Honest" and encourages girls with low self-esteem in "Daddy's Girl". In "5 Minutes", KJ raps the last five minutes of Jesus' life in Gethsemane, "Not my will, but let your will be done" over a sometimes Bon Jovi sounding guitar hook! Powerful tracks continue in "You're Gonna Make It" as KJ encourages us that we can make it, "Always Here For You" - an ode to his child, and finally the uplifting declaration to God, "Take Every Part Of 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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