Reviewed by Kwaku

The group were surprised when their gig in London last year was introduced as "their last acapella tour". Their record company advertised this album with the headline: "What does a platinum selling a cappella group do after three successful albums? Buy instruments." They then point out they were instrumentalists prior to setting up the group, cynics may wonder if they haven't succumbed to the dictates of American radio's narrowcast format. The album kicks off with the swingbeatish "Can't Keep Going On And On", followed by the soulful "All I Need (Is A Chance)" and just as you're hankering for their trademark acapella style, they oblige in fine style on "My Friends" with Ray Charles on lead vocals (other guest artists include Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, Queen Latifah and Herbie Hancock). The jazzy "It's Gonna Rain", the lush soulful ballad "You Can Never Ask For Too Much" and the two acapellas and the most upfront gospel tracks, "I've Got Life" and "Even Though", display great arrangements and vocal harmonies. This album will please some old fans and make more new ones.

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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