Group 1 Crew - Group 1 Crew

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Every now and again a group emerges with a sound so fresh that listening to the album is like taking a cool shower on a hot day. This Florida trio are the most exciting new group I've heard in the last 12 months. There I've said it! They deserve to be huge and this debut album is packed with songs that melt together R&B, soul, hip-hop and Latin influences in an infectious, catchy, compelling fashion. Can you tell I love it? Manwell, Pablo and Blanca may well be labelled as Christian music's answer to Black Eyed Peas but they deserve better than lazy comparisons. This is thoroughly contemporary and packed from start to finish with superb songs, fresh sounds and the sort of melodies that worm their way into your brain and won't let you go. It's hard to pick highlights but try "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" for starters! It's four minutes of perfect pop with its insistent groove, fabulous horns and an uplifting message. Despite the unity of the album's sound, there's plenty of diversity as well. I love the simple driving pop of "Let It Roll" with its killer chorus and the flamenco feel of "Clap Your Hands" with its "bampa bampa bam" chant and crazy clapping. And then there's the superb smooth melodies of "Everybody's Gotta Song To Sing". With every listen, this album reveals something new to the listener. It's catchy, clever and uplifting and you really should snap it up immediately. And when the group finally make it to play in the UK, watch out for me, I'll be down the front singing along!