Generation J - Secret Place

By Cherisse Stephens

Word Records

There is a group of new kids on the block! Their names are Leslie, Adrienne, Pierre and Aaron, better known as Generation J. Their not really new, they’ve been giving God the praise for some time now. I had a chance to listen to their new CD entitled “Secret Place”. It’s evident that these young folks have been there… in the Secret Place.

The CD starts off with awesome sounds of Goin Up Yonder/Get Ready! No ya’ll, not the traditional way, but with funk and flare. I love this cut. It’s gets you ready to give God some praise. It reminds me of the movie “Sister Act” when the kids take off their robes and change the music to a more contemporary version. Well, this song has reggae, funk and just plain ol rhythm. I love the different versions of music this song gives us. Get Ready cause this one will have you waving your hands and magnifying the Lord.

I Give You My All written by Aaron, Pierre Leslie, Adrienne, Ben and Deborah is off the chain! It simply lets the believer know that we’ve got to give God our all. Chris Rodriguez is giving it to us on the lead guitar. I love the catchy hooks and grooves that this song has. Generation J definitely has a sound that’s unique and different. It’s like God breathed some fresh air on us and gave us Generation J. The song has a spot where somebody’s child sings a line; it’s so cute! Do it ya’ll!

Intercessory Prayer is a deep tune that will put you in the mood to seek God. This group of singers are young, but it’s evident that they have a relationship with the Father. They’re not just singing a bunch of words, but they really sing about what will get us to the throne room of God. The instrumentation on this number is so beautiful just as the vocals. [The song says that Intercessory Prayer from the Holy Spirit, I believe, The Answers to the Mysteries of my tongue, I receive]. You have to know God to even come up with lyrics like these.

Dance is one of my favorite songs on the CD. The song makes you wanna….well, you guessed it; Dance. It starts off with a Spanish intro; just in case you don’t know Spanish they say, “God I thank You, Your Love has set me free, I want to dance for your glory forever Amen”. It’s really a cool intro. I thought I was at the movies for a couple seconds. But then they pump it up with awesome, hot tracks and encourage the listener to Dance. It is evident that Generation J is gearing this tune toward the young folks. I saw them perform this one live; and let me tell you, you’d better be in shape if you want to keep up with young folks. Come on, Dance with Me!

Take It By Force, is written by the crew [again] I love the way they collaborate on their songs. It gives them such a flare and not the normal hook and drive. This tune is very urban with a twist of contemporary Christian. You have to hear it to know what I’m talking about. I like it though. This song just tells you to go ahead and “Take It By Force”. Take What, All the promises of God. I like the ol school rap that’s represented on this number. These young people are creative and definitely are representin today’s sound of music.

Secret Place, which is title cut for this CD is so beautiful. I love songs that tell the truth and keep it real. Have you ever felt alone? Then you can take God’s hand and go the secret place. I admit if you’re a shallow Christian, with no depth, then this song will either take you to God or have you wondering, what are they talking about. The arrangements are awesome and flawless on this particular song. I feel God’s presence all around me! I’m doing just what the song says right about now. I’m lifting my hands and giving God Praise. Lord I do worship you…in the Secret Place On High.

Worship Medley, is wonderfully written by, the talented Kurt Carr. Every praise team should have this song in their repertoire. I actually envision angels singing this song around the throne of God. No, I’m serious! That’s how majestic this song is. Thank God for writers like Kurt Carr and thank God for singers like Generation J. Just sit back and worship God on this tune. If you have a repeat button, it’ll come in handy. Jesus, we reverence your name with our praise! Tissue required for this song. Praisem! Sing Children Sing!

Jesus Loves Me Medley is an acappella number that works. Have you ever bought a CD and after you listen you say, no you really have to hear them live; they can really sing. The CD didn’t really capture their true sound? Well, you don’t have to say that about Generation J. If you want to know if these young people can sing, then go straight to track #8. They represent as only they can. It’s clear that this group loves God and he loves them. How do I know? He entrusted them with such special gifts and rare anointing. Can you say hit the note please… (Cause she hit and held it)

Glory, is written by Nee-C Walls-Allen, Jamie Jones and Jason Pennock. I love the keyboards on this one. Go ahead and get your toes ready, cause they will be tappin.

Generation J gives us such a wealth of rich vocals and awesome instrumentation. This song speaks about giving God his Glory. Some people love to take God’s glory, but Generation J knows that they are the righteousness of God! Who is the King of Glory? You’d better recognize. I recognize that it’s not about us, but it’s about God.

The last song on the CD is entitled Justified. Generation J decides to end the CD with a bang and yes you’ll want More, More, More. [Just hit repeat and start all over again…that’s what I did.] I’m so glad to hear that there are still some young people working hard to get the message out that we are Justified By God. Go ahead and give him some glory on this one too.

This family group proves, that a family that prays together stays together. And if you sing like Generation J, you’ll be able to say, “A family that Sings Together, we travel the world together”. Pick up the CD and you can travel to….Where to? A Secret Place.

Check out Genertion J at www.generationj.org