Reviews

21:03 - Total Attention

The title track provides another warning – that tomorrow is never promised today and that our faith in Christ should never be taken for granted. PAJAM’s production genius sprinkles piccolo loops throughout the marching cadences.

Holding Onto You, a mid-tempo, slick R&B ballad reminiscent of Ne-Yo & Chris Brown, asks to be broken before the Lord and “feed me until I’m hungry no more.”

Besides the tracks with busy beats, there is quieter fare that meshes well with the trio’s unabashed vocal approach and assured harmonies. Several pieces come to mind. The pop/urban crossover Power of Christ, a concert version of a song from 21:03’s debut, stirs an energetic worship mood without the instrumental pyrotechnics or production trickery. The frosting on the cake comes on the all too brief closing acappella rendition of the hymn Oh The Blood Of Jesus. The piano-only accompaniment, Testimony – The Dedication, provides a perfect backdrop of hope when various trials such as suffering abuse or persons gossip behind our back overwhelms our spirit.

Another pleasant special moment Free, is set to subtle Latin rhythms. Being free in Christ is the ultimate freedom that can no match no other, now that we no longer live in condemnation (Romans 8:1).

For an encore, we can’t leave out a trio of cotemporary gospel’s best, as 21:03 teams with J. Moss, Smokie Norful, and Fred Hammond on the first single, Cover Me, which emphasizes the power of prayer and to keep Jesus’s name on our lips and heart.

For those who desire their music a bit harder, PAJAM still accommodates. Brace Up, which describes the fight between spirit and flesh, sneaks in samples of a definitive R&B smash from Prince, When Doves Cry. PDA’s rap verses somewhat resembles producer/rapper Timberland’s futuristic approach.

Since their debut three years ago, 21:03 has been allowed to stretch their musicality with their already strong vocal pipes beyond the modern R&B genre for this sophomore project. There are a few duds in the mix, though, including Talkin’ Bout and Time For A Change, the latter borrowing excessively from Michael Jackson’s rock-influenced hit, Dirty Diana.

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