Review: Catholic Soul Revolution
Album: Catholic Soul Revolution
Artist: manuel3
Label: Francesco Productions
Kujo’s Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Review:
When I contacted this artist about sending me his CD, I did so with trepidation, for I had been told that he sang Catholic “soul” and jazz. I said to myself, “Great, how am I gonna review a CD that’s music is something that I find to be boring and trite?”
Boy was I wrong.
As I told manuel3, I have not had the privilege of listening to a more joyful, pleasant, soulful CD in a long time. Catholic Soul Revolution is an amazing CD, combining elements of R&B, jazz and rap. Manuel3 is a young man on a mission—to bring this unique style of music to the Lord’s service. And he accomplished just that on this album.
What I found most enjoyable about this CD is the beautiful language that manuel3 uses to convey his love for the Lord, for the Eucharist, and for Mary. His devotion for Our Mother shines through in the beautiful song “Masterpiece.” He recreates her fiat and exposes admiration for her: “She never asked why she was the one/the mother of God, His only Son/salvation for all the human race/truly a Masterpiece of grace.” Though simple, this lyric captures the theology behind our Catholic Church’s devotion to Mary.
As for the remaining songs, manuel3 keeps the holiness rolling, with songs dedicated to hope (“Hope 4 the New”), the Eucharistic adoration (“Sanctuary”), brother/sisterhood (“Brothers”), and the desire for an uprising in our faith (“Catholic Soul Revolution”). While there may not be amazing beats or ear-splitting drums, the peace that permeates this album is a breath of fresh air to the sometimes-tiring monotony of contemporary music.
In our world of constant noise, Catholic Soul Revolution provides the listener with a peaceful, prayerful, and pious musical experience that allows us to enter into deep, contemplative worship and prayer. Of all of the CDs that I have listened to and reviewed in the past couple of months, this is, by far, the most enjoyable.
For more information on manuel3, visit his website.
To purchase this CD, visit Catholic Tuneage.