J Moss – Just James (Verity 2009)

J Moss
Just James
Verity Gospel Music Group 2009
www.verityrecords.com

James “J” Moss is one of the most exciting gospel artists of the decade. Of course, he hails from the Moss/Clark dynasty, as prodigious a musical family as there is, and from Detroit, no less, a city that knows a thing or two about music dynasties. Moss is also an integral part of the talented production team PAJAM.

Most of all, James’ sophomore release, V2, was a masterpiece of urban contemporary gospel music. Whether his fans liked the new sound or not, V2 gave him a better pole position in the gospel music world.

So the burning question was: would his third project, Just James, top V2, just as V2 topped 2004’s The J Moss Project?

Just James may not top V2 – I’m not sure that’s possible or whether it would even be a fair comparison – but the new project is still excellent. It delivers lovely, memorable melodies overlaid with techno fireworks and polyrhythmic orchestration courtesy of PAJAM. James’ singing ranges from quiet crooning to vocoder-infused balladeering to no-holds-barred shouting.

The album’s gentle, introspective ballads include “So Into You,” Moss’s self-described “love song” for God; “Rebuild” and “Anointing.” “Anointing” is about the inexplicability of the power of God’s anointing, and is set to a nimble jazz combo that pays musical homage to Moss’s favorite singer, Nat Cole.

On the more energetic side is the opening track, “I Gave It Up,” which comes strong out of the gate. Its hop-skipping beat and ferocious electronica give aural confirmation of Moss’s lyrical conviction that he’s a changed man and won’t turn back. The album’s current single, “Restored,” is a power anthem, rhythm and tempo marching in lock-step time to a majestic melody and solid singing. Lyrically, it is Moss’ testimony about God repurposing his life after a year and a half of tough trials.

There’s not a weak spot on the ten-track CD. In fact, it could have used a few more tracks. One thing is certain: Just James is a more serious collection of songs than those on V2. Whereas V2 had its lighthearted and even humorous moments, Just James focuses on personal challenges and overcoming them with grace and new-found confidence. Once again, J Moss challenges himself and his audience to embrace risk and change as mountains to climb rather than walk around or, God forbid, to avoid altogether.

Five of Five Stars