Canton JonesLust, Drugs & Gospel
Cajo Records (2014)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
From its title, Canton Jones’ newest mixtape sounds controversial, but it’s not, unless one considers reconciliation and forgiveness controversial themes.
That’s because the thematically unifying element of the eighteen-track project, available for free download, is the return of Prodigal Sons and Daughters. Two explicit examples of this are “Tell Momma” and “Prodigal Daughter.” The former is a humble acknowledgement to a praying mother of one’s return to church. The latter (featuring Enlitement) is a plea from a father to an wayward daughter to leave those who just want to “see you twerking” and return home.
A half dozen selections stand out in particular, with the funky foot-tapping “Be Lifted” the most musically engaging. Cajo can barely contain his passion and enthusiasm on “W.O.G.,” which I suspect is a tribute to his own Woman Of God, Ramona Jones. The rhythmic repetition on the opener, “Paid It All,” is infectious, but from the number of individual downloads, it appears as if “That’s Me,” featuring Tonio and TK, is the people’s favorite.
There are plenty of guest artists in addition to Tonio, TK, and Enlitement, among whom Cajo Records artist Ramona Estell is the most striking. On “I Believe,” she brings the smooth vocal charm of Brazilian bossa nova songstress Astrud Gilberto to bear on a song about enduring faith. She can also be heard with Tonio on the more dramatic “Murderer.”
Of all the selections, the lovely acoustic final track, “Not Too Far,” expresses the album’s premise most simply: “You’re not too far away to come back home.”
Lust, Drugs & Gospel will keep Canton Jones fans content while waiting for his forthcoming God City, USA.
Four of Five Stars
Picks: “Be Lifted,” “Not Too Far.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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