Shonlock – Neveroddoreven

Shonlock
Neveroddoreven
Arrow Records 2011
http://www.arrow-records.com/

Shonlock may well be the breakout Christian artist of the year.

Not that the Chicago native now living in Atlanta is a newcomer to the industry. Neveroddoreven, in fact, is Deshon “Shonlock” Bullock’s third CD. His first recording was a self-produced, self-marketed disc that sold more than 15,000 units. Last year, a partnership with Arrow Records/Universal Christian Marketing Group resulted in an EP titled Where Never Begins.

But Neveroddoreven (a phrase spelled the same way backwards and forwards) contains the brilliant, effortless mash-up of music genres that spirited Israel and Trip Lee to prominence, though in different ways. Where Israel produced worship team-ready songs and Lee hip hop magic, Shonlock blends pop, hip hop and rock in ways that will draw inevitable comparisons to Canton Jones, Aaron Sledge, J Moss and TobyMac, the latter a significant influence on the artist.

The opening track and current single, “Something in Your Eyes,” is as good an example of Shonlock’s electric style as any. The hook-laden pop melody and insistent beats support the singer’s bright, expressive voice, while the lyrics express a simple but pleasurable truth: that with God, one is never alone, in good times and bad.

“Could U Be” and “Hello” are two additional brisk and punchy selections, while “Cheers” and “Scarred” are honest glances back at a darker time in Shonlock’s life. “Monsta” (also the name of Shonlock’s mighty band) is a call for worship warriors to confront the evil in the world.

About “Neveroddoreven,” the title track and rock anthem, Shonlock said, “I never find it odd when amazing things happen. But on the flipside, with the ultimate sacrifice of His son, I could never get even, which makes me forever indebted to Him.”

Neveroddoreven is a project that cries out to be enjoyed at maximum volume. “My goal is to be a blend for the pop, hip-hop and rock-loving crowd without ever wanting to get boxed into a certain category,” Shonlock added. “If there’s a good message and quality music, gifts and talents will rise to the top.” Indeed, the album brims with good messages and quality music.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “Something in Your Eyes,” “Could U Be,” “Hello.”