Review Of
"Thank You"
by Julius Petty
January 2005, BlackGospel.com
Occasionally, a voice and face will emerge out of the slew of recording artists, with such compelling talent and passion that you’re immediately drawn to him or her. Julius Petty is just that kind of figure. With a fervent heart for God, a knack for composing and performing music Julius seems destined to make an impact for the Kingdom, through his music and testimony.
If I were to say the name Julius, would you be able to fill in the blank (and Caesar doesn’t count). Well the Julius I’m referring to is the little known but strikingly talented Julius Petty, an up-and-coming contemporary gospel artist whose name you will not easily forget once you’ve had a taste of his debut gospel solo project entitled Thank You.
Released by Feel So Good Entertainment this past Thanksgiving, this album has been making substantial ripples on the contemporary gospel scene. Singer /songwriter Julius Petty as an Urban Gospel lyricist strikes an impressive chord as he ministers to your souls through an inspirational message of the love of God. His uncompromising lyrical style sermonizes on the soon coming of God whilst sharing the glorious message of the hope to be found in Jesus Christ.
Grateful, the first single to be released by the New York native, was showcased at the 2005 Urban Impact Gospel Summit this past August to critical acclaim. Its simple melody and poignant lyrics speak to the heart of one who truly understands that he owes life and breath to the mercy of God.
The smooth sound that introduces the album is ideally set in the title track, Thank You, as the bass guitar and the organ join into a graceful musical ovation for God’s deserved praise. This is a personal testimony on the part of the singer who seems absorbed in the earnestness of his praise. The smoother, piano-laden remixed version retains the character of the original version, as the singer lifts his voice in adoration and acclamation.
Sultry modern stylings are laced through most of the songs on this project, lending a harmonious serenity to the entire project. Make A Way is a personal reminder that God can and will come through for his children, as the artists chimes “I know that God will see me through… hold my peace and just believe”. A song of renewed consecration, Everything, displays Petty’s voice in a smooth emotive cadence coupled with the tranquil strumming of the acoustic guitar, while the singer lifts his voice in earnest thankfulness. The inspirational lyrics of Believe are soulfully cocooned by the guest vocals of Ashley Barnes’ lilting soprano, beautifully complemented by Petty’s passionate tenor.
The more urban flavored tracks on the album feature sequenced beats infused with a resounding, unapologetic, heart-pounding bass. Vantroy’s vibe on the remix and Jugga’s guest rap vocals on the original affirm the veritable sounds of Move, an optimistic piece which makes allusions to the biblical promises found in Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
In keeping with the recurring message of the Lord’s soon coming, contemporary flavored Get Your House In Order is a serious message to the Saints that the return of Christ is nigh and the time is now to get our affairs straight before the final trumpet sounds; while Press On is a meditative melody on the artist’s prospective musings of heaven. It is an introspective soliloquy which contemplates what needs to be done in order for him to see his Savior’s face.
The final track, F.S.G. (Feel So Good) Freestyle is a festive urban diversity of sounds where Julius Petty’s smooth tenor is joined by both Jugga in the spoken word and Vantroy in his signature baritone dancehall stylistics.
Julius Petty has an awesome testimony that’s told in a remarkably gifted way to a generation he relates to. Five years ago, he was saved from a life that was on course for decadence and destruction. But now, his talents and time have been wholeheartedly dedicated to the spreading of The Good News.
Throughout the album, Petty maintains a quiet-storm through his laid-back music that avoids overdone vocals and cluttered instrumentation, rendering his contemporary sounds all the more appealing. His message is straightforward and unambiguous and his buoyant tenor is beautifully matched to all the well-crafted melodies penned by his poetic hand. I urge you to take a minute to listen to an artist and soul who has found harmony between testimony and evenly tempo music; his name and music is certain to take on new meaning in your gospel vernacular.