print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: Surrounded (Men Of Standard) | August, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

Men Of Standard (Surrounded)
Sony Urban

August, 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

The days of Men of Standard delivering messages of faith, praise and purpose have returned. Brace yourselves for one of the most exciting, fresh and bold albums released this year. The three men of faith and integrity are determined to convey that the power of God is the mightiest power on earth. Surrounded is a project based on prayerful thoughts that encourage the call for a deeper, closer walk with the Lord.

Men of Standard (MOS), who include Isaac Carree, Lowell Pye and Bryan Pierce, are celebrating their 10^th year of making music. The 2005 departure of fellow group member Michael Bacon has not deterred these brave Christian soldiers. Surrounded is a pleasant and refreshing surprise. The music is cutting-edge, energetic and packs a message of courage. These young men prove that gospel music is more than just smooth, harmonic and infectious sounds; it is an experience with the Almighty, providing strength for our daily walk with God.

Gospel recording artists, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett and long-time recording artist Heavy D join MOS as they praise their way, from track to track, worshipping God. The tightly produced album captures the signature sound and style of Men Of Standard through the assistance and proficient production of award-winning producer, Warryn Campbell.

Each track testifies to the presence of God that surrounds us. From the original, assertive song, ‘Power’, which explores the experience of feeling God move, to the purposeful, high-tempo tune, ‘I Will,’ MOS weaves the words of faith with a strong affirmation of faith.

“A lot of times you hear people say things like, ‘I can’t. I won’t. It’s not possible,’” says group member, Isaac, “but we’re making a promise to God: ‘Wherever you tell me to go, I will. If you tell me to do something, I will do it. It’s an upbeat jam, but it’s also a command: We’re taking a stand, and even if no one else will, we will!”

As faith has been given to these young men to take their ministry to the highways and byways, declarations of faith are also plentiful on this project. On the Caribbean-flavored, ‘Alright,’ featuring rapper Heavy D, MOS declares how much God makes things alright: He’ll make it alright/He’ll make it alright/If you don’t see anything else, ya’all/He’ll make it alright! On the heels of ‘Alright’ ‘Everybody’ follows with another praise theme. Upbeat and full of praise, MOS admonishes listeners to clap their hands/ jump for joy/and make some noise, if you love the Lord. A fun and exciting tune, ‘Everybody’ celebrates joy in praising God and the way in which daily worship can change your life.

The smooth vocals that accompany the mid-tempo song, ‘Cover Me’ stirs the soul. The song testifies of God’s love covering the dark clouds that sometimes hang over our lives. The message is more than one of hope; it affirms that God’s love goes beyond what we experience in our lives.

The title track, ‘Surrounded,’ is a soft, prayerful ballad with a request to our Savior to come around me, Lord/Surround me/Get all around me/until people see no more me…that they see Christ living in me. This prayer request brings a deep blessing as MOS ends the ballad, declaring no harm can come to their lives because they are surrounded.

Continuing with the same thought of communing with God, ‘I Need You,’ is another melodious track that speaks of needing the Lord every hour. The classical piece includes a rendition of the traditional song, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour.’ The warm musical arrangement creates a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere that will bring you to your knees.

The animated and anointed Tye Tribbett joins the Men Of Standard on an impressionable selection, “Yours”, a melodious lamentation to the One above. The awe-inspiring selection is cut from the Contemporary Christian mold and will likely find an audience among a cross section of believers.

Gospel recording artist, producer and songwriter, Kirk Franklin joins MOS on the evangelical ballad, ‘Latter Rain.’ Following the theme of prayer on this album, ‘Latter Rain,’ is a cry to God to send latter rain for spiritual growth. The exhortation speaks to the blessings, peace, comfort and joy that we receive from God.

“We are asking God to replenish us, make us better, restore the joy, remove the pain,” explains Isaac.

‘Surrounded’ certainly has taken MOS to a new standard of delivering messages of hope and faith. It is inevitable that God is working through these three young men as they pursue their calling to minister through music. Check out their new website www.menofstandardmusic.com. The site includes biographical information on MOS, news, and music snippets from the album, Surrounded and much more!