Artist: Carl Brister
Title:Focus
Reviewer: Garfield White
It was the year 2000 when Carl Brister delivered his debut album The Journey. Now, back with his sophomore album entitled Focus Carl gives us an album filled with a soulful contemporary gospel sound. Carl wrote, produced and arranges the whole album and it is evident that he has a passion for the making music. The whole album is themed around the title Focus as Carl puts God first is each and every aspect of his life. Carl’s voice brings a slight difference to the contemporary gospel arena. It’s not to heavy or overpowering but a light, calm tenor sound that is unlike many of the voices in the gospel arena.
The albums opening track ‘What Really Matters’, has an up-tempo R&B setting the record straight that Carl’s music is all about honoring God as a portion of the chorus states “what matters is that I live for you”. Carl keeps the sound modern but switches from more of an R&B sound to a smooth jazz gospel hit with ‘Determination’. Carl croons with a mellow sound to further expresses the albums theme of Focus with this track. He speaks of how although “everyone wants to drive”, he is determined to stay focused on pleasing God.
‘Pray For Me’ asks others for something we all need, prayer. The piano led track is peaceful yet yells a loud message for those that know that prayer works. ‘I Yield To Thee’ is another ballad where Carl continues to give it all to God. The choir sings “Jesus do whatever” at the end as Carl praises God and puts it all in His hands. ‘Feels So Good’ brings back the R&B groove to the album with this radio friendly track. Rapper Che Che gives us a few bars honoring God as Carl gives us phrases like “just to blessed to feel the stress” explaining how good it is to have God in your corner during hard time.
The ‘Mid Day Prayze with Ms Gee’ sends a message to married couples that you have to communicate and trust in God through the tough times. This radio message from Ms Gee flows into Carl & guest vocalist Viola Sykes further speaking to couples to improve on relationships with ‘The Edge’. The theme Focus comes back to us again with ‘Whenever I take my eyes of You (I Fall)’, as Carl tells of the simple yet meaning truth for all of us when we look away from the Lord.
He tackles the gospel classic ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’. Carl has perfect harmony, nice vocal range and sincerity in the sound of the whole track which proves this a good cover of the song. Carl breaks it down with a one on one talk with the listener to express that meaning of Focus and how staying focused on God can benefit you in your everyday walk.
When reading the album information in the jacket of the cd Carl relates every track to a passage from the Bible which shows where Carl drew all of his inspiration to create this album. Focus does a good job of delivering a spirit led and emotion filled meaning to the listener. Focus will keep you grooving with the tight production skills and more importantly can help keep you on track to a closer relationship with the Lord.