Album Review: Cy “The High Wire Act”
Cy “The High Wire Act”
Released: 2010
Reviewed By: Raymond Carrillo
Rating: 8 (of 10)
[xrr rating=8/10]
Fun, Creative and Original. These are the three things listeners can expect from CY in his fourth album release titled, “The High Wire Act”. In CY’s previous album he introduced his fans to the idea of a Circus World Event where God was the ringleader and satan was the impostor. Similarly, in his new album he carries that theme over, however, brings focus to a certain event inside the circus, the High Wire Act. CY captures the relevancy of this act into our personal lives through a metaphor that represents the narrow road believers must walk in order to receive eternal life with our Lord and Savior. From the very first song to the last the artist gives us quality beats and catchy lyrics that will have you rapping alongside him after the first thorough listen. Although some songs such as “Godzilla” featuring Young Joshua, are very childlike and “cheesy” I was overall impressed by his ability to creatively paint a picture that brings light and color to the album yet still captures the dark figment of a circus.
The first song “Musical Castle” provides us with an introduction,that at first listen, seemed irrelevant to the title of his album but after second thought gives you a nice introduction to the motives and intentions of CY. It is as if he is trying to reach out to specific individuals who have picked up this album as there first of CY and welcomes them to his musical castle where his creative mind has no limits and God is praised throughout. The song has a dark beat and utilizes old English horror sounds to capture the attention of the audience and with it we are off to a great start.
Nicely following this song is “Work For Hire” featuring Gina V., and Tannie where we get a formal introduction to the actual theme of the album. The beat behind the lyrics is one of my favorites and features the use of piano and clapping to really get your head bobbin up and down. The content is rather dry but his intention is really just to get you in tune with the theme to set up everything thereafter.
“High Wire Act” featuring Gina V. is yet another song where the quality of his beats is really shown. I do not intend to be tedious but it is evident throughout the entire album the experience and talent that was combined to produce these beats. This song is by far the most well produced and it has a beat that from the very beginning sets you up for a high energy and bass bumpin song. The chorus is extremely catchy and I guarantee you that after the second listen you will have it down. Gina provides a nice pitch to flow with the beat and harmony of the song, it is no wonder she is featured on another one of his tracks. I have to admit the lyrics are not deep and he raps more about what he does when he writes rhymes but it is definitely a nice single.
If you are looking for more spiritually convicting and lyrically deep content then the song “Balance” is one you should tune your ears into. He uses his metaphor to explain how during this high wire act we have to balance and keep our eyes on the wire (Gods will) in order to fulfill our purpose in this fallen world, anything short of balance will lead to us to a phase of backsliding in our faith. Along with “Balance” you can look to “As The World Turns” featuring Kent and Shellee Coley and “New Day” for some insightful content.
Speaking of “New Day” I would like to make note of it for it was my personal favorite. The beat is a lot more mellow compared to the rest, but the combination of the melody and catchy chorus is refreshing. Not to mention the fact that he really encourages his fans to wake up each morning and “look outside to see that its a new day”. I couldn’t help but to think of Isaiah 43:18 where God tells us to, “Forget the former things, for I am doing a new thing in your life.” This verse is powerful and relevant throughout because CY is expressing to believers and nonbelievers alike to take each day as a new one and see what God has in store for you, whether its going out to evangelize or getting closer in your walk with Him don’t let the troubles or worries of the past negatively affect your relationships and overall quality of life in the present.
I was impressed with the quality, content, creativity and spiritual maturity expressed throughout his latest artistic piece. As previously noted some songs may be deemed “cheesy” to particular people, more specifically young adults or adults. But, with that being said, I do feel that it works in CY’s favor because it is a creative and effective way to inform the youth of our nation about who God is (I mean what better way to portray God as God’zilla for children). The album has huge potential to impact a diverse audience and I was honored to be given the privilege to review it and I pray others will be encouraged to cop this album when it hits the market. Keep up the good work CY and continue to glorify God in the talents He has given you.
Comprehensive Ratings:
- Music: 8 of 10
- Flow / Delivery: 7 of 10
- Lyricism: 9 of 10
- Content: 8 of 10
- Creativity / Originality / Relevancy: 8 of 10
- Credibility / Confidence: 8 of 10
- Personality / Character: 8.5 of 10
- Presentation Quality: 6.5 of 10
- Overall Production Quality: 8.5 of 10
- Potential Impact: 8.5 of 10
