Album Review: Tony Karusso – “Getting Ready for God”
Tony Karusso – “Getting Ready for God”
Released: 2011
Reviewed By: Oz’el Varese
Rating: 5.7 (of 10)
[xrr rating=5.7/10]
Merriam-Webster defines “popular” as adapted to or indicative of the understanding and taste of the majority; frequently encountered or widely accepted. Hence the term “pop music’ deals with music that has a popular appeal, leaning more to the “gotta give the people what they want” than the “gotta give ‘em what they need.”
Tony Karusso’s latest release, “Getting Ready for God,” fits the above “popular” definition with its familiar southern rap tones, hand claps, and chanted hooks. It also “gives ‘em what they need” with clear biblical content and uplifting messages for the saints. Hailing from ATL, Karusso, formally known as Tony T.E., has been walking with Christ for over 8 years now. Joining him on the album is a barrage of other artists, adding different elements to the 18 tracks. Speaking of different elements, Karusso attempts several different delivery styles throughout the album, but the “versatility” comes across more as a macédoine never really mastering anyone of them.
Getting Ready for God starts off setting the record straight as to why Karusso does what he does with “I Do This,” stating that God is the reason he gets behind the mic. The album goes from the new birth of salvation with “Born Again” to the rapture and seeing Christ face to face with the title track “Gettin’ Ready,” along with one of the several club bangers “Take Me Away.” A strong point of the album is that it is heavily scripturally centric. There is no guessing as to the direction of the album’s content that Karusso intended to relay. “Self Check” is a clever track referring to Christian’s not living exactly how they should to a ball player who needs very little outside influence to fall – being that his own inner issues are enough to keep him from living in the fullness of his faith.
On a couple of occasions Getting Ready for God strays away from the recognizable southern sound, seen evident in the slowed down “Come to Me” featuring the beautiful voice of Jacqueline Walker. “Amazing Grace” brings an upbeat “80’s” sound. Speaking of the 80’s sound, Karusso raps over the George Michael’s “Never Gonna Dance Again” in “Friend for Life.”
Two bright points on the album are the features of Stump and Tha Conqueror in “Neva Scared” and “Faithwalk” respectively. The latter, Tha Conqueror, puts in work “Faithwalk” with calls for Christians to make sure that their walk matches their talk.
This album will definitely be a favorite of the Christian youth today, especially those who love the more southern style of rap. Though the spiritual content is evident, lyrically the album doesn’t really stand out. Very “easy on the ears,” there are some phrases that simply miss the mark. Though the spiritual connotation behind the concept is on point, in “Neva Scared” a line in the hook says, “Ima follow God, screw myself with a Phillips head.” Also, with 18 tracks on the album, eventually the songs begin to blend together, making it hard to determine what sets each track apart. Overall though, the album has mass appeal and with the scriptural content, makes for a popular addition to your youth group’s playlist.
Comprehensive Ratings:
- Music – 6 of 10
- Flow/Delivery – 5 of 10
- Lyricism – 3 or 10
- Content – 7 of 10
- Creativity/Originality/ Relevancy – 4 of 10
- Credibility/Confidence – 7 of 10
- Personality/Character – 6 of 10
- Presentation Quality – 6 of 10
- Overall Production Quality – 6 of 10
- Potential Impact – 7 of 10
