[album review.] Flame — Royal Flush

Flame-Royal_FlushSummer of 2013 ended, and the heat somewhat dissipated. Time to bust out those clothes you haven’t worn since March, turn off the AC, and start raking the leaves. However, October 1, Clearsight Music artist Flame turns the heat up by releasing his seventh album, “Royal Flush”. I have always been a fan of his music, because I don’t know what to expect with his versatility, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be disappointed.

Before I even start on the album’s content, I notice the album title itself brings attention to the listener, especially those familiar with the poker game. The royal flush is the best hand to ever be dealt in the game. Flame parallels this with 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (NIV) This means that we have been given the winning hand that trumps out any sinful life.

As I listen to the opening track, “Break the Building” feat. Serge, Flame sets the energy level for this album, that makes you literally want to break the building with the bass. “All In” feat. KB is one of my favorites as Flame connects his theme with a wonderful collaboration. “…checked the tomb and found nobody. Get it? They found no body…” shows the lyrical workmanship in this lead single of the album. “Sleepin'” is a track that will definitely get you moving, but at the same time Flame gets your attention to listen to what he is saying. “…I used to think it’s cause we ain’t know, now I know is that we don’t care/ I guess it’s like being in death row, it don’t get real til you in that chair…” The track “Game Over” brings the up-tempo pace back with the sequenced build-ups and energetic drums- definitely a great song to move to. The next track features Fedel in “Baited”, bringing it back to the streets with a reggae sample in the background that I can’t really type up except for the part “…unset the trap…” which definitely will get your head bobbing.

The song “Maranatha” down-shifts the gears as Flame gets serious and personal in this song. “Have you forgotten, have you forgotten me?…” This song touches issues the Christian goes through as we go through trials in life, and a cry out to the Lord to remember us and come and pick us up. The sermon clip from Ryan Fullerton is the adhesive for the theme of the album as he leaves a resonating word to the listener. “Read ‘Em and Weep” feat V. Rose helps sustain the theme and brings brightness to album but still is a laid back tempo with crisp vocals and transitions. The Stackin’ Intro accentuates the fact of how obsessed people have become with money, bringing a little bit of humor and reality at the same time. In the track, “Stackin'” Flame puts on the hard message of Christians and non-Christians worshiping money.

The last section of this album transitions with a very nice collaboration with one of favorite artists k-Drama and D-Maub with the track “Mixed Up.” The bass line is mesmerizing, as these rappers show off their skills and keep Christ centered in it. Another sermon clip from Ryan Fullerton leaves the ending message about the line and challenges the listener to grow spiritually. The ending track, “Start Over” feat. NF is a very good ending track that is an alter call to those who need to cast their cares on Jesus. Definitely fell in love with the piano and orchestra in this song.

The production on this album is very impressive as they do not shy back on the bass. Most importantly, this album definitely challenges the listener to live a godly life and grow in the faith.

I would definitely give this album 5 out of 5 stars. If you haven’t bought it yet, then you are missing out on a potentially award-winning album.

Written by Paul Townes (@ptmuzic)

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