::ALBUM REVIEW::

Seems like things are looking better the second time around for RiZen. On their first round of delicate traditional groove from their debut collection, RiZen (which includes Kanika Trigg, Adriann Lewis and Aundrea Lewis) established themselves as a resounding presence within the gospel music industry; proving to be both refreshing and electrifying even after a dozen of listens. Now on their sophomore collection, RiZen beefs up their arsenal with heavy-hitting production formulated by AyRon Lewis (whom is a child prodigy and can be found on previous GMWA Youth projects), some chief assistance from Sanchez G. Harley and Michael Mindingall and a chunkful of premium gospel throttles sure enough to impress. Disguising their clean, crisp vocals in a thick layer of intense in-pocket band work provided by well-known crew members including Daniel Weatherspoon (keyboard), Bobby Sparks (organ) and Andrew Gouche (bass) is definitely the RiZen technique and helps craft this album into a memorable work of art. Opening things up is “Clap Your Hands”, but momentum gains major strength on “We’ve Come To Magnify The Lord”. The former track is okay, but “We’ve Come...” completely overshadows it with its thumping traditional bounce and zealous outbursts from lead singer Adriann Lewis. It’s almost a true choir raft rocker with a pinch of quartet spunk; which fits perfectly on RiZen’s clean harmonies. “Over There” is pretty much a reprise of RiZen’s sky-rocketing single “View The City”. The lyrics, melody and tempo are just the perfect reminders to their very first hit. So if you’re awaiting a dynamic climax from “View The City”, this is the track to play.

Credible songwriters also help extends RiZen’s full potential on “Vol. 2" such as Nate McNair on the Clark Sisters-ish “Praise Him Just A Little While” and the phenomenal Pamela J. Davis (GMWA Women of Worship, National Mass Choir) on “He Knows”; a moving, ten-minute episode filled with emotional reminders of God’s closeness with His own.

Find within the cluster of go-getters are a few songs that are bound to be overshadowed, but worth mentioning. Adriann Lewis’ “For Who You Are” is a sweet worship ballad featuring engaging string throw-ins and brush-ups from the renowned Nashville String Machine. “I Believe”, a very intimate and colorful track, bears some resemblance with its glorious string attachments. Reasons why these may be forgotten throughout the mix is because they are enclosed by thunderous attention-winners like “We’ve Come...” and “Praise Him Just A Little While”. By the way, some tracks may not even get a listen and unfortunately some may mistake the good, slower ballads to be a part of the clan. That is why it is a wise thing to listen carefully to the entire project before making swift judgements.

The blessing about RiZen’s ministry is that all of the singers are premiere vocalists from beginning to end. Their harmonies are just as incredible as their leads; almost comparable to the early Clark Sisters or Anointed Pace Sisters’ framework. Plus, they deliver powerful and energetic emphasis on their lyrics. Enough to make your eyes swell with tears and your face to brighten with a smile of exuberance. They proved they could do that on their first project. This time, RiZen pulls more from their soul to better the compositions given them - making “Vol. 2" worth hearing.