AVB

Item: Celebrate and Party
Author: Jean Patty

Celebrate and Party

Reviewed by Jean Patty

Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify

Label Word RecordsThe LighthouseApril 1993

ccm pop r&b

If you like music with a good beat and strong vocals that don't have to compete with guitars and keyboards, this is a good one for you. AVB, otherwise known as Acappella Vocal Band, has a clean, jazzy sound with first-rate harmonizing that lifts your spirit.

The album's title is a fair indication of the contents. These are songs about our reasons to rejoice and the rewards of a life lived for Christ. More specifically, themes include God's love ("I Still Don't Understand It" and "No Love Like Your Love"), our commitment to God ("Anything 4 U" and "My Heart"), the satisfaction of the Christian life, and God's faithfulness ("Nothing in the World," "God Will Provide," and "Celebrate and Party").

A few of the songs have a definite get-up-and-dance feel such as "Celebrate and Party," "Anything 4 U," (which both feature a rap interlude) and "Goot Foot." Throughout all, the group shows considerable versatility in style. The bass is solid and appealing in "Anything 4 U" as well as in the soothing narration near the end of "Nothing in the World." About the only disappointment is "Tell Me the Story of Jesus," which starts out with great promise and is basically fine over-all, but is a little too repetitive with the chorus.

Throughout the album, the harmony stands out the most to me, making the last song my favorite. The CD ends appropriately with "I Delight in the Lord," which celebrates through praise in true acappella fashion, with no background rhythms to detract from the simple beauty. Based on Isaiah 61:10a, this is a song to sit back and let yourself enjoy...