Vertical Reality is a journey through a sci-fi world, something like a soundtrack through a spiritually oppressed world. The first track on the project, "Transmit," [with lyrics printed as the opening to the story on Champion-see page 8] introduces the concept as Champion reads over some computerish musical sounds and vocal effects.
"N2 the Next Dimension" picks up with a rapid pop beat, smooth vocals, and samples encouraging all who "have to touch the nail scarred hands/if you have to see it to believe" to come along on the journey. A quick segue leads into a Minneapolis-sounding "Verticality." The song comes fairly close to some Prince work, but is written from God's perspective as an announcement to "Look at Me, I'm up here... Do you want more of Me?/This is the place to be/Verticality."
"Walk on Water" is another grooving pop track encouraging those on the journey that this world is not final-that there is a place where we can walk on water. He encourages them to "take a leap of faith and I'll/See you on the other side." Moving to a slow, grooving, urban hip-hopish beat, "More About You" is a prayer promising to make a deeper commitment to God. "My Life is in Your Hands" takes that one step further rejoicing in what a blessing it is to be cradled in the hand of God, set in a mid-paced urban ballad.
The pace rises with "Dancin' in the Fire," with a quick pop groove (with some Minneapolis influence) that seems to liken the journeyers' plight to that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-that we should rejoice when persecuted us, since we know the Truth. "Endless" follows as a smooth, modern ballad sung from God's perspective, reminding us how endless His love is for us. "Journey" continues with a pop twist that is completely submerged in the album concept-talking about following God on this journey, sacrificing all, disregarding the threat of Govtrol (the "Big Brother"-like computer.)
After a gentle lead into the pop "Touch" with an anthem-ish chorus (courtesy of Angelo & Veronica, Cindy Morgan, Fleming Painter, and others) that reminds us that in the tough times to "reach out/touch the face of God." A short B-3 organ bridge leads back to the technical effects from the opening as the urban-popish "Believe it to See It," moves in, encouraging us to just jump into our faith without being blinded by our senses and "let the free-fall begin/...a little more faith/and then you can fly."
Champion took care of the writing chores, with Tommy Sims (who also produced) adding on two, and Charlie Hueni and David Innes contributing most of "Walk on Water."
The album makes an interesting blend of styles drawing from pop, urban, hip-hop, and the Minneapolis sound. It creates a very interesting music and spiritual journey in a very fresh way.
Similar sounding releases
1999RazePower
1995Margaret BeckerGrace
1999World Wide Message TribeFrantik
2000Sarah CracknellKelly's Locker
1994Lisa BevillAll Because of You
1993Cindy MorganA Reason to Live
