With their latest album, Join the Band, Take 6 moves in a new direction by using instrumental accompaniment. Since bringing Warner Records into Christian music with their debut acapella gospel album (resulting in the creation of Warner Alliance), their two albums have implemented traces of instruments, without abandoning the six-part harmony that was the group's trademark.
In the opening songs, "Can't Keep Goin' On and On," and "All I Need," the instruments are dominant and result in a sound unlike any previous Take 6, but which is much more like other contemporary gospel groups. Most songs feature a lead vocalist rather than the full ensemble.
This does not mean that you should quit listening in disgust after the first two cuts. The instrumental songs are well-done-they're just different. Several members of the group are actually talented instrumental players. This fact combined with their skill as songwriters and producers makes for a unique experience. For the acapella buffs, there are a few six-part acapella songs, such as "My Friend," where Ray Charles helps out with a lead vocal. Stevie Wonder co-wrote the song "Why I Feel This Way" and joins in with vocals and keyboard. Queen Latifah adds a rap in "Harmony."
The album also contains modified versions of two pop songs, "The Biggest Part of Me" first made popular by Ambrosia, and "Badiyah" an interlude originally called "Brazilian Rhyme" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. The latter features the vocally simulated horns and percussion that have been a cornerstone of Take 6 music. Even with these tracks, they have not lost the Gospel message which has been a part of their music from the beginning. In the remake of "The Biggest Part of Me," they insert "All I want to do is serve Him, He's the life that breathes in me."
All in all, Join the Band inspired, entertained, and left me wondering, "How did they do that?"
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