A simple album with a simple message-that might say it best. The Brothers (the three teenage sons of Jerome Olds) have compiled a selection of beat-box tunes-by various writers-with some input by their father. The boys-Solomon, Jacob, and Joshua-even helped as recording engineers.
Now back to the basics... As I said, the songs are simple, as is the message. Though it may be a little tough for the high school kids to catch the style, R.P.M. (Revolutionary Praying Men or Revivals Per Minute) provides a great Walkman-mate for the older elementary kids and middle-schoolers. It also balances upbeat tunes and slower tracks.
Throughout the album, The Brothers encourage us to "Tell The World" about the God we serve, the Christ we know, and the Spirit that comforts us. A tour through the nine-song project leads off with "Mighty Mighty," which parades a driving guitar rhythm and occasional brass trim. A remake of The Who classic, "Won't Get Fooled Again," bats second with an overtone that takes me back to my early teens when Def Leppard and the Bangles were topping the charts.
Third is "In Your Face," which satisfies the expectations of the name. Some listeners may be reminded of some of dc Talk's earlier work. "Revolution" bats cleanup, which, not unlike the first three songs, at times leaves me searching for the voices of The Brothers-several tracks are heavily dominated by the background vocalists, and "Revolution" most of all. A lot of instrumental segments also make it rather challenging to pick out the trio's voices.
Track five reflects their father's musical style from a little while back. "Saved," which he wrote, is backed by Romans 10:9 and reaffirms our assurance that Christ is alive in us and that God did raise Him from the grave:
If I confess with my mouth Believe it in my heart God raised Him from the grave It's in my heart I'm justified It's in my heart I'm justified Confession realized I do believe and I know I'm saved
Sixth to step up to the plate is "Wake Up Everybody," which starts up with a Caribbean feel that fades into the beat-box formula that girds much of the album. The song encourages us to wake up-to realize and remain responsible to our jobs as Christians in the Body of Christ. It encourages us to stop dwelling on the past because the world is constantly changing, and as a result our duties are that much more greater:
The world won't get no better If we just let it be The world won't get no better We got to change it, yeah Just you and me
Clutch hitting is the soft ballad, "Your Majesty," which slows the pace of the album just a little bit. Flowing lyrics and beautiful lead singing combine to create a worshipful tune, again kind of carrying an early-teen New Kids On The Block overtone. This song is the first of the final three that join arms to make this a perfect tape to put in the kids' player at bedtime. Next is the very Boyz II Men-sounding "Tell The World," which bears a message that makes its title appropriate. Finally, "Hide Me Away" bats the pitcher's spot and makes me wish we could have heard more lead from the younger Brothers.
For those looking for a fresh message to a younger audience, The Brothers' R.P.M. is a great place to start. This combination of the Gospel with a sound that will certainly satisfy the younger teen crowd is a sure winner. The message is simple, but The Brothers continue to be successful as they continue their ministry to their generation.
