R3- Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy
R3
ANTHONY BROWN & Group TherAPy
Album: Self-titled
Label: Tyscot Records
Reviewer: Nicole Heyward
Outstanding music isn’t just a hook that gets stuck in your head or even an album that receives multiple awards. Outstanding music is a beautiful and memorable experience. It’s songs that have the power to take you away from your present moment and bring you back to that same place a changed person. ANTHONY BROWN & Group TherAPy may be a brand new name to some, but the upcoming self-titled debut on Tyscot Records is a 12- song collection of outstanding music that will most definitely elevate the group’s name and popularity.
ANTHONY BROWN & Group TherAPy opens with “Group Therapy,” a tune that smoothly delivers Brown’s theatrical and jazz influences. While “Better Days,” is an up-tempo throwback to traditional choir arrangements infused with contemporary music. It’s the sort of song that respectfully bridges the past and present of Gospel music without lacking a thing.
“Water” is a stirring worship ballad where we experience Brown’s richly textured tenor backed with sweet harmonies. “You are the God of the overflow. Your presence is water…” lingers in your head long after the song has ended.
Grammy nominee & Award winning artist VaShawn Mitchell is featured on the high-energy song “I Will Be.” The group was actually produced via VaShawn Mitchell’s production deal with Tyscot and with Mitchell’s stamp is sure to be a classic.
The second and final featured artist on the record is Maurette Brown-Clark, a longtime friend of Brown’s who is featured on “Harvest Song,” a jam inspired by Hebrews 6:10. Impeccable arrangements and a powerful message that repeats “I believe God for a miracle” will likely make this a favorite of many. And while the features on the album may seem minimal, it was a great choice to let Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy shine since they serve up everything they do so well.
“Testimony” which is currently receiving airplay across the country is packed with energy and a resounding message that complements the song “Do It Again” as they appear back to back on the record as tracks 10 and 11 respectively.
Both “Your Way” and “Deep Enough” demonstrate Brown’s gift and fine-tuned skill in vocal arrangement. He’s previously been sought after to work on projects from Donald Lawrence, Myron Butler, VaShawn Mitchell, Maurette Brown-Clark, along with several television specials and live recordings. “Deep Enough” is an extremely strong anchor for this record leaving listeners with a little of everything that Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy does best and at the very top of that list is ushering in the presence of God.
It’s been said more often in recent years that being able to play an album from start to finish is rare, yet this is indeed one of those rare albums that you can load (or pop in) and just let it ride. Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy debut is simply outstanding, built on strong lyrical content, exciting vocal arrangements, top-notch musicianship and fun stylistic choices that set this record apart from many.
