Thinking outside the box of traditional gospel music, J Moss once again brings his original sound to the table on his sophomore project titled “V2.”
The album fits in the category of rhythm and praise and focuses on inspiring people to be thankful for the things they have and not forgetting that God is the giver of all things.
Standing for “Volume 2,” Moss collaborated with a host of featured artists from both the gospel and secular industries.
The album opens with a praise jam titled “Jump Jump,” featuring Moss’s cousin Kierra “KiKi” Sheard and gospel trio 21:03. It’s immediately followed with the upbeat track “Dance,” featuring gospel great Kirk Franklin. Both songs are great to dance to and allow listeners to rejoice over lyrics that focus on walking a victorious life.
Moss then takes a shift from the fast tempo dance songs,and segues into a more relaxed track called “Know Him,” featuring Moss’s aunt, Karen Klark Sheard, a member of the legendary Clark Sisters. The rhythm of the song triggers an emotion of relaxation and is a perfect roll-your-windows-down-and-“chill” riding tune. Moss allows listeners to reflect on the awesome power of God through the lyrics.
If that track doesn’t please the listeners, a song everybody can relate to called “Perfect,” featuring Anthony Hamilton, follows. The track has a sound that would remind the listener of a classic love song. But instead of the lyrics being directed to a woman, Moss and Hamilton combine to express how they feel about God.
The hook states, “I’m not perfect, but I’m trying. When you needed me there’s a few times I did not come running. I’m not perfect but I’m working. When you wanted more I would give you less and Lord I’m sorry. I’m not perfect but I’m getting closer, the more that I know ya. Please give me another chance. I’m not perfect, but I’m better than I was on yesterday.”
Unlike the first project, which was recorded in the studio, Moss briefly provides fans with a track that was recorded live. “We Love You,” a remix featuring Marvin L. Winans and Byron Cage, starts as a hype praise song and eventually transitions into a worship flow that would take listeners to church.
Toward the end of the album, Moss convicts listeners with a song titled “Let It Go.” The song has a simple beat but powerful lyrics. He keeps it real with his listeners by telling them to let go of all of the strife they’re holding against their neighbors. He also informs listeners to not be deceived by the enemy and know that trust is in God.
Moss closes the album with a comedic interlude featuring Steve Harvey on Harvey’s morning radio show. Harvey “clowns” Moss by playing old songs that Moss recorded when he was with the Moss Brothers. It’s then followed by a bonus track featuring PDA of PAJAM.
For those that are big on mass choirs or looking for an album to worship to, this album is not recommended. But if you’re looking for something that ministers about everyday life situations and doesn’t sound like “church music,” “V2” has exactly what you want.