Sean C. Johnson | Simply A Vessel Vol. 2 – Faithful

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Getting into something a bit different for music, after listening to the new project from upcoming Gospel/Neo Soul Singer Sean C. Johnson, I was impressed on various levels of “Simply A Vessel Vol. 2 | Faithful”. To say the least, it’s quite possibly one of the more innovating mix of compositions I haven’t heard in a long time. Especially when it relates with taking R&B/Soul – Neo Soul productions & transform them into Gospel inspired messages of hope, faith, compassion & life.

All songs on the CD were written by Mr. Johnson, with help in the production dept. from ‘Best Kept Secret’, RIQ, Kajmir Royale, Izzy The Kid, Jovan Morgan, The Puzzle Productions, Bobby Taylor, Alkota & Bonnie Mayfield (Boon Doc).

Folks, the mixes was so strong, the beats so prolific, I nearly struggled with having to pay closer attention to the meaning of the tracks, as opposed to bobbing my head to every cut Sean laced on the entire project. This CD could easily be a party mixer in a heartbeat. That’s if you take out the lyrics & let the grooves move you.

Maybe that’s the intention Sean wanted to play on the mind of the listener. If the music can attract your attention, then you will have no choice but to hone in on the lyrical content as well.

Track Listing:

~ Intro: As Long As You Are Praised
~ Well Done
~ Thy Will Be Done
~ Trust & Obey
~ Does Anybody
~ It Ain’t Worth It
~ Faithful
~ What A Friend
~ Christian
~ 5 O’Clock
~ Last Breath
~ Bonus Track – Fly Away

Each song title also has a biblical scripture related to each composition, simply to allow the listener to gain access to the source of information Sean felt his inspiration for each song came from. It’s found on the inner sleeve of the CD.

“Intro: As Long As You Are Praised” breaks the track with a hip-hop infused, head noddin’, hand swaying feature…with a little taste of Sean’s lyrical flow, which then lends introduction to another beat banger – “Well Done”. As mentioned above, the minute you get into the production, your 1st thought is going to immediately spend a lot of attention to the melody & the stellar groove-line. And slowly but surely, the Gospel praise meter slides right into the mix of it all. From a lyrical standpoint that is.

Again, the luxury of incorporating Hip-Hop/Neo Soul productions with the word of Gospel sprinkles throughout the songs. From “Thy Will Be Done”, “Trust & Obey”, “Does Anybody” (see video above) and so on. Inspiring devotions, alongside with the ‘shooting straight from the hip’ lyrics. Sean’s harmonious vocal reach is in full effect, with great background vocal arrangements. The track-for-track mixes stays relatively consistent, the messages works out the uplifting praise meter & the overall appeal of the album falls on the heels of an urban landscaped template of tracks that will make you compare any or most of them to the likes of some earlier D’Angelo, Jill Scott, or Erykah Badu projects. Easily, No doubt. And it sounded that good too.

Right down to the last bonus track.

I would issue a “go get it pass” in a heartbeat, but with a small caution: This is an all out Urban Gospel CD. Yes, & once again, this CD could easily make good for a strong Neo-Soul recording for the secular music listeners. Both sides of a coin represented. It may not be ideal for traditional Gospel listeners AND die-hard Neo-Soul lovers everywhere. But one thing that needs to be brought to light: Putting those two genres together the way Mr. Johnson did for “Simply A Vessel”, was very enticing & attractive. I admired his innovative approach to the project. Something different. I call it ‘Creativity’ to the max…

Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene