GOD vol.5 - Chapter 5 Letter

Good songs attributed to strong efforts – G.O.D Chapter 5

Give it up for G.O.D. for a great effort in "Chapter 5" that will reap praise. They begin this album with a mediocre freestyle rap and then break into true artist standards with Track 2, a mix of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B with lots of conversational speech. The production for most of the record is grandiose and time-consuming. And from Track 2, it only gets better. Ranging from dance to urban hip-hop to sentimental R&B, the group proves that they have matured in their flavor, hitting mostly hip-hop/pop.

The only criticism here is the retro-style. It's true that retro is trendy at the moment, but there's too much melody sampling when there should be more in arrangement. Then there are those few tracks that are just unworthy of being on the same record; such songs are those poppy, please-the-public tracks that lack artistic quality consider Track 6.

The production is consistent, but sometimes trite with the double beat and the racing high-hat and heavy bass kicking at every turn of the chord. Of course this style is signature for the group, and the only thing keeping it from being a failure is the rawness and thickness of the instruments, sounding so live and in-your-face.

Overall this record should be a new record for G.O.D. in terms of reaching a higher level of artistry and vocal achievement.

Jesse's Journey into Selected Tracks:

Track 2. This jazzy flavor hits many minors on the rises and drops of the melody to leave you with a good, starting impression for the rest of the album.

It starts off with a fading trumpet, that is accentuated by the minor keys played by the keyboard and "heat" or distorted organ and the groovy guitar bass. Then the vocal breaks in with fades here and there to compliment and reciprocate with the sax; you'll notice a nice, sudden falsetto.

Track 3. Michael Jackson? This song is very reminiscent of the King of Pop's style especially with the passion the lead vocal sing with. The beat, scooping electric guitar, and busy keypad enhance this '80's style dance song. Then the rap comes in during the bridge where there is a strong lyrical beat, and the iambic movement in the rap emphasizes repeated rhymes.

Track 4. Nice ballad rap. The slow rap and conversation bring a dynamic contrast to the sentimental chorus that sings a pretty four-line pattern and then breaks into a strong bridge after the second time around. Production is simple and smart, remembering not to overdo the song.

Track 7 & 8. You'll hear songs that have great catchy hooks that are sure to make noise on the charts. Track 7 banks on a four-line pattern in the chorus that stresses the last note on the rise. Track 8 is more creative with the rapping verses and then a flowery chorus that has melodies calling back and forth to each other. The first melody cycles around to a final rising note, and the second wraps around to a lower note.

Track 11. The imitated song is on the tip of my tongue. You'll know what I mean once you hear this. There is sampling from two separate songs that makes a great mix. Innovative with a groovy beat. You'll like this for sure.

Track 12. Very beautiful rap with acoustic guitar playing the lead arrangement, and then to lighten it up even more, they include a chorus of children. This song's attitude is uplifting and joyous. The chorus melody is a beautiful expressive melody on guitar that is quickened to match the rhythm of the rap.

Jesse's Junction:

Best Song: Tracks 4, 7, 12
Best Production: Tracks 2, 3, 7, 11
Best Composition: Tracks 4, 8, 12
Best Group Vocal: Track 3
Best Vocal: Track 8
Radioworthy: Tracks 4, 7, 8, 12

Jesse's Advice:
Listen to a group of Asia's leading men in pop music.

Reviewed by Jesse Liang