Rating Scale:
6: Off-the-Scale!!! Superior quality musical masterpiece. Only a very few CDs earn this rating.
5: Excellent. A must have CD. If you don't have a copy of this CD, buy it today.
4: Very Good. Just shy of a must have CD, but if you enjoy great music, then you'll want to add this to your CD
collection.
3: Good. Not the best, but still a good CD. If you are a fan of this artist, you'll want this one.
2: Fair. Overall not a very good CD but may have a few good tracks.
1: Poor. Don't buy it unless you've got money to burn and don't care about quality.
No Release No Surrender – Emrand Henry
Label: Gospel Reggae.com
Release Year: 2009
Rating::
Blessed with a fabulous voice and a stockpile of dynamic rhythms, Emrand Henry does not disappoint on No Retreat No Surrender. The 15-track CD is loaded with subtle, yet clear messages skillfully delivered on danceable rhythms. No Retreat No Surrender is reggae, it’s soca, it’s spiritually uplifting and socially conscious. With no weak tracks or fillers, No Retreat No Surrender is sure to satisfy even the most discriminating tastes. Emrand Henry’s long-awaited second CD is, in a word, terrific!
Favorite Tracks
- Included among the previously released hits on No Retreat No Surrender is Consume Me. Recorded on the Archangel Riddim, Consume Me is a song of complete surrender to the all-consuming love of God. At least 17 artists from across the Caribbean and the US have recorded on this rhythm. Of all the recordings, Emrand’s Consume Me has, without a doubt, the most powerful lyrics, and most compelling vocals of all.
- Mind Made Up is a song about commitment, resolve, and no turning back. It’s upbeat, bouncy, and very danceable. The rhythm makes you want to do just that – get up and dance, dance, dance.
- Crazy is Emrand Henry at his very best. This mid-tempo song, with a catchy chorus that stays with you long after the music has ended, simply is fantastic, wonderful, phenomenal. What can I say - I absolutely love this song! Watch the video below.
- Stand By Me is another of my favorites. The opening guitar chords immediately grab your attention, and the infectious drumbeat just won’t let you sit still. As for Emrand’s vocals, they are simply superb. With truly inspirational lyrics that you grow to appreciate more with each listen, Stand By Me is a real gem.
- For the Children, the most socially conscious track on the CD, has all the elements of a timeless hit. It has outstanding instrumentation, superb vocal harmony, and a more than memorable chorus line that you not only hear, but you can feel. This song just makes you feel good. If this song had been around 10 years ago, you would’ve loved it then. And when you hear it 20 years from now, you’ll still love it.
- Thank You is a reflective song of thanks and praises. The lyrics remind us to be thankful for those “everyday” blessings that we all too often take for granted. The production and arrangement are top-notch, and lyrically Thank You is the perfect segue into the final track, Great Day.
- Great Day is a great way to end a truly remarkable CD. The lyrics of Great Day are exceptionally uplifting, Emrand’s vocal range is impressive, and the overall production is first-rate. I also especially like the guitar work on this one. Anytime you need a positive confession, just think of Great Day and let it soothe your soul. What a magnificent song!
- Other outstanding tracks with messages and music you’re sure to fall in love with include I Know I Know and Jah Provide.
Cons
The order of the tracks listed on the back cover is slightly different from the actual order of tracks on the CD. Other than that, there are no negatives.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
Just as Emrand says in his song Crazy, “without you in my life Lord, I would go crazy.” Well, without this CD in your music collection, you just might go crazy! Doctor’s orders: Get a copy(s) of No Retreat No Surrender, crank up the volume, and enjoy daily.
Recommendation
I highly recommend No Retreat No Surrender. A number of tracks carry profound messages cloaked in understated lyrics making the music accessible to a wide audience. Combined with high quality production, and outstanding vocals, No Retreat No Surrender is top-of-the-line all the way. So, why not be good to yourself and get a copy of this exceptional quality CD. Do it today. You won’t be disappointed.
Track Listing:
1. No Retreat No Surrender
2. Consume Me
3. Mind Made Up
4. Crazy
5. Mama
6. Stand By Me
7. Jah Provide
8. I Know I Know
9. Revolution
10. For The Children
11. Oh What A Feeling
12. Standing There
13. What Goes Around
14. Thank You
15. Great Day
Reviewed by William L. Nowell
June, 2009
