CD review

Shonlock's NEVERODDOREVEN

By Jae Rae
Guest Critic

CBN.com – From out of the background as a choreographer of TobyMac’s Diverse City emerges an artist that leads front and center with a new sound and a fresh outlook on God, life, love, and purpose. Deshon Bullock, better known as Shonlock, blends influences from soul, pop, and urban rock into a captivating sound that resonates truth with just the right measure of attitude and boldness. This singer/songwriter's performance background with the late Aaliyah and Arrested Development shapes and brings a pop culture relevancy into this long-awaited album, NEVERODDOREVEN. This current sound is certain to resonate with multi-cultural audiences both in the Christian and secular arenas.

“Something In Your Eyes” starts this debut and instantly you recognize that this isn’t just any artist, but finally an artist with an authentic statement in his creative art. An artist who has an individual style but also a relevancy. Not a “copy cat”, Shonlock does extend a creative musical bridge of hope and truth to the secular world. “Something In Your Eyes”, a Billboard Christian CHR No. 1 hit, maintained its position for 7 weeks straight. This catchy tune launches the album with an anthem-like love song to God with a rich dance/pop style and inspired, hopeful grooves that makes you without thinking, say, “It’s time to dance”. “Something In Your Eyes” and “Hello” emanate relevant and hopeful “hooks” that can inspire Christians and non-believers alike to consider the God of the Universe.

The entire CD is unique and original from start to finish. Each song has its own unique sound, from pop, urban edgy rock mixes with threads of urban funk and soul. “Could It Be” a rock, urban melodic groove, asks the question to God, “Could you be all I ever wanted? Could you be all I ever needed?” Clever hooks, “talkbox” mixes, and sing-able mixed harmonies, make this song a captivating track.

Its successor is bound to put “pep in your step”. “Hello” is a groovy pop favorite. This melodic hit, lyrically and musically emanates sounds of hope and believing in your dreams.

“This is your chance, the moment is now… There is so much more to who you are right now… Hello, Hello?!”

NEVERODDOREVEN reflects a modern musical movement that with the right exposure won’t stay in “the Christian music ghetto”, but with purpose can spread its wings releasing authentic sounds of hope into mainstream culture.