MUSIC REVIEW
Virtue: The Blessed
Things in Life are 'Free'
By Mark Weber
Guest Columnist
CBN.com
– On "Only God's In This," the first song on
Virtue's new disc, Free, the three stylish ladies offer a trendy
R&B groove where the chorus says: "This ain't about no relationships,
not the kinda party that be pop'n Cris', all that bling bling, just
leave it where it is, only God's in this." That pretty much sums
up how Virtue feels about today's R&B/hip hop music. Instead of
singing about getting rich and partying without purpose, sisters Karima,
Heather and Ebony bring together several positive, affirming songs meant
to uplift, inspire and encourage those who are looking for healing,
peace and self-acceptance.
"At this point in our lives, we are growing and we've let go
of so many things in order to grow," says Heather. "We made
a decision to give our worries and concerns to God. We just felt He
was telling us to free ourselves of everything. That's how the title
came about -- and many of the songs speak to that -- free of negativity,
free of self-doubt, free of whatever it is that holds you back."
It seems like the ladies are very serious about "being real"
this time out. Their past CDs have been glossy, but this one seems
more transparent.
The best song on Free -- the kind that could be played on
both secular and Christian radio -- is the tender acoustic guitar
ballad, "You Just Be You," which starts out telling it like
it is: "In a world that seems so fake, artificial everything,
oh, I just want to be real." Amen? Amen. The song talks about
the world judging you and how it's easy to feel insecure. The chorus
brings the lyrical payoff, though, when the ladies speak directly
to the listener with the words "you just be you."
"You Just Be You" was inspired by Heather's own testimony
of being teased for having lighter skin than her siblings. When she'd
go home crying, her mom would say "you just be you."
"I had a difficult time growing up and I always used to question
why I looked different from my sisters," says Heather. "But
over the years, I realized through Christ that He made us the way
we are for a purpose. We've got to love ourselves. After all, He loved
us first."
When Virtue's not praising the Lord with songs like "Worthy,"
or thanking Him ("Thankful"), they're encouraging the listener,
letting them know "Everything Will Be All Right" and "He's
Able."
The Holy Spirit must have recently done a new thing in their lives,
because you can sense a fresh anointing. Virtue is more confident
and focused than ever.
"You have to free yourself of insecurities -- people or things
that prevent you from reaching your purpose," says Karima.
"We've gone back to our roots, straight up singing His praises,"
says Ebony. "A lot of the songs (on Free) say you are
free to worship, free to praise. Once you can be free of things that
weigh you down, you are free to be yourself and worship God for who
He is."
In a world where Madonna and Britney Spears kiss on MTV to shock
and titillate, it's a blessing to see Virtue do their thing without
all the "bling bling." Young girls looking for role models
should emulate ladies like Karima, Heather and Ebony.
Mark Weber is the author of Christian
Music Monthly.
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