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Man there's not much i can say about this album except this is a classic, a debut album i'm never gonna forget as long as i'm livin' no lie, i'ma be bumpin this to church lol
I first saw Tonex on a Gospel Awards show, his performance was like a Prince/Micheal Jackson thing. Plus he can dance and he's a preacher. This album is one of the best Ive ever owned. Its been about 10 years since I bought it and I still listen to it all the time I love it. I have purchased every Tonex album following this. GOspel music was still tripping of Kirk Franklin so I knew they werent ready for Tonex. No man that i've heard sing can touch his octaves and rips and runs.
Its separated by genre which is unique. To me, its Grammy worthy. This album is genius, and you can definitely hear his legendary influences in the album. But I instantly fell in love with him as an artist was anxiously awaited the released of this album. Tonex's vocals are ridiculous.RIDICULOUS. My favorite sections are his Futuristic with songs like "Trinity", Funk "Personal Jesus" all the songs in his Jazz section and the whole mellow grooves section. ITS definitely worth every penny you spend.
This is an unbelieveable album. It is a pleasureable album to listen to. There is a song in there for everyone to listen to. Good Job.
The album is a classic and tackles issues in a way that most gospel albums of that era failed to do so. His style, as I have stated before, is timeless and ultimately incomparable. Still, the popularity of this album solidified Tonex's reputation as the new "bad boy" of Gospel music. One of the most heralded as well as controversial albums of the year 2000, Tonex's first major label release entitled "Pronounced Toe-Nay" is more like a modern-day melodrama of Tonex's life story. "Personal Jesus" showcases his exceptional ability to vocalize and offer exhortation through song. Not only are the messages convincing, but the album also proves to be absolutely entertaining.
Blige) and "Restoration," which samples an interpolation of Andrae Crouch's "Soon & Very Soon," will inspire any believer to return to their place in God.
I received a copy of this album on my 18th birthday and for an entire year, this album pierced me so deeply and even helped me discover my purpose in life with the strength of its lyrical content.
The sound of it is like a jambalaya of Hip-Hop & R&B fused with synthesized portions that give the song its Dance & Techno flavor.
Originally sold on the now-defunct local label Rescue Records in 1997, the Jive/Verity Records re-release actually omits two songs that was on its previous version.
"U Send Me" is unlike anything I have ever heard before.
Songs like, "Taxi," "Why," "As I Played," "Real With U," and "Waiting" all ministered to me at a time when I needed relief from the stresses of being a young Christian.
Moreover, the spirit-filled power of "Cry No More" (also featured on the movie, "Prison Song" starring Q-Tip & Mary J.
"The Good Song" sounds like a Stevie Wonder song with its clavichord-based musical structure and its stirring lesson of unity.
Overall, this is a glorious work of art that possesses an in-your-face, hard-core take on what it means to be radical for Christ.
2001", that one is intense. But as always, Tonex never ceases to amaze with his versatility, his vision, his multiple talents, his music, his voice, his dress, everything. After a listen to the track "The Good Song", you'll understand what I'm talking about. I got it off Kazaa. The beat on "U Send Me", is really funky. You can find the song on the net.
After hearing those two songs I figured he was just a gospel artist trying to copy the neo-soul sound. I had only heard them in passing and I didn't catch on to the Tonex vibe yet. Yes people, I was a lost soul at one time. But I was converted.I heard O2 (Tonex's follow-up LP to this one) first and was literally blown away by that album, so I decided to listen to this one and while it's not as good as O2, it's still a phenomenal debut. It is almost impossible to believe that someone could record a WHOLE album in their BASEMENT and have it come out this banging. But the soul/jazz section is really good, especially "Taxi", which is speaking about falling into sin via fornication.The hip hop flavored tracks aren't bad themselves, however Tonex is one of those few people who rap and sing equally well. That's an impressive feat to pull off.
I love it. And "P.T. For all neo-soultologists like myself, the songs "Taxi", "Waiting", "As I Played" and "Why" are really soothing to the ear, and I believe it could rival the sounds of say, D'Angelo maybe. The first two tracks I heard from this LP were "Personal Jesus" and "Make Me Right". I think he should take all these gospel hip hop artists who are struggling and help em out because it seems like he knows good hip hop when he hears it.
The aforementioned track "The Good Song", is one of the best tracks on the album, and one of the best songs I have ever heard period. Or maybe it's just me. Other notable tracks are "Restoration", "Cry No More", and "One Good Reason", in which Big J says "Pull yo pants up, this is a church." I love that.Oh yeah, and there is a song called "Jambo" that got left off of the re-release of this album because it couldn't get sample clearance in time. It's a hot song, trust me.
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