The title of
J. Moss' 2009 record is a statement, one he backs up on a fiercely unique record. He is
Just James on the hyper-energized record, a simple musical preacher mixing funk and hip-hop with an early-'90s vibe somewhere between
Prince and
Bell Biv DeVoe. While that may sound like he's mired in a mucky timewarp, there's a modern kick in much of his message, and even the throwback material bears such a sincere fervor as to sound more refreshing than canned.
Moss has the balance of faith and pop down, kicking into dance mode on the opening number, "I Gave It Up," but inserting his hallelujahs and holies into open sight with a magician's sleight of hand.
Moss will announce a "love song" ("So into U") with the passion of a contemporary R&B crooner, then shift it to his devotion with an almost mesmerizingly casual grace. It's simple, but it's a revival spirit that's invigorating and true, backing his place as one of gospel-soul's fresh young faces of the 2000s. ~ Jason Thurston