Just as there's musical royality in other genres of music, the same applies to those in the Christian & Gospel music industry. One of such is Blanca Reyes, famously known as just "Blanca" from the Christian Hip-Hop Trio "Group 1 Crew". Well, taking flight on her 3rd studio album titled "The Heartbreak And The Healing", let's get into it "ya".
The album begins with "Start Over" a tribal influenced Pop record about how after falling down and experiencing the lows of life, it's ok to begin again. The track is an instant ear worm and a great remainder that regardless of where you are at in life, it's never too late to start over again.
Very catchy, very refreshing.
5/5 Stars
Next up, we have my personal favorite single before the album even came out and what made me tune into the project, "New Day" featuring Gospel Powerhouse Jekalyn Carr. When I tell you this song is a certified BOP, baby this song will make you wake up with gratitude and get your praise on in the most contemporary trap-urban pop take on Gospel. I will say that Jekalyn stands out tremendously as this is one of her first ventures outside of traditional Gospel music & her voice is just massively powerful. Blanca, however had a hit on her hands even before she the feature was granted request. So if you're in the spirit to give Jesus some praise, or remind yourself to be grateful for life itself, the song is literally what you are looking for. A solid 10 out of 5, but I only have five stars. Lol.
5/5 Stars
Track #3 "Even At My Worst" is a love letter to God's boundless grace regardless of our flaws. A powerful pop mid-tempo that will make you reflect on how Jesus loves us and extends mercy to us even when we aren't out best. Vocally this track is superb and I appreciate the epic dynamic of the chorus and how it explodes. A beautiful song.
5/5 Stars
"Something Better" seems to suggest reflections on Blanca's previous relationships, perhaps even her previous marriage to her ex-husband. It expounds on God's plan for the purpose in our pain. It is an beautiful acoustic-pop ballad on thinking back as well as to the present on how God has restored I'm only a way he could.
5/5 Stars
Track #5 "I Got You" talks about the feeling of loneliness and feeling hopeless at times, however expresses the realization of God's presence and how he is all you need.
I enjoy this song, but at times for some reason, I tend to skip this song a bit. It's fun mid-tempo dance pop, but there are other tracks ok the album that tend to catch my attention more.
4/5 Stars
"In The Middle", is a very relatable full on piano ballad that showcases the vulnerability and honesty of Blanca's journey and how in some moments she's in pain and appears to be in the in between of who she used to be and who she'll become. The production on this track is a little different then the others, in some parts of the vocal production as it seeks to make Blanca's raw voice a bit more apparent, relaxing on the effects a bit.
A beautiful and very relatable song.
5/5 Stars
One of my favorites on the whole album is the anxiety themed and confrontational "Uncovered" addressing the raw experience of both people judging you and the pressures of being perfect while wanting to be honest. It's a very applaudable tribal infused- urban pop song that speaks on something that's sometimes rare to hear in the Christian community.
5/5 Stars
The undeniable secret weapon on the whole project is "Mi Amor". A Contemporary Spanglish Latin Pop Praise & Worship song about the desperate need for Jesus. It is a whole BOP and dancefloor banger. You tryna praise Jesus and cut a rug? Play this! Also, that note she hits at the end of the bridge, absolutely satisfying. Giving her 10's across the board.
5/5 Stars
"Never Too Far" is truly the first track on the album where I feel overwhelming let down slightly, as it's not bad, but it's simply generic compared to the near flawless beginning portion of the album. The feature "Ty Brasel" isn't bad, but overall, the song kinda just comes and goes. A little boring.
3/5 Stars
Coming in at track #10, "Let The Light In" speaks to depression & anxiety and needing the light to shine in to help the momentary overwhelming darkness. A powerpop stand out that is reminiscent of the late 2009's-2010 with a Contemporary freshness, "Let The Light In" is another explosive stand out.
5/5
"Bring You Home" is a beautiful letter of faithfulness from God's perspective as a remainder to Blanca and listeners that he will not let us down in the midst of pain and trauma in life. Definitely a track to play when you need a remainder of God's love and to take refuge in him. A beautiful Pop/Rock-esque ballad.
4/5
"The Heartbreak" is a fun disco-pop about no longer wasting time with someone/those that have broken your heart and moving on from a bad relationship or bad relationships. Again, it could be indictive of a former partner or spouse, or even family/friends, but it's a fun versatile track. It's not perfect, but it's cute. I could see why she named her album after this track...
4/5 Stars
...and then we stumble upon the last track "The Healing" featuring Dante Bowe. A clear Contemporary-Worship Pop track with a choir and everything, it speaks on the fullness and sovereign power of healing God holds and the promise of restoration.
It is a beautiful song. Bowe adds a grit to the smooth tone of Blanca's voice and the choir adds layers and power to the track. A beautiful ending.
4/5 Stars
Overall, the album is a certified hit-filled affair. Blanca's voice and swag effortlessly carries her as the Holy Spirit leads her through a journey of honest healing and an examination of brokenness and ultimately musical therapy. It's a dope project to put on when you want to get lifted and marks a bright future for Urban Pop in Christian music.
4.5/5 Stars
Stand Outs:
"New Day", "Mi Amor", "Uncovered", "Let The Light in"
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