THREE DISTINCT BACKGROUNDS YIELD ADDITIONAL DIVERSITY
More than just an idea, Ordinary Dreamers is a tag that could directly apply to Group 1 Crew members Manwell, Blanca and Pablo. Though the multi-cultural trio already found fame with its self-titled CD from 2007, this batch is designed to elevate the members’ original goals from both a musical, and even more importantly, an intensely personal perspective. In fact, Manwell will be the first to admit his troubled upbringing with the wrong crowd. Blanca isn’t afraid to air her insecurities after trying out for multiple talent competitions (including “American Idol”) and failing. Plus, Pablo’s quick to divulge his roots as a Wal-Mart cashier.
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While no one’s knocking working in the retail world, the threesome hopes listeners will be ignited by a desire to reach beyond their wildest ambitions with a superb musical soundtrack to back it up. The melting pot starts simmering with the club throw down “Movin’,” merging into the vibrant acoustic soul of “Our Time& rdquo; and even dipping back to the funk-laced days of disco come “Gimme That Funk.”
As the album progresses, Group 1 Crew continues to fire on all cylinders, with the rap/R&B anchored beats on “Bring the Party to Life” sounding so hot that Kanye West could very well throw a jealousy tantrum. Though a decidedly current collection, the troupe also re-visits the ’70s on the Kool & the Gang-mirrored “Critical Emergency” and the contemporary jazz appeal of “Change.” But no matter the stylistic switch-up, the focus remains shooting for the stars and keeping Christ at the center of all callings, in spite of the negative weight of one’s previous choices or current circumstances. –Andy Argyrakis