Album Reviews
Movies
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Contact Us

Millions of viewers became familiar with RJ Helton on the blockbuster summer reality show, American Idol, where he and nine other youths belted out the most dreadful songs of America's musical past. Fortunately for the ears of the nation (and this reviewer), RJ Helton takes a gigantic step away from the corniness of Idol past (unlike has-been costar Justin Guarini). This album doesn't torture listeners with covers of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" or The Drifters' "Under the Boardwalk." Instead of sticking with his television image, Helton has released an album that he can truly call his own. In Real Life, he sheds the skin of the prepackaged pop star to show the true RJ, one who has love for the Lord.

There was much speculation during American Idol regarding Helton's faith; during the competition, he mentioned Plus One and Jars of Clay as musical inspirations. Now, on Real Life, RJ makes no secret of his faith with 12 stirring and diverse tracks.

"These songs definitely talk about my faith," Helton says, "but I don't think it makes sense to push a message on anyone." Spiritually, the album ranges from being obviously theistic ("Why Don't We Pray?"), to being poetically vague ("Love Song", "Crazy", "My Devotion"). What people need to realize is that RJ himself doesn't consider _Real Life_ an "evangelistic" album. He's having fun on 12 tracks, and his Godly world view comes into play throughout the project.

One of the excellent things about Real Life is its variety of musical styles. Add to that strength the fact that Helton contributes authorship to a large percentage of the album, and the album earns a certain credibility that must be established by a fifth-place American Idol.

The surprises begin immediately with the melodic "Even If," a track that would be well suited on an Usher album. It's a fine way to begin, showcasing soulful harmonies, an R&B beat, and a powerful solo. The Latin-flavored "My Devotion" continues that feeling, complete with a cameo by talented unknown rapper CZ.

Since it is produced by gospel music machine Gospocentric Records, of course Helton's CD needed a few gospel-flavored tracks. "All We Need to Know" is an R. Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly"-type anthem that features Darwin Hobbs and Lisa Bevill as part of a full gospel choir. "Tell Me" is a song about reconciliation that maintains a true gospel feel. Stylistic residue of Plus One's The Promise can be found on "Love Song," a worshipful ballad that Helton also records in Spanish. "Missing Me" is a darker cousin to Plus One's "Last Flight Out" from the same album. "Freedom" has a post-pop feel that would satisfy fans of Justin Timberlake. The up-tempo, upbeat feeling of the song, along with the shockingly good rap of the unknown, 50 Cent-sounding Raw Dogg makes for a danceable, radio-friendly track.

Basically, Real Life is a juggling act between the styles of gospel, pop, and R&B, and RJ pulls it off.

My concern with this album is that many will just write it off as being a few years too late. One can easily sniff out the influence of Plus One throughout the CD, and this ingredient could make many in the post-boy-band world uninterested in exploring Real Life for its worth.

Not everyone will like every song on this album. I can't say that I do. However, there is a large enough ration of good songs on Real Life to make it worth hearing.

Marcus Hathcock  April 14, 2004