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Grand Prize has the distinction of being the second artists signed to Jaci Velasquez's A'postrophe Records.  The good thing is that this provides instant publicity for the group.  Unfortunately that publicity can only go so far, before people start to ask themselves how good this group is.  

Unlike the more pop feel of labelmate Michael Cook, it becomes obvious from the opening notes of _Identity_ that Grand Prize is more of a rock group.  The group combines a rock sound with vertical focus that will remind many of praise and worship music.  "Break Me" is one of the more interesting songs of the album as it echoes the Apostle Paul's question of "why do I do what I don't want to do" before calling out to God to "break me from the wretch that I am."  This is a song that could easily become a youth group favorite, with its rock feel and cry of humility.  "To See You" asks to see God "in my life, to know your love like I've never known it before."  Things slow down somewhat with "Point of View." the fourth track.  

Just as "To See You" asks for a new experience of God's love, "Like I Never Did" asks for an experience of God's grace like never before.  The ballad "You Are Wonderful" could easily become a hit on inspo radio stations.

Unfortunately, this project features one of the weaknesses found in some praise and worship albums, songs that go on too long.  The most obvious example of this is "I Remember," a track that stretches out to be more than 14 minutes long (yes, this one track accounts for almost one quarter of the length of the entire project).

Identity shows that with the right people around them Grand Prize has the potential to do quite well in this industry.  This is a good debut release from a group that could become a favorite within the industry.

Burton Wray February 23, 2005