Rebirth 7 had a pretty fantastic year if this debut album from the septet is any indication, and the group is definitely on an upwards trajectory. I can't wait to track Rebirth 7's career over the next decade. Grateful is a solid entry into the crowded field of religious a cappella, one the group should be proud of and the world happy to get the chance to listen. There are only a few missteps on an otherwise excellent album.

Recorded in a home studio (sometimes in Michael's bedroom as the announcement video states) there were a lot of trials and tribulations the group weathered in order to release its music ministry. Out of the most troubling times oftentimes comes the greatest art. As an album, Grateful is a pretty apt testament to this statement. The warmth of the recording is ever-present and really showcases all that one can do with gumption and a growth mindset.

The album opens with a jazzy gospel style made famous by Take 6 and is de rigueur in African a cappella singing post Ladysmith reigning. The chords and runs during the bridge of Mmrane are an absolute joy to listen to. Beautiful is just that — lead singer Asiama is doing his very best to make you think they've hired John Legend to sing on the track. His homage is effortless and intoxicating. Penned by the uber-talented Isaiah Carter, I think it is my favorite song on the album. I hedge my bets because like most ephemeral feelings, that selection can change with the wind. But in terms of exquisiteness, engagement and execution, one can't do much better than Rebirth 7 has with this track.

Three things hold this release back from being excellent. There is a lot of intonation variance in the lead of W'akwan that doesn't mesh with the smoothness of the backing voices. It's a pinched sound that doesn't appear anywhere else on the album, so it is really distracting at this point. I'm not sure why the skit Betta Do It Right is included on here. Depending on your take of gospel music, it's borderline offensive. Interesting. As well, the Victory (Reprise) that happens right after Victory. Why? I literally did not know that the tracks had changed when listening the first few times. It's unnecessary.

As mentioned in my previous reviews of the group's singles, Rebirth 7 is an ensemble with some major talent within its ranks. I'm sure the group's sophomore full-length endeavor will provide its audience with even more music to be grateful for.

Music is incredibly adept at invoking emotion simply through feel. Perhaps one's affinity is not in the lyrics. Maybe the complex chord building of a particular piece is not your preference. What cannot be denied is the sheer warmth or profound joy that often reverberates from a well-delivered song. It is these simple yet powerful feelings that reside at the heart of Rebirth 7's newest project, Grateful.

When it comes to studio tracks, the ones that stand out for me are the ones that capture a bit of that essence that often resides in live performances. Exuberant energy, unbelievable solo performances, and flawless group chemistry are a few elements that come to mind.

Rebirth 7 creatively exudes these elements as they weave a passionate and colorful musical tapestry through the tracks on Grateful. Much of the album can be broken down into uplifting and spirited, or earnest and moving. What Rebirth 7 manages to bring to each track however, is the group's Ghanian culture, be it the language or an unyielding, elated delivery of the art.

Many of the tracks on Grateful feel like a celebration with Rebirth 7's ability to command intricate rhythms while maintaining smooth and light vocals. The album's opening track Mmrane has that feel with its big band vibe and jazzy chords. The track is enhanced by its dynamic lead whose airiness balances well with the quick-moving parts. Victory takes the celebration to a new horizon with its non-stop feel-good energy felt heavily in the craftiness of the rhythm section as bass and percussion work beautifully in tandem. The track is furthered by the gospel tone Rebirth 7 seamlessly delivers through genuine and inspiring harmonies that one often only experiences in a live setting.

In contrast, Grateful also boasts a number of tracks that hit on the other end of the spectrum. Beautiful is one of the more subdued tracks that sounds freer and calmer in tone and nature, exemplifying that less can be more. However, perhaps the most emotionally charged track is Grateful. I was not expecting such a heartbreaking lead soloist in one of the most immaculate sopranos I have ever heard. Her patience, gentleness, and care to deliver such a spiritual message through pristine vocals are simply otherworldly. Moreover, the support from the backing group to maintain such a somber yet reverent vocal foundation makes the entire experience feel like a performance, not a recorded track.

There are moments on Grateful that feel repetitive in terms of a few of the arrangements. It can be challenging to stay engaged as a listener when you consistently hear similar concepts over the course of three or four minutes. Additionally, production could be a bit more polished, as vocals sound a bit muddied and unclear at times, as if there is some type of filter present.

Grateful, however, has no issues with exuding a convincing and spiritual assortment of songs that are captivating. It is an experience that will change your day for the better!

Grateful, the debut album from Ghanaian septet Rebirth 7, is a beautifully-sung representation of the group's faith and religion, full of passion and conviction along with a little humor in the form of a skit that the singers include halfway through the album. And while the arrangements and musicality are on the simpler side, it's clear that the message is what Rebirth 7 is trying to get across.

The opening track Mmrane kicks the album off with a bang with a fun and lighthearted solo from Prince Acheampong. But, it's the impressive "pinball" effect in the background vocals that stands out coupled with the steady percussion that is the highlight throughout the track. The group trades focus well and does its best to imitate a small brass band throughout the verses, which is a nice touch. Victory is also a positive and uplifting closer of a number, with a nice solo from Nkosie Hospas bringing the album to an energetic end.

Unfortunately, not all of the tracks have the same level of intricacy through the backgrounds as the opening number. The message is always front and center, but the energy is somewhat lacking. As TeKay noted in his review of the track Grateful back in September, the track isn't that "engaging" and comes across as a little "simplistic", and I do agree with that — not just on this song, but on the album as a whole. Using the track as an example, the background bass line on a simple "ooh" is just sitting there underneath Naa Torshie Mensah's solo without any energy or passion — as if it's being simply sung off the sheet music. It's a challenge that I issue to Rebirth 7 moving forward: ensure that all parts are given the same amount of attention, as it's clear the background vocals are more engaged when given more challenging and interesting lines, such as in Mmrane and Beautiful.

All that said, it's a good start moving forward for Rebirth 7, and I'm interested in hearing more in the future as this group continues to grow.