J Moss - Just James

By Richard Picart

The one thing that strikes me about the latest "Just James" album by J Moss, is the profound sense of reality that rings true to me as I listen to it. The lyrics do not sound like the product of years of sitting on the front pew of a church. They sound like the fruit of a few moments of pure brokenness. That is what I love about it.

For those who don't know, J Moss recently went through a terrible experience of personal honesty that played out on the world stage; one that most of us would not have made it through. It's that speck of time that serves as the stove for this buffet of God's love to those that need to know the results of being restored.

J Moss takes the song "Restored" and presents it with a wonderful treatment of strings, horns and vocals that feels churchy and commands that every broken heart reach up to heaven for their portion of God's love.

"Sweet Jesus" is a simple tehillah that pierces the heart with the healing honey of the throne. Moss' love for worship is evident in this melody because it doesn't sound contrived or cliche-ish. His spiritual wrestling match with God is what produced this song.

If you enjoy the classic "smooved out" sounds of Debarge, you will be reminded of them with the up-tempo praise song "God Happens". Simple lyrics with a chic track, that is not overproduced, but it supports the pure worship evident in the vocals. Great job PDA!

Sometimes, I get tired of only hearing J Moss on all the vocals. On this album I didn't mind. I needed to hear him, all of him. I needed to hear the pure heart of a worshipper. Not a producer. Not an artist. Not a member of the Clark-Moss clan. Just the sound of healing, joy, restoration and hope.

This album made me forget about J Moss’ scars and remember my need to get to this level of connection with God. Get ready to be changed.