Group 1 Crew – ‘Power’ album review

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These days, Group 1 Crew is solely the brainchild of Manwell Reyes, but his long awaited full-length follow-up to 2012’s Fearless almost didn’t happen. Last December, the singer/songwriter/beat master underwent voice-related surgery and was literally silenced for three months, but as Power (buy) indicates, he’s both fully recovered and artistically rejuvenated. Not only do the surging synths, dance-floor tailored grooves and hopeful power ballads rank right up there with the most infectious in Group 1 Crew’s arsenal, but they all pack a tremendous potential for crossover impact. Throughout it all, Reyes sings of finding identity and self-worth through faith rather fame, while also seizing the opportunity to continue displaying his talents (and those of several up and coming collaborators) following such an uncertain uphill battle.