Sean Simmonds (It's Over ) - Reviews

Sean Simmonds
It's Over

Sean Simmonds is back on the scene after a two-year absence with his sophomore release, It's Over. The Atlanta native has gone through a few changes since his debut. As President of Xist Records, Simmonds is now partnering with Tyscot Records and has taken a far more proactive approach on this effort, involving himself in more production and writing responsibilities. The end result is a sixteen-track body of work that is lyrically and musically relevant —and one of the most exciting urban efforts in the marketplace today.

From the first track on through, the project features stellar production. In addition to Simmonds' own work, he enlists the assistance of famed songwriter Antonio Neal and the Nureau-affiliated Wyzeguyz (Charles Moss and Nelson Beltran), who add their unique urban touch to the project.

Simmonds also collaborates with several great vocalists who take this effort to the next level. His alma mater, the Toronto-based Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale lend their impressive pipes to the hit "My Life", while Yvette Graham's vocals shine on the ballad "Wherever".

Great song arrangements and clever lyrical presentations mark the project. The infectious title track embodies the spirit of the album, which is designed to remind all that they have victory in Christ over all obstacles and indeed, in Him, are overcomers in all of life's struggles.

Simmonds' clever wordplay is evident on tracks such as "The Way" and "Mary's Baby", which creatively talks about the announcement of Mary's pregnancy.

Other illustrative songs in the same vein are "I Got It" and "Tonite", which admonishes club hoppers to check to see if they are, in fact, ready for Christ's return. Definitely worth several repeat plays on the iPod.

Simmonds doesn't shy away from the tough issues with "Unheard Cries", which addresses the difficult issues of sexual and spousal abuse.

No urban album would be right without good party jams, and this effort has no shortage of those. Serious head bangers include "Go Crazy", "Spectacular", and the album's title track.

Clearly, the alleged sophomore jinx misses Simmonds, as this effort has instant vintage written all over it. It's Over is an urban bright spot and worthy of being added to your collection.

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Production: Sean Simmonds, Antonio Neal, Wyzeguyz, Mario Maitland, Dariq album release date: Sept, 2008
Xist Records / Tyscot Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —