Righteous Pop Music Reviews:
RPM Volume III

(Released 1999)

Tracks:

1. Power of God (parody of "Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News)
2. Don't Worry, Trust Jesus (parody of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin)
3. It's a Jungle Out There (parody of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens [and others])
4. Everybody Praise Now (parody of "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C&C Music Factory)
5. God's Love (parody of "Good Lovin" by the Grateful Dead)
6. Beep Beep (parody of "Beep Beep" by the Playmates)
7. For the Longest Time (parody of "Longest Time" by Billy Joel)
8. The Broad Way (parody of "On Broadway" by the Drifters)
9. Return to Jesus (parody of "Return to Sender" by Elvis Presley)
10. We're Gonna Read the Bible (parody of "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel)

Power of God

Lyrics: good
Music: good
Vocals: fair to good
Production: good
Faithful to original song :7

Comments: The lyrics on this song were better than average, though the bridge was a bit weak. Alas, the vocals brought this one down a bit.

Don't Worry, Trust Jesus

Lyrics: fair to good
Music: fair to good
Vocals: fair to good
Production: good
Faithful to original song :8

Comments: Okay, I feel the original song was stupid and this was a good imitation of the original. Guess I should stop there; but I won't. The lyrics in the original song were not very stellar, it's not surprising that we don't get lyrical excellence on this one. If you liked the original song you'll like this one since it mimics the original quite well.

It's a Jungle Out There

Lyrics: fair to good
Music: good
Vocals: fair to excellent
Production: good
Faithful to original song :8

Comments: I'm not sure I like the story this song presents. But I'll certainly admit that spoofing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a difficult task and I'm impressed that Mark pulled this one off as well as he did. There is a child's chorus part that is a bit out of place, but otherwise an okay song. The harmonies are pretty good on this one; the fact that there are really good vocal sections and some weak sections is why the vocal score is listed "fair to excellent."

Everybody Praise Now

Lyrics: fair
Music: fair to good
Vocals: fair
Production: good
Faithful to original song :7

Comments: Combo rap/disco song. Though I have heard the original (and can actually tolerate it), I'm not that impressed by this rework. Still, the idea was real cute.

God's Love

Lyrics: fair to good
Music: fair to good
Vocals: fair to good
Production: good
Faithful to original song :8

Comments: As much as I like "Good Lovin'" I just couldn't get into this song. The lead vocals seemed a bit irritating to me. This is one song that could be improved by sticking closer to the original tune.

Beep Beep

Lyrics: good
Music: good
Vocals: good
Production: good
Faithful to original song :8

Comments: There are Christian parodies of secular music; and then there are Christian parodies of secular tunes. This song is an actual parody and it's funny in that respect. The last line in the song makes it all worthwhile.

For the Longest Time

Lyrics: good
Music: N/A
Vocals: excellent
Production: good
Faithful to original song :8

Comments: This is one of the better songs on this CD. The vocals are excellent. If you're a Billy Joel fan, you'll love this one.

The Broad Way

Lyrics: good
Music: good
Vocals: good
Production: good
Faithful to original song :8

Comments: When I first read the title I had a hard time imagining how Mark Bradford could do justice to "On Broadway." But do justice he did. This is another great song on this CD.

Return to Jesus

Lyrics: fair to good
Music: fair to good
Vocals: fair to good
Production: good
Faithful to original song :6

Comments: Okay, Mark and his band aren't "the King" (of Rock 'n Roll). This one sounds like something you'd hear in a lounge in Vegas. It's not bad, but it's hard to compete with Elvis. The lyrics don't really do much for me, either.

We're Gonna Read the Bible

Lyrics: fair
Music: fair
Vocals: fair
Production: good
Faithful to original song :6

Comments: After "For the Longest Time" I was expecting another great Billy Joel parody here. Alas, I was disappointed. The music sounds like something on the Pokemon soundtrack. The vocals are a bit strained. The story is a bit too disjointed (I realize Mark is trying to tell a ton of stories from the Bible, but it just doesn't work for me).