21:03

By Jenny Bennett, Digital Content Coordinator

Isn’t it refreshing when a young group emerges whose influences are clear, yet the result is something totally different than anything you’ve heard?

The gospel trio 21:03 – Jor’el Quinn, Torrence Greene, and Evin Martin – is a perfect example.

Their group name represents the date – January 21, 2003 – that the hit-making production team PAJAM (Destiny’s Child, *NSYNC, Boyz II Men and others) decided to form the group. When their sophomore release Total Attention hits the streets next week, one of gospel’s hottest acts is going to heat up even more.

The album stays true to its title, getting the listener’s ear right away with a stellar rendition of the traditional gospel tune “Riverside.” 21:03’s version opens with gorgeous harmonies a la Take 6, moving into a traditional section, which punches up the ‘wow’ factor of the tempo change in the 21:03-style third verse.

If you purchase one track only, it’s got to be “You.” (Watch for the music video on Gospel Music Channel.) Giving all the glory to God, this song takes “feel-good” to the next level, and if it doesn’t get you movin’ you should probably get your ticker checked.

Creating songs that are both arresting and have the heart of worship is what 21:03 does best. Up-tempo but laced with tight harmonies, “Holding On To You,” and rap-infused “Total Attention,” are both strong examples of their remarkable ability to combine the two.

“This is a time when there’s so much calamity, so much destruction,” says Evin. “There are so many distractions and so many things that aren’t God that have our attention that you have to do what Mark 1:15 says: ‘Behold the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’ We think that’s what the world at large needs to do because Jesus is coming back really soon and we want to go with him, and we all want to hear ‘well done, my good and faithful servant.’ That’s the theme of [Total Attention] the song and the album.”

Another strong worship tune, “Free” showcases the project’s impressive lyrical component and soothes the soul with an easy beat and softer instrumentation.

Something else the group does well is speak positively to their peers. “Everybody Can’t Go,” “Time For a Change” and the title track “Total Attention” all have strong messages for today’s youth struggling to hold on to their faith.

“We believe He’s appointed and anointed us to come out with this album to get young people, as well as the young at heart, to get their total attention back on God where it should be,” says Jor’el.

The album’s first single, a softer piano ballad “Cover Me” featuring Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful and J Moss, as well as “Testimony – The Dedication” and a live version of “Power of Christ” round out the offering and make it appealing to even the most traditional gospel lovers.

Well-rounded, high-energy, and benefiting from the backing of seasoned veterans, Total Attention just may turn out to be one of the top gospel albums of the year. Impressive for a second endeavor, and there’s no doubt that a group with this level of talent and passion is just getting started.

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