Fast Forward

Thanks to the viral popularity of their videos and the sponsorship of the legendary Kirk Franklin, The Walls Group have gone from obscurity to the gospel big leagues in a few short years. Fast Forward keeps the momentum going with a refreshingly eclectic sound and consistently inspirational message. At the album’s heart is the seamless vocal blend of siblings Darrel, Rhea, Abijah, and Paco Walls, whose intricate harmonies often recall those of the early Jackson 5. As producer/mentor, Franklin has helped steer the quartet toward an appealing mix of old-school R&B, contemporary hip-hop, and mainstream pop. What’s most special about Fast Forward, though, is the positive energy that the Walls radiate in tunes like “Love on the Radio,” “Perfect People,” and “Freedom.” Beyond the abundant good vibes, the siblings explore serious spiritual themes on “Satisfied” and “High” (the latter featuring rapper Lecrae). The tempo-shifting “Big Brother” and the dreamy, string-accented “Beautiful” testify to the Walls’ distinct way with worship ballads. Brandy joins the group for a shimmery cover of her 1994 tune “God on My Mind.”