I first saw this group on ARSENIO HALL, the late night variety show in the vein of Johnny Carson, but hipper. I was blown away when I saw them. They performed Optimistic and it was amazing, hip, funky, contemporary and most of all relavent. The messages throughout the album reflect struggle and perserverance and ultimately success in the face of all obstacles. These messages appeal to all people not just African-Americans or Christians. The key to this album was a good grove throughout, polished basslines, and timely lyrics. If you like music from the nineties-hip-hop/pop then this album will fit in nicely. If you enjoy contemporary Christian Music then the messages are solid but the music is more urban in nature and may not appeal. If you love any type of good music then squeeze this into your collection-you'll be richly rewarded with a well crafted album that just happens to have something to say.