Now, after several years of paying dues behind the scenes, Brown finally felt his season arrived in presenting his special fusion of contemporary gospel and therapeutic vibe with GT. His original intention was to release their self-titled debut independently. However, the unwavering support of Mitchell and the strength of the debut single, “Testimony,” changed those plans in a heartbeat.
Under Mitchell’s co-executive production oversight, this worthy debut from Brown & GT on Tyscot Records is decorated with various musical backdrops and therapeutic messages. “Group Therapy,” expresses a desire to maintain a pure heart for God and has the feel of a Broadway and acoustic jazz tapestry. Dedicated to “everyone who has made it,” “Testimony,” glides on an old school mid-tempo groove a la Earth, Wind & Fire with a few hip-hop nuances. Despite the occasional auto-tune flub, the song delivers a spiritual pick-me-up. “Better Days” hints of a ‘80s electro funk while balancing a modern urban gospel pop flavor under its motivational lyric: “You don’t have to be afraid/Trouble don’t last always.” Mitchell joins Brown & GT for “I Will” with invigorating call and response, dancing brass and a generous mix of R&B and rock. On the calmer worship side, the elegantly orchestrated “The Overflow (Fill Me Again)” respectfully echoes Richard Smallwood’s classical/gospel hybrid and “Deep Enough” emphasizes forgiveness to start the healing process.
Though there is a slight hiccup with the Kirk Franklin-esque “Do It Again,” Brown & group therAPy’s debut still invokes a fresh and joyous spirit. This is one group therapy session that gospel music fans will be thankful for. Other Notable Tracks: “Harvest Song (featuring Maurette Brown Clark)” and “Beyond Beyond.”
Vocals: 4.0 stars
Music: 3.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Production: 3.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Highly Recommended
By Peggy Oliver
The Same
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That You're the same yesterday, today, and forever more
Trails and tests, their eyes are new
And I wonder how I'll make it through
No shame by guilt and feeling lost
You display the power of the cross
You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
That lonely walk upon the hill
Your destiny will be fulfill
Even though some would reject Your plan
Your blood can still save all of man
Because You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
Oh, You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
Before I ever knew my need, Jesus
You gave Your life in place of me
You took on death, hell, and the grave
And carried all my sins away
All praise be to the King of Kings
You are the Lord of everything
So merciful and full of grace
I will forever sing Your praise
You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
Oh, You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
Oh, You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
Hallelujah today, forever more
Glory be to God, today, forever more
In this song, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy are expressing their faith in God and His unchanging grace and power. They thank God for remaining the same yesterday, today, and forevermore, no matter what happens. They acknowledge that life can be challenging, and they may wonder how they will make it through, but they are comforted knowing that God's power displayed through the cross can get them through anything. The lyrics also reference the sacrifice Jesus made on the hill, fulfilling His destiny in the face of rejection from others, but ultimately offering salvation to all. The song concludes with praise for God's mercy and grace, acknowledging Him as the King of Kings and Lord of everything.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank you Lord
Expressing gratitude to the Lord.
That You're the same yesterday, today, and forever more
Thanking the Lord for His unchanging nature.
Trails and tests, their eyes are new
Referring to the challenges and difficulties faced by humans, which seem daunting and insurmountable.
And I wonder how I'll make it through
Expressing the artist's sense of confusion and uncertainty when faced with these challenges.
No shame by guilt and feeling lost
Acknowledging the negative emotions that often come with struggles, but also recognizing that there is no shame in experiencing them.
You display the power of the cross
Recognizing that the Lord's sacrifice on the cross can help people through their struggles and overcome even the greatest obstacles.
Because You're the same yesterday, today, forever more
Reiterating the Lord's unchanging nature and emphasizing that He can always be relied on.
That lonely walk upon the hill
Referencing the walk of Jesus Christ to His crucifixion.
Your destiny will be fulfill
Acknowledging the fulfillment of the Lord's destiny on earth through His sacrifice and resurrection.
Even though some would reject Your plan
Recognizing that some people may choose not to follow the Lord's path or may reject His plan entirely.
Your blood can still save all of man
Stating that despite rejection, the Lord's sacrifice can still save all people.
Before I ever knew my need, Jesus
Acknowledging that the Lord's sacrifice was made before the artist even knew they needed salvation.
You gave Your life in place of me
Recognizing that the Lord sacrificed Himself for the benefit of all people, including the singer.
You took on death, hell, and the grave
Referring to the Lord's descent into hell following His crucifixion, and reiterating His power over death.
And carried all my sins away
Acknowledging that the Lord's sacrifice allowed for the forgiveness of sins.
All praise be to the King of Kings
Giving praise to the Lord, who is considered the King of Kings.
You are the Lord of everything
Stating that the Lord is the ruler of all things.
So merciful and full of grace
Acknowledging the Lord's merciful and gracious nature towards all people.
I will forever sing Your praise
Expressing the singer's dedication to continued worship and praise of the Lord.
Hallelujah today, forever more
Exclaiming praise and worship of the Lord.
Glory be to God, today, forever more
Giving glory and honor to God, both in the present and forevermore.
Contributed by Alexandra R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.