Pee Wee Callins Review
- ChristianMusic.com
The Pee Wee Bio * Pee Wee's Lyrics
Mission Statement:
The songs on this album were created with the purpose of reaching out to lost and hurting people. This musical effort has the effect of encouraging listeners through the songs' stories to understand and believe that they can make it through life's storms if they depend upon Jesus Christ..
"The songs on this album are like a collection of short stories. My approach to writing was to give the characters in the stories something to look forward to. The main ideas are hope, love, joy, and a better life. The conclusion is that these things can be obtained through Jesus Christ." - Pee Wee Callins
Pee Wee Callins is a senior pastor of a Florida Church, the Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries Prayer Retreat Center in Plant City. He is married to Tandria and has two children.
Pee Wee Callins through his music ministry focusses on the blessings of being in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the only one who can offer us eternal hope, unconditional love, a joy beyond human understanding, despite what is going on around us and a better life as a human being now.
Overview of PEE WEE CALLINS; STREET SOUL
What a joy this album was to review! The songs on this CD are balm to the soul, and encouragement to the spirit, the perfect lift to one's being after a stressful day or during a hard life adventure or challenging situation, not only because of the musical compositions but also because of the positive themes found in the lyrics. A positive source of themes based on the hope we have in Jesus, put so lovingly into lyrics and given a delightful musical vehicle using an inspired combination of Soul, R & B and urban/traditional Gospel, and delightful elements of 1970's style music.
His musical style on this album can be mainly described as a soothing, smooth R & B urban Gospel, offering songs which are uniquely different. It is fascinating how he infuses elements of other genres as well, with the best of the '70's music sound, all which creates on this CD an inspired collection of songs which reach out to a wide audience of listeners.
The crowning achievement has to be the wonderful vocals and rap performances; (I NEED YOU, JOY and FIRE), which express so well the messages of the songs. Pee Wee Callins' vocals are never shrill or jarring, but are performed in a range from smooth to soul-inspired, in both the lead vocals and the harmonious back up choral vocals.
Rap sections are well done by some friends of Callins and producer Todd Collins. Bobby Bishop did the Rap for I NEED YOU, Big Sonny did the honors in JOY, and Rob Hodge performed the Rap in FIRE. Each of these gentlemen have their own unique rapping style which also has the quality of clear diction, so the message of the rap is crystal clear and not muffled by performance style of rapper.
This collection of urban music inspired songs is one of the most comforting, uplifting yet energizing music, one which a listener would be the first to grab when events aren't going well, or the modern day life style is stressful. They are a positive reminder that we don't have to go it alone, that we have a loving Savior who stands by us and can strengthen us to face anything, can heal us and who promises to never leave us. We need Jesus to heal us, to be our Savior and Lord of our lives. He is the answer!
The songs also encourage us to live the walk, not just talk the talk, in living a life pleasing to the Lord and showing his love to others. The secular philosophy of "IF IT FEELS GOOD, DO IT! reflects the tendency for our culture to be consumed by love of self, which can be blinding or cause pain to others. Christianity is an active faith, not just a nice doctrine!
This CD is highly recommended for anyone's music collection! The listener will be blessed as this reviewer was, encouraged to believe and depend on Jesus, living to please Him.
Spiritual Meanings/ Truths found in his Songs
Our Need for Jesus - KEEP HOPE ALIVE * I NEED YOU * SUNSHINE * SOMEDAY * NEW DAY
Blessings Believers Receive from the Lord - I'M FREE * JOY * WITH YOU * SOMEDAY * FIRE
Christian Living following Jesus - I CHOOSE LOVE * BETTER LIFE * PARTY * CAN SOMEBODY
CD Dedication: "I give praise and glory to my heavenly Father who anointed me with the gift of singing
Songs on the CD: STREET SOUL
* * * + + KEEP HOPE ALIVE - Words and Music by C. Callins, T. Collins and M Ripoll
Described as "Phily-styled soul. Easy beat, guitar work by Michael Ripoli, keys, easy R & B anthem
Lyrics stress the importance of faith - believing in the gifts, goals the Lord has led us to. Lord is A faithful friend, a great enabler who has a plan for our lives, which involves the gifts He has given us.
Scriptural References: (Joshua 1:9, Romans 5:1-5 & 8:28, 1 Cor. 12:4, 2nd Cor. 4:16 & Heb. 11:1)
They say that dreams don’t come true, but I’m a witness that they do. I had to believe that I’ll sing a song, that’s what helped me to carry my dream on. Life brought me some ups and downs. Like a true champion I didn’t stay down. Now I’m here to encourage you; believe in yourself and you can make it too
Chorus Keep hope alive (you’re going to make it) you’re going to make it by and by. Keep hope alive you’re going to make it by and by
Feel like you’re gonna lose your mind? They say you’re running out of time. You say my life is wasting away. I can’t tell night from day. You’ve got to believe in what you can do, ‘cause that’s the only thing that will get you through. Just stay strong and carry on. Believe in yourself and your day won’t be long if ya… Chorus (x2)
Bridge: No matter what they say you can make it through Keep hope alive you’re going to make it by and by Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true You’re gonna make it… Chorus
HOOK: Keep Hope Alive! Keep Hope Alive! YEAH YEAH,
* * * + + JOY - Words and Music by T. Collins, A. Phelon, M Ripoll, and T. Custis
A strong favorite of this reviewer. A urban R & B Gospel Praise and Worship song with a hip hop beat which celebrates what Jesus did in the life of a believer, who joyfully shares his testimony. Great Rap intro by Big Sonny, who also raps a verse. Rhythmic melody reminds me of songs done by Paula Abdul back in the pre-dawn era ('80's). Michael Ripoli cooks along on his guitars to provide both driving rhythm and very nice melody support and funky counter melody as well! Love the main vocals which strongly carry the infectious melody and express so well the message which is so uplifting and comforting!!
Scriptural References: (Romans 15:13 & 8:1-4, 1 Thes. 5:16-18, Psalm 46:1, 2nd Samuel 22:23, Neh. 8:10)
Partial Rap: J! Jesus justifies and Jehovah Gyra provides for my life. I'm sayin' O.......Got me singin' Yuletide carols all year, Yes you are, you are my King! The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Chorus: This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me the world can’t take it away (the world can’t take it away) .This joy I have the world didn’t give it to me the world can’t take it away (Oh yeah)
1) The smile on my face, the melody in my heart all come from within. A new lease on life, I’ve given up my sin, I have a brand new start
Bridge: You don’t know like I know, what he’s done for me You can’t say like I can ,can I testify can I testify You don’t know like I know, what he’s done for me You can’t say like I can, can I testify? Can I testify?
Chorus
2) I gotta reason to dance, gotta reason to shout, he’s been so good to me. I gotta reason to sing, Jesus is my everything! God has been good to me, so good to me.
Bridge:You don’t know like I know, what he’s done for me You can’t say it like I can, can I testify? Can I testify?
Chorus
RAP
Hook: This joy I have, (This joy I have), the world didn’t give it to me, (the world didn’t give it to me), the world can’t take it away, (the world can’t take it away). This joy I have the world didn’t give it to me, the world can’t take it away.
* * * + SUNSHINE - Words and Music by T. Collins, A. Phelon
A love letter to the Lord beautifully illustrated with laid-back smooth R & B, with some pop influences. Light horn sound, delicate piano, string plucking which increases in dynamics and softens again. Nice support with strings and piano throughout. Vocals carry the melody, supported with nice harmonic backup vocals, helped along by Shelby and Taylor Collins, which can be heard clearly in the Chorus section.
Scriptural References: (1 Peter 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30, John 14:1, Psalm 34, Romans 8:28)
Chorus Sunshine, Your sunshine brightens up my life, my life Sunshine, Your sunshine brightens up my life, you make things all right
When I was down, it was you that picked me up, you said I could make it When I cried, it was you that wiped my tears Your joy has replaced it Tell me where would I be without you in my life Tell me where could I turn if not there Your love was all around me, I’m so very happy You bring me joy, unspeakable joy
Chorus
So many rainy days it felt like the sun had left my world, but you gave me hope. Many nights I tossed and turned but you became my peace of my mind Tell me where would I be without you in my life. Tell me where could I turn if you’re not there. Your love is all around me and I’m so very happy You bring me joy, unspeakable joy
Chorus
Bridge You took my sadness now I can laugh You cleared the clouds away made my heart glad Oh what a wonderful friend that’s in you, oh I can’t deny what your love means to me
Chorus
* * * + + BETTER LIFE - Words and Music by T. Collins, A. Phelon, M Ripoll
2nd favorite song of this reviewer! Rhythmic urban soul anthem which tugs at the heart, makes the listener care. Especially love the poignant vocals which tell of the pain of innocent children caused by abandonment by their fathers. Catchy dotted note melody sung with feeling brings the message in a meaningful way to the listener.
Starts off on a soulful note with just vocals and guitars. Composition adds synthesizer sounds which support guitars.
Scriptural References: (Prov. 4:15-21, Luke 12:34, Gal. 5:19-26, Romans 12:2 and James 5:16)
Chorus: Daddy ain’t going nowhere Looking for a better life, better life Time for a better life, (yeah)
Chorus
We gone get up out the hood, we gone treat our women right, we gone stay and make sure that our children have a better life Promise I won’t turn away, promise I won’t walk away, I hope that you hear me, tell me are you with me
Last week, I saw a boy on the street looks like he didn’t have much to eat,(I thought) where is this young man’s daddy? How could he leave him this way? Such a shame, oohhh we gonna be the change my Lord, gotta help these babies Oh the world is full of fatherless children, it’s time for a spiritual healing
Chorus
Somehow, we got to turn this around. (Young world) we got to stop this somehow (My mind) really can’t take it no more, how much can we endure? Oh, we gonna be the change my Lord, we gonna be the change, gotta help these babies Oh, the world is full of fatherless children, its time for a spiritual healing.
Chorus
* * * + + PARTY - Words and Music by T. Collins, A. Phelon and C. Callins
Energy personified! A Praise Party urban funk street soul with some kick song guaranteed to drop kick stress and sour moods out of the mind, as the listener will be too busy dancing around the room or inspired to have fellowship with others to rouse the spirits, and to be encouraged. Becoming a believer of Jesus and a member of his family is like joining a party, because Jesus offers to heal us, give his love, support and guidance and a joy which can't be taken away. Great syncopated, sharp rhythm and melody backup supported probably by a synthesizer which adds a strong rock beat!
Scriptural References: (Phil. 2:1-5, Phelman 4-7, Heb. 13:2, 3 John 5, Romans 12:13)
Chorus: Party people everywhere having a good time Party goin’ on having a good time Forget about ya problems tonight, tonight
If you’re looking for somewhere, to go and just unwind. Where there’s happy people, I have a place in mind Where everybody’s invited anybody can come on in. Everybody’s invited just make sure that ya bring a friend and we gone have a party
Chorus: Party! people everywhere, having a good time. Love is in the air, so have a good time! Forget about ya problems tonight, tonight, tonight .
No matter where you’re from; north side, east side, west side, south side it’s all good. If you’re searching for fun you’ve come to the right place, good God (ooohhh) Where everybody’s invited, everybody can come on in! Everybody’s invited just make sure that you bring a friend We all gonna have a party! Chorus 2x
Chorus
Hook: Woo woo there’s a party going on, woo woo! there’s a party going on! woo woo…
Party going on Party people everywhere, having a good time love is in the air, so have a good time forget about ya problems tonight, tonight Let’s have a good time
* * * + + I NEED YOU - Words and Music by T. Collins, M. Ripoll, A. Phelon
Another strong favorite of this reviewer. A heartfelt Contemporary R&B confession prayer hymn, written in a minor key, with nice synthesizer counter melody and catchy easy R & B rhythm, with some piano chords in the background. Vocals and backup vocals poignantly express a repentant heart, asking for forgiveness.
Scriptural References: (Romans 7:14-25 & 12:2, Matt. 6:33, 1 Cor. 10:10)
Rap - Bobby Bishop
When I tried to do right somehow I slipped and did wrong. When I tried to think right, life just pulled me along. My mind is focused on you, but this flesh is so weak I’m reaching out to you, Lord I wanna breathe, I just wanna breathe.
Bridge: I know that I ain’t been the best one and its time for me to fess up. Trying hard Savior to grow up, grow up, grow up! I know that I ain’t been the best one, and its time for me to fess up Trying hard Savior to grow up, grow up, grow up.
Chorus: How can I say that I’m sorry so many times that I messed up Ooooo, I know I need you. So many things that I’ve done wrong, gotta sing in a sad song I know I need you
Living under pressure, why am I in this world? Trying hard just to be all that you see in me. My mind is focused on You, but this flesh is so weak I’m reaching out to you, Lord I wanna breathe, I just wanna breathe I know that I ain’t been the best one and its time for me to fess up.
Bridge and Chorus
Rap - Bobby Bishop
Chorus:
Tag: It's time to be a man!
Chorus
* * * + WITH YOU - Words and Music by T. Terry. Vocals by Pee Wee Callins and Todd Collins
A love song to a special person, which describes two people deeply in love.
Lovely acoustic ballad with nice light support from synthesizer /keys, and a touch of percussion. Has a beautiful melody and some very nice vocal intervals. One can hear the love in the vocals, which express true sentiment.
Scriptural References: (Prov. 5:18-19, Song of Songs: 1:2-3 & 2:1-7)
When I’m with you I hear a song that makes me laugh and smile and sing to you. When I’m with you, I feel so free, I feel that love is going to take control of me.
Chorus:When I’m with you, it’s for real, what I feel when I’m with you
When I’m with you I wonder why people do stop and stare and smile at us When I’m with you the sun shines my way, maybe our love reflects the rays of light Everyone in the world
Chorus: It's for real (it's for real),When I’m with you. It’s for real, what I feel when I’m with you
A special touch, a warm embrace. Sweet and tender kiss your smile, oohhh, it warms my heart; so good, A chill when I look, look in your eyes, I wonder why.
Chorus:
Hook I love you, yeah yes I do. I give the world to you, yeah, oh yeah
Tag. When I’m with you It’s for real what I feel (what I feel) when I’m with you, Everything is all right, when I’m with you, it’s for real what I feel It’s ok, come what may, everyday, so right, so right when I’m with you. Nobody, but you!
* * * + + SOMEDAY - Words and Music by T. Collins, A. Phelon, M Ripoll and E. Lautenbach
A lovely, contemporary Gospel worship song with a light R& B influence and a touch of soul. Uplifting Message of song reminds listener of the promise that Christian have, that we can look forward to, seeing Jesus face to face. Lovely combination of guitars, strings and piano provide perfect musical vehicle for moving vocals. Song has a large audience appeal.
Scriptural References: (Rev. 21:1-4, Romans 5:1-5, 2nd Cor. 4: 16-18)
Chorus: Someday, someday… we’ll all see Jesus (Someday, someday)…we’ll behold him face to face Someday, someday, we’ll all see Jesus. What a day of rejoicing that will be.
Soon and very soon we’re going to see the King. There’s no pain in his presence, no, forever we’ll sing Hallelujah, glory to you! Forever we will praise his holy name!
Chorus
My heart is longing for Him and my eyes can’t wait to see the beauty of His holiness Hallelujah, glory to you Forever we will praise his holy name
Chorus
Bridge: Someday, someday Someday, someday We’ll sing Hallelujah, glory to you Forever we will praise His holy name
Chorus
* * * + + I CHOOSE LOVE - Words and Music by T. Collins, M. Ripoll, A. Phelon
3rd favorite song of this reviewer. The musical composition is described as a delightful, upbeat mix R & B, flavored with delightful Earth Wind and Fire "vibes" and "What's Going On era Marvin Gaye." The result offers the listener a memorable melody, supported with a lively musical composition which is the perfect vehicle for the lyrical message and fine vocals. Love the guitar work of Michael Ripoll, intertwined with strings counter melody. Vocals and backup chorus are most enjoyable!!!
Scriptural References: (1 Cor. 13, Ephesians 3:16-18))
Chorus I choose love, love is better, than anything that this old world has to offer! I choose love, love is sweeter, don’t let a day go by without showing that you care
I searched around, far and wide looking for some answers. And I found out, the one true thing, my heart was truly after.
Love is patient, love is kind, love will ease a troubled mind, that’s love that’s all that I need What else could I ask for? Love is patient, love is kind, what else do I need?
Chorus
I wish the world happiness and the life that love could bring this is your life why not live it love’s the only thing to be love is patient, love is kind, love will ease a troubled mind, that’s love, that’s all that I need What else could I ask for
Chorus
* * * + NEW DAY - Words and Music by T. Collins, A. Phelon and M Ripoll
Very nice acoustic and electric guitar broken chordal support, with an easy beat and an easy pop rock sound support the memorable melody and beat. Lovely acoustic guitar interlude during Bridge makes a lovely counter melody.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:28 & 38, Ephesians 3:16-18, 1 Peter 5:7, Matt 11: 28-30)
Hello world! How you been? Can I share a little of your time? Life is tough, so undefined everybody’s going through the same but I know you’ve heard it all before, yeah. But I believe something soon will change
Chorus: Don’t give up, don’t let go, you should know, the sun will soon be shining in your world. Don’t retreat, wait and see, just believe the sun will soon be shining in your world
So much more still to learn everyday is just another page, but one thing I do know, love will never leave your heart alone. I know you heard it all before, yeah. But I believe something soon to will change.
Chorus
Bridge: It’s a new day, it’s a new day, It’s a new day
Chorus
* * * + + I'M FREE - Words and Music by C. Callins, T. Collins and M Ripoll
Urban gospel with a hip hop beat at its best! A lively Praise and Worship song celebrating what a faithful and loving Lord we have in our corner! Lively rhythmic melody has fine support of guitar and synth work which is sharp and tight and of course syncopated. Vocals and chorus are joyous and uplifting to one's spirit!
Scriptural References: (Romans 5:8 & 8:1-2 & 8:21-25, 1 Cor. 15:57-58)
Chorus: I’m free, you know I’m free No more chains holding me I am free, I am free
I was thinking on how we used to be Living down and out, oh, Lord, you brought me out. A lot of sad days and many, many bad days. But the good out weigh the bad. Now I am so glad. And make me wanna say, I am free So glad to be free I am free, I am free
Chorus:
Thank you for delivering me Without you I wouldn’t be free Lord, you brought me out, Now I can sing and shout. A new identity you made me what you wanted me to be Gave me a second chance Now I can truly dance And made me wanna say I am free I am free
Chorus
Bridge: He can make you free Make your free indeed
Chorus
* * * + FIRE - Words and Music & Rap by Rob Hodge
Celebration of the power of the Holy Spirit! A urban street Gospel hip hop prayer hymn asking to be filled with the Lord's love and Holy Sprit. Inspiring Rap and heartfelt vocals, and a catchy rhythmic yet pretty melody, which together create a prayer hymn done street style!
Scriptural References: (Psalm 90:14, 2nd Cor. 3:18 & 5:17, Phil. 1:6, and 1 Thes. 1:5)
Rap (Rob Hodge)
Chorus Hit me with that fire ‘til I want no more, ‘til I scream I had enough, Hit me with that fire gotta let it go take complete control
I been waiting all this time, I’ve been waiting for this moment (seem like forever and a day) Many nights I been dreaming, many days I been thinking (about how wonderful you are) Fill me up with your love, ‘til I overflow, fill me up with your love, ‘til I overflow
Chorus
I want to tell everybody you got love for everybody (I cannot keep it to myself) Without you in my life I am nothing I owe you everything Fill me up with your love, ‘til I overflow, fill me up with your love, ‘til I overflow I wanna be down with you… tell me what I need to do
Chorus
* * * + + CAN SOMEBODY - Words and Music by C. Callins, J. Vincent
Favorite song of this reviewer! Lyrics and convincing, soulful vocals bring up the problems and solutions caused by "problems that his fellow men leave behind fatherless children, abandoned women, and a lack of spiritual leadership in the home and in the church." Touches the heart and brings on self-reflection.
Scriptural References: (Phil. 4:6-8, Prov. 3:3, 5-6 & 4:15, Micah 1:6-8)
Lyrics:
Chorus: Can somebody hear me? I’m hurting, I need a friend in life. Can somebody feel me? I need you to help take away my pain.
What is this world coming to, when children are being abused? Not by a stranger or a neighbor, but by mother and father, oohhh, its getting so bad. Their lives are being taken away before grade school. Even before the time they grow up and think they’re cool. Whatever happened to the time when parents used to teach their children to pray?
I remember grandma and grandpa saying son say,
Now lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take
What is the world coming to? Can somebody tell me?
Chorus
This young girl approached me the other day She said do you have the time to listen to what I have to say? I thought about suicide two or three times because my baby daddy I can’t find. He said he would marry me, marry me, But when I had my baby, the boy, he left me Now my family is always putting me down. The girls I ran with they’re nowhere around.
Chorus 2: Now can you give me hope ‘cause I have nowhere to go need a change in my life can you help me make that change Can somebody help me and hear me?
Chorus 1:
Hook: I need a friend to be there ‘til the end, Can you hear me? I’m praying…
Chorus 1:
Reviewed by Julie Carr - Christian Music.com
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