Fearless is the fourth studio album by Christian hip hop duo Group 1 Crew. The album released on September 10, 2012, by Fervent Records, Curb Records and Word Records. The album was produced by the following producers: Andy Anderson, Tony Battaglia, Chuck Butler, David Garcia, Ben Glover, Christopher Stevens and the.switch. The album charted on the Billboard Christian Albums chart at No. 6. The first song, that was released as the lead single from the album was "He Said" that peaked at No. 10 on the Christian Songs chart. It is their last album to feature Blanca Callahan before her departure in 2013.
Contents
Background
The album was produced by the following producers: Andy Anderson, Tony Battaglia, Chuck Butler, David Garcia, Ben Glover, Christopher Stevens and the.switch.
The second verse of the song "Darkest Valleys" is sung by Blanca, who recalls the incest from her stepfather who left her with emotional wounds.
Singles
The first radio single was "He Said". This song has attained No. 10 on the Christian Songs chart. The song also went to No. 1 on the Billboard Christian CHR Chart and No. 9 on the AC indicator. The second single was "His Kind of Love" which impacted Christian Radio on September 29. The song reached No. 1 on the CHR Chart.
Critical reception
About.com's Kim Jones said that "each and every song comes with its own bow, making Fearless a celebration where each gift (song) is something to be opened and cherished. If this album was on vinyl, I would have already worn grooves in it from repeated listens."
Christian Music Zine's Joshua Andre said that "for some, the fact that Group 1 Crew have diversified into many unexplored genres for them, would be a bitter pill to swallow- their sound on the 2012 album is more varied and diversified than the debut sound in 2007- and some die-hard rap/hip hop fans may be repulsed. But in my opinion, this expansion of their niche market can only work in their favour- with such diversity on this album from rap to ballads to pop anthems to dance tracks, it is likely that this hip hop duo receives at least a Dove Award nomination next year, hopefully a few wins, as well as success on many radio stations!" Lastly, Andre wrote that he loves "the 'fearless' extension in musical direction!"
The Christian Manifesto's Lydia Akinola said that "Fearless is an album of two halves. You get some serious yet safe CCM hits and then you get some original numbers that don't always deliver so much in the message department. That's not to say that the CCM choices aren't good – they're just mostly unoriginal." Furthermore, Akinola summed up "so the 'been-there, heard-that' feel to Fearless is disappointing."
Christianity Today's Andrew Greer said that the album is "saturated with loads of hip-hop and pop-rock ear candy, the multi-Dove Award winning group's fourth album counters struggles like self-image, anxiety, and heartache with lyrical encouragement to adventurously trust God".
Indie Vision Music's Jonathan Andre said that "these songs are able to give listeners hope as they continue to live their lives solely for Christ. Fans of Tobymac, Britt Nicole and Beckah Shae will definitely be pleased with an album that is musically one of the best of the year! Fearless is sure to be given a Dove Award Nomination for next year's Dove Awards, as I smile at how Blanca and Manwell have stretched themselves musically and lyrically, providing a conglomeration of musical genres- rap, pop, anthems and ballads! One of the standout albums in September, Fearless is my favourite album from Group 1 Crew! Well done guys for creating such a well-produced and highly poignant album!"
Charts
Album
Singles
Music videos
He Said (featuring Chris August)
His Kind of Love
Goin' Down
Mr. & Mrs.