If you were to ask almost anyone about the United States’ justice system (or any other nation), you’d probably be met with a deep sigh and remarks about it’s many shortcomings. From inconsistency to corruption, any system that attempts to legislate grace or punishment from human understanding is sure to see failure. Conversely, the God of the Bible has established His system of justice (of which man’s is a poor shadow) that is built upon a truth that can never be replicated, The Gospel. IV His Son brings us another album, aptly titled The Justice System, and breaks down just how flawless justice is in the hands of The Judge.

IV starts the album off with “The Cases”, specifically outlining some of the worst crimes known to mankind and their near guaranteed consequence of conviction. The three different snippets of various preachers help explain the general issue of sin and how the sure consequence is avoided by surrendering to Christ. Moving on to the title track, which is arguably the best one on the album, IV breaks down a laundry list of things that offend the Holy God. But, unlike the justice system of men, by the end of the song IV’s lawyer (Jesus) has absorbed all charges, sealing his freedom. This is a greatly painted picture of the Gospel, justice served for those who don’t deserve any.

The joy felt once acquitted is captured on “Won’t Complain”, a BBQ ready song (and album) that will definitely get even more play in the spring/ summer months. After this upbeat song, IV gets right back to business with “Different Gospels” and “What Am I To Do” (which features Jovan Mackenzy). Both of these songs will be loved by many and disliked by others, but there’s a definite urge to defend God’s truth on these tracks. After a couple tracks with a more evangelistic twist to them, both of which are edging on musically mediocre compared to what’s been heard on the album so far. Things get back on track and pick up very well on “Repeat Offender”, where IV is aware of forgiveness received, but is battling the condemnation that tries to set in with the 70 times 7 equation. In spite of the auto tune on the hook, which I feel was unnecessary, this is another high replay, truth wielding song.

With the musical roots of this album heavily grounded in the West up to this point, IV throws in another track with hybrid qualities on “Divine”. The jazz- inspired piano meshes well with his gritty cadence, but the hook is thrown off a little with- again- the over indulgence in auto tune. Next up, IV calls on some lyrically capable brethren on the decent “You Say...” (Big Fil) and stronger “Tell” (Eshon Burgundy) to help strengthen the last third of the project. As Dr. James White says a few more words of wisdom, breaking down the difference in the priests of old and Jesus Christ The High Priest, whose intercession equals a 100% rate of eternal acquittal.

Overall, The Justice System is a very good follow up to the last album of IV’s that I reviewed, Denial. This album focused on the Gospel in terms of the sure case for man’s conviction (with the death penalty pending) and Christ’s plan to absolve us from that end by His means. The concept might have been executed a little more tightly but adhered to what the album title suggested. Beat selection was solid overall, with a sound that should appeal to those who love that g-funk sound of the West. Though there were a few songs that didn’t fit the musical flow and quality level of the project (“Rollin”, “Be Around”, and “You Say”), there was nothing that completely knocked the album off track. I do wish that on a couple songs where IV harmonized, with the assistance of auto tune, that he would've enlisted a singer (as he did with Rik Reed on "Why Wait") to improve those songs' presentation. The count of 19 songs is right at the overflow limit, helped partially by the fact that there are basically 2.5 interludes on the project. I look forward to hearing more from IV as he continues to champion the Gospel’s inerrant merit to both the Body and the lost.

Categorical Ratings Background:

Originality/Creativity: 3.5/5
Lyrics: 3.5/5
Delivery: 4/5
Beat Selection/Production: 3.5/5
Concept/Arrangement: 3.5/5

Click HERE to purchase