Commanders of the Resistance
by The Washington Projects

Not much of what socialite Paris Hilton says is quotable, that’s for sure. But her signature catchphrase “that’s hot” immediately comes to mind when one hears The Washington Projects’ debut Commanders of the Resistance. The long-awaited project from the brother/sister duo formerly known as Souljahz is not only insanely catchy (see “Move” and “Take it to the Streets” with beats made for sticking in your head) and cleverly produced, but there’s plenty of substance to go along with the group’s style.

Rather than focusing on the superficial, the lyrics cover everything from the need to spend time with God (“You Are My World”) to being intentional about relationships (“Love is Like an Ocean”) to living out your faith through action not words (“You Talk Too Much”). But unlike some Christian hip-hop/R&B/soul music that’s rich in message but sounds like a second-rate retread of something that’s already being done in the mainstream, the overall sound of Commanders of the Resistance is fresh and inventive, which should earn the band plenty of props—critically and otherwise.

And for those who’ve missed Souljahz, the Washington Project’s debut will serve as sweet reminder of just how talented these Washington siblings are—with or without the band’s former moniker.

Christa A. Banister is a full-time freelance writer, specializing in music, movies and book-related reviews and interviews. She's also the author of two novels, Around the World in 80 Dates and Blessed Are the Meddlers (NavPress). Based in St. Paul, Minn., where she lives with her hubby Will, she also weighs in on various aspects of pop culture on her personal blog. For more information, including her upcoming book signings and sample chapters of her novels, check out her Website.