Track Listing

1. Out of Control
2. Nuisance - John Reuben, Matthew Thiessen
3. Chapter I
4. Follow Your Leader
5. Sales Pitch
6. Sunshine
7. So Glad - John Reuben, Tim Skipper
8. What About Them?
9. There's Only Forgiveness
10. All I Have
11. Cooperate
12. Boy vs. The Cynic

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #151845 in Music
• Released on: 2005-06-21
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Customer Reviews

John Reubenite!
A real gem, and lyrical dynamite!

This album is amazing. By far the artist's most mature sound, J Reu's messages, too, have come a long way. The tracks pump beats harder, the syncopation pops, and the lyrics are as clear as they've always been, if not "a bit passionate for your radio," as the line goes in Out of Control. And like a good meal, this album is rich in both the heavy and the light. What About Them? is perhaps the album's darkest song, attacking American ethnocentrism; Follow Your Leader is more of the same (this reviewer hasn't heard anything so convicting since the Supertones wrote Health and Wealth). And Cooperate will leave you wondering if this is the same artist who wrote Do Not, as it confronts the "costumes" yound adults put on. Out of Control and So Glad are the album's party songs. Sunshine and All I Have are the feel-good Elms/Reliant K-ish raps, although the energy leans more toward the hard-hitting drums and guitars of Reliant K. And speaking of Reliant K, Matt Thiessen of that band joins Reuben in Nuisance, creating harmonics so perfect you'll wonder why they never teamed up before.

Don't listen to this album if you're ready for "the usual." The Boy vs. The Cynic is something unlike Reuben's ever made. Appearing on the cover in a full-length formal suit may be one's first clue as to the reality Reuben wants to hammer home. But inasmuch as he knows how to make you reevalute your life, he also knows how to make you laugh. See if you can't also catch his music video for Nuisance and keep a straight face.

The layers abound. J Reu continues to suprise. A complex album that explores so many different angles that one's bound to see the only thing holding it all together is the epicenter, Christ.

A Breath of Fresh Air
If ever a CD was named aptly, it was this one. The Boy vs. the Cynic is one of the most hard hitting Christian Rap albums ever released. In a genre known for its uplifting and encouraging rhymes, John Reuben makes a bold move toward darker, but undoubtedly more important subject matter. John calls out American culture and Christianity alike, condeming corruption and complacency. John does the important job of admonishing the lackluster attitude of American Christianity and our compromising ways. In 'What About Them?' he lays down a convicting set of lyrics that speaks of the church's inability to walk the talk:

"Please remember to say grace before we scrape our plates and ignore the crying outside the door - sure you'll pray for their burdens but you don't want to make it yours."

Overall, a very satisfying, convicting, and enriching lyrical set from the fearless John Reuben. A definate buy for any believer seeking to forgo much of Christian music's fluff to address deeper spiritual matters.

Great for new and old Reuben fans
John Reuben's latest album presents an enjoyable listen for those who are longtime fans, as well as those who are new to his music. On this, his fourth release, Reuben begins to make a shift towards pop and slightly away from hip-hop.

Existing Reuben fans need not worry, though. John's inspired rhymes are still present, and a strong rap influence remains. "So Glad" brings a fun dance beat to this album, while "Out of Control" gives 'The Boy vs. The Cynic' somewhat of a rock feel. For those who liked how "Move" started 'Professional Rapper', you'll love what "Out of Control" does to get Reuben's latest album rolling.

By the time of the CD release, most fans are probably already familiar with the album's first single, "Nuisance", a cooperative effort with Matt Thiessen from Relient K. This track, while not as exciting as some or Reuben's other tunes, is still an enjoyable and catchy tune.

"Follow Your Leader" and "There's Only Forgiveness" round out the more memorable songs, and both have a more traditional Reuben sound that the existing fans are sure to appreciate.

As the album cover and title suggest, this latest release continues with the maturing trend that has characterized John Reuben's albums. The sounds on this album are more diverse than any of the previous albums, but remain true to the artist's style.

All in all, this album was well worth skipping my lunch break for a trip down to the store to pick it up on release day. The young man from Pataskala continues to impress through his fourth release (and, as with most good artists, he's even better live in concert!). This album is money well spent.