Justin Black – A Million Reasons
Label: Self-Release
Style: Alternative, Modern Rock, Singer / Songwriter
Released: 2005
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Jeff Buckly, U2, Tom Petty, Ben Harper



You don’t need “A Million Reasons” to get Justin Black’s latest album, only one: This album is the see-all, end-all of any other music ever created. In fact, forget any other music, because Justin Black has arrived, and he brings forth what the greats have time and time again: authentic, reshaped, reformed music. No joke. This album is all you will ever need. But see for yourself….

George Harrison once said "I think people who truly can live a life in music are telling the world, 'You can have my love, you can have my smiles. Forget the bad parts, you don't need them. Just take the music, the goodness, because it's the very best, and it's the part I give most willingly."

This quote stands true to the testament of Justin Black, a remarkable singer and songwriter who grew up with the members of groups such as “The Red Hot Chili Peppers” and “No Doubt.” Later becoming the drummer to the famous punk band “Amen” (signed with Virgin Records). And boy has he come a long way on his own.

A culmination of hard work and persistence gave Justin his album. After battling cancer (which occurred mid-album recording), he fought hard to make a full recovery. And so he did, continuing on to produce this epic album. And he does have one hell of a story to tell. 

“A Million Reasons” is evidence that Justin has come out the other side a winner. If this album were a book, it’d be a classic novel. Each of the ten songs read as one inspirational story, a story of a man who fully appreciates life and a second coming.

In his modern-rock piece, Justin gives a powerful (and often times expressive in nature), look into the depth of music itself and more over, humanness.

Black’s album starts out with an intense, high-impact sound that immediately grabs your attention. Justin’s voice burns with hints of the late Jeff Buckley- featuring fervent and wide-ranged notes.

Songs such as “Shine” emanate from a very deep soul, and have some of my favorite lyrics in the entire album, featuring the beautiful anthem “all we need is us.” This piece alone solidifies the sound into a bleeding illustration of a person seeking solace.

Other melodies such as “Believe” have great musical accompaniment and great lyrics like “Can you read my mind? I can’t either, and I’ve searched so deep inside to find out what is wrong.”

Some songs like “Hello” feature eerie, silvery introductions, and multi-layered sounds-such as the not-too-often used mandolin.

One great thing about this album is that you can separate any of the music: the vocals, the drums, guitar, etc. and it is all moving on its own. Even the ballads with their quiet reflections in Black’s voice are concentrated moments. It is rare to find an artist who could put such depth into every diminutive second.

The whole of this CD is about a high on life. Justin’s passion to be alive trickles from each pore of this album. It takes the listener and plants them smack dab in the middle of a quest for the truth.

The song writing skills of Justin’s are essentially poetic works that make this CD more than just music; it becomes palatable, complete in its entirety. Inspirational lines such as “shine the light on me, shine your light on me, shine your light, so I can see, my heart still beating for you,” are affectedly artistic.

“A Million Reasons” is exceptionally crafted, and a rare find indeed. The only thing I’ve found to be wrong with this album is the fact that it is not on a label. All of Justin Black’s lyrics are hooks-each line. He gives what all the greats before him did-passion. Justin Black is the next big thing to come in music.

For once a perfectionist succeeds in perfection. Justin could “Save the world,” let alone the world of music


Reviewed by: Ms. Missy

Official Website: justinblack.net