Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe, reviewing Thankful
"The Whispers...one of my favorite vocal groups of all time, and Magic as one of my favorite writers / producers, together again, and along with Unified Tribe come together to create a WONDERFUL gospel set that will appeal to both secular and non-secular ears. Myself, I have no truck with any faith whatsoever, and to like this set very much should give an example of how good this CD is. Musically we are in serious soul music heaven. Magic knows EXACTLY how to pair a well-crafted tune to the Whispers' unique harmonies and to Walter and Scotty's gorgeously smooth vocals. I usually shy well away from material like this as purely I find it uncomfortable to listen to, but the guys work so well on this that the subject matter becomes irrelevant. This is a great, great Whispers album which all concerned pull out all the stops to deliver to you. It's also knowing that they are cooking up a secular album for release in 2010 which really gets my juices running!
From the outset we are onto a clear no-risk disc. "Did You Know" is pure class, a typically strong traditional Whispers downtempo effort, and the following cut "For Thou Art With Me" is not as difficult for me to digest as I had thought. Such wonderful music and harmonies - these guys are craftsmen, no more no less. If you read my interview with Magic of late then you will know that The Whispers were covering Unified Tribe's gorgeous "Living Without You", this time the emphasis is different but they really do gel with this gentle, yet powerful melody. Gorgeous stuff. "One More Change" really allows Walter and Scotty to lay down their classy vocals to full effect, and the SUPERB "This Is How I Feel", complete with full live instrumentation is knock-out, it really is. Also check out the KILLER "We Need You", complete with Dexter Wansel type Philly keyboards and percussion. This is a great, great track. Please don't shy away from this album. Essential."
John Dean Robert D. Palmer
Producer/Broadcaster/Soul 4 Real Promoter UK/Europe
"Receiving a new album isn't always a joy....unless it happens to be On Purpose from Unified Tribe. The latest offering of soul, funk, a bit of gospel and a whole lot of beat from Magic and the talented members of the Tribe. The Tribe have served up a sizzling selection of tasty morsels from the contagious "Guilty" (I dare you to play it in the car and not nod along) to the sleeper on the album "Living Without You"...which could surprise many. If you like sexy vocals and a rhythm to move your soul, "Moving On" is the track for you; and if you want to feel uplifted, "Change" with its Mighty Ryders feel will do that for you...Merrily's uplifting message!... And "Keep It Hot" is like your favorite BBQ sauce, spicy and just hot enough to notice and tasty enough to make you want more! So, do I like this album? NO! I LOVE IT!"
Bill Buckley
Soul and Jazz and Funk (Oct.12, 2009)
"Soul Unsigned Vol. III. Quite a United Nations of Soul there – but the music's spiritual home – America - isn't neglected. Veteran band Unified Tribe weigh in with a tight and tuneful Get Up. "
Bob Davis
Soul Patrol (May 18, 2009)
"Unified Tribe has made a significant contribution to moving Black music forward in a positive direction over the course of the past decade."
Richard Searling
DJ - Smooth Radio 100.4FM UK
"Getting one class album together is one thing, making a second to take the breath away is rare, but to succeed with a third awesome soul set is just unheard of these days....but check this, Unified Tribe have the hat-trick!
Chris Rizik
Soul Tracks
"Gospel Debut: For Thankful, The Whispers have brought in the production help of longtime associate Magic (leader of the group Unified Tribe) as well as Gospel heavyweight Fred Hammond and the various tracks of the album bear the distinct imprint of their producers."
Solar Radio (Oct 18, 2009)
"Soul Unsigned Vol. III featuring Unified Tribe's Get Up goes straight onto Solar Radio's Sweet Rhythms chart at Number 14."
Dusty Groove
Dusty Grove America (Oct 10, 2009)
"Mindblowing work from the Soul Unsigned series -- only three volumes old, but already one of the best sources we know for tapping into the Neo Soul underground! Featuring Get Up by Unified Tribe."
Amelia Louise
FPR - Arts & Entertainment (Oct 09, 2009)
"Unified Tribe Nominated for Duo/Group of the Year on SoulTracks.com ."
Gospel Pundit.com
"Magic of Unified Tribe produces and co-writes the single, “Thou Art With Me,” for The Whispers. It is being described as “Gospel meets Quiet Storm."
Music Remedy (Sept 18, 2009)
"Magic, leader of Unified Tribe co-writes and produces The Whisper's first radio gospel single For Thou Art With Me, an engaging slow jam that is already a hit at Urban Adult Contemporary and gospel radio formats. "
Writer, Pussycat Dolls, reviews On Purpose
"As I sit here on this dismal and overcast day, I'm having what I would refer to as a "somewhat stimulated and reflective moment". These are those kinds of moments when I find myself being teased by the pitter patter sound of falling rain just outside of my window. Which, I must wholeheartedly admit I've always had a fetish for. But what makes this particular day feel more enchanting is, I'm relaxing here and listening to the exhilarating and hypnotic songs of this amazing and gifted group called "Unified Tribe". This CD has rendered all my senses hopeless to conceding and surrendering to the idea of allowing it to transport me back, back to the days when music was still a substantive and viable art form. This CD induces it in an unabashed form, by delivering that raw and sensual expression so devoid of music today. So Magic my brother, here's a toast to you and the gang, for helping arouse those dormant senses once again. I say this with the utmost of sincerity. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with me. I am forever grateful that I know someone as talented as your band. Much love to all . . . Peace and Blessing."
Chris Rizik
SoulTracks
"Unified Tribe is a throwback to the great, massive funk bands of the 70s and early 80s, from Heatwave to Midnight Star. And the Tribe continues to deliver the goods on their newest, On Purpose. It's another fun, groove-filled disc that mixes the band's usual infectious dance tunes with a number of blue-lights-in-the-basement slow jams. Welcome back, Unified Tribe!"