The Moment (Manafest album)
The Moment is the seventh studio album by the Christian rapper Manafest. It was released on August 5, 2014 under BEC Recordings. The album was fan-funded through a PledgeMusic campaign. The album marks Manafest's final release with his long-time affiliate label BEC Recordings before moving to a fully independent status for his next album "Reborn". Critical reception. The album received generally positive reviews from multiple professional music sites and reviews. Christian St. John of Christian Review Magazine showered compliments on the album saying: "Manafest has found himself on "The Moment". I can’t  quite put my finger on it, but it seems to me that this album is Manafest’s defining work, his coming-of-age album if you will." Speaking for "CCM Magazine", Andy Argyrakis praised the release by stating: "Manafest continues to strike rap/rock gold with a dozen new tunes... the Canadian veteran spreads faith-affirming positivity over some of his sharpest rhymes to date." Sarah Brehm from "HM Magazine" went on to say that "The Moment" "is filled with infectious rap-rock anthems infused with layers of trendy-pop beats... Manafast has delivered a solid, well-crafted album that ’s sure to be a hit." In definite agreement, Mary Nikkel of New Release Tuesday added: ""The Moment" pulses with immediacy, utilizing snappy rhymes and grungy guitars to demolish fear and call for faith. This is a stand-out moment in his discography, and a solid addition to any rock or urban library." On the flipside, Michael Weaver of Jesus Freak Hideout moderately stated: "Manafest has made a clear decision to head in a different direction with "The Moment". Musically, the edge is gone... Hopefully when we see him next, Manafest will be living up to his full potential. In  the meantime, maybe you should go back and revisit "The Chase" instead." Lee Brown of Indie Vision Music writes: "Fans of Manafest will find an engaging album that continues his propensity towards engaging and uplifting lyrics sure to inspire on the one hand and provide great work-out music on the other." Retrospectively in a 2015 interview, Manafest himself hinted at some dissatisfaction with the album's production when he stated, ""The Chase" was an all-rock record and I did "Fighter" and it was just an all-rock record, and those were both received really really well. But, before  that, my records were mixed. I feel like I did that again with "The Moment" and I’m not sure that that always works the best. For me, in creating it, I feel like I’m split because I’m like, “what is this?”" Awards. The album received a nomination in the category of "Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year" for the Juno Awards of 2015. Singles. The album includes the singles of "Diamonds" and "Edge of My Life". "Diamonds" peaked within the top 5 on the ChristianRock.Net radio charts.