The Fantastic Gems formed in 1968 at Eastside high school in Paterson, NJ. After graduation, the members went off to college, the military, and new careers. In 1986, two of the members reformed in Washington D.C. as "Coast 2 Coast." Years later, skip forward to 2016, The Fantastic Gems got back together to fulfill a promise they made to each other back in high school. The result of their reunion was the release of their full-length album 'The New Ole Skool.' The album took three years, from conception to completion, and was released in June, 2019. Off the album, their single "Better Way (Love has the Power)" is a song that will surely make your day better. Visit Coast to Coast Feat the Fantastic Gems on Spotify.
The world can never get enough of songs about love and encouragement, songs that give us hope that things will get better. Coast 2 Coast, Feat. The Fantastic Gems single, “Better Way (Love has the Power),” off their new album titled 'The Old New Skool,' is the perfect remedy for lifting up your spirits. This is the kind of song that you can crank up the volume to start your day on a good note or put play it when you get home from a hard day at work.
Positively contagious, a drum beat and a clapping groove welcome you into the song that has an infectious groove. Lead singers, Rocky Whitaker and Robert Finney, start the song with an invitation “Everybody clap your hands.” The lyrics offer a way to view life when you are feeling fearful or when things feel out of your control. “Sometimes it frightening when you're not in control Fear is inviting for you to sell your soul Love peace and freedom will surely lead the way Believe in the power and live your life Only love can make it better.” The vocals soar with soulfulness and life-affirming energy. Take a listen on YouTube.
The band has excellent rhythmic timing with a perfect build to the ever-so catchy chorus. This is a song you can move your body to as the band’s groove flows through you. The song has hints of gospel that will elevate your soul. You can easily sing-a-long, clap-a-long, dance-a-long. The fantastic ending which offers up la-da-di-da-da’s with fun backup vocals takes it home for an all out exuberant ending to a song that is full of light, love and peace.
The Fantastic Gems may have just returned to the game, but they are in the game to stay with a sound that's as great as any R & B group on the radio today. Their well-conceived songs are the product of refined musicianship, stellar vocals, fantastic musicians and an energy that sounds live and well-produced at the same time. Start your day and end your day with “Better Day (Love has the Power)”; and be inspired and uplifted while enjoying great music that will rev up your soul. Coast 2 Coast Feat. The Fantastic Gems are available on Amazon and iTunes