Washington DC's 5-man, one woman a cappella sextet Cartoon Johnny, who impressed us with a strong set at the 2005 Harmony Sweeps Finals, and who released an excellent debut CD, 'Face the Music,' bring us 'Power Up!,' which features a strong combination of original material and covers. The originals, 'More Like You,' 'Rock Your Body,' 'Love Will Decide,' 'When Will You Come Home,' 'Walked Away' and 'What I Want,' showcase the talents of Baritone Mike Henderson, who also does most of the group's arranging, mixing and editing. Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Let's Groove,' Sting's 'If You Love Somebody,' Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' and P. Collins' 'Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning' are other favorites among these 11 cuts. Cartoon Johnny has a full, rich sound with wonderful vocal percussion, faux instruments and effects than make us check the liner notes for the reassuring 'All sounds heard on this recording were generated by the human voice or body,' which is of course there. Every cut here is a winner, and 'Power Up!' is one of the best Contemporary recordings we've reviewed this year!

Listen to Let's Groove in RealAudio.