Why is Tonéx depicted as bound and gagged on the cover of 2009’s Unspoken, his first album in five years? Whatever the image signifies, this gifted singer/songwriter gets to say his piece on this outstanding and frequently daring release. Tonéx (or Ton3x, if you prefer) shifts from the unambiguous gospel of his previous albums to something more eclectic here. Urban rhythms undulate beneath snarling electric guitars, silky keyboards, and quirky background vocals. Tonéx stretches his multi-octave range mightily, scaling falsetto heights on “Glor3x” and dropping to a whisper on “Again.” Tracks like “Fiyah,” “Bring It” and “Face Down” clatter and seethe with the sort of abandon Prince achieved in his heyday. In contrast, “Joy” and “Unspoken” drift and flutter on elegant sonic waves. Amidst these kaleidoscopic sounds is a benign spiritual message, couched in terms of acceptance and unity. Unspoken may ruffle the feathers of gospel purists, but for those with ears to hear, it spreads the Word with eloquence and more than a little courage.