Wow Gospel 2013 Reviewed by Brent Faulkner The Wow Gospel series provides listeners with an exceptional snapshot of the best gospel music over the course of the past year. Similarly, Wow Gospel 2013 provides the listener with an abundance of great music (30 songs) from numerous artists. Released via RCA records January 29, 2013, the compilation equates to nearly two and half hours of music! While many of the 30 songs are considered highlighting cuts from their respective album, there are distinguishing ‘cream of the crop’ cuts. Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile’ initiates the first disc, reappearing from 2011’s Grammy winning Hello Fear. The enthusiastic message of smiling despite life’s tough times establishes the right tone, grabbing the audience’s attention with an instant crowd-pleaser. Equally smart is newcomer Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, proceeding with their hit “Testimony”, which is comparable to Franklin’s work. Best...
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William Murphy, God Chaser Album review penned by Brent Faulkner, 2.13.2013 William Murphy III (often referred as just William Murphy), returns with his fourth studio album, God Chaser, via Verity. God Chaser is a near 70 minute live gospel effort featuring many originals written or co-written by Murphy. Amongst other songwriters are Aaron Lindsey (Marvin Sapp), Ernest Vaughan (Tasha Cobbs), and DeVaughn Murphy (Bishop Paul Morton, Sr.). Overall, God Chaser delivers a thoughtful set of 13 songs that serves its purpose to incite praise and worship. Title track “God Chaser” initiates the effort solidly. The message is forthright, embodied by memorable refrain: “I’m a God chaser / because I love you I will chase you forever”. Ultimately, “God Chaser” proves jubilant, with Murphy compellingly ad libbing throughout the choral-driven cut. “You Reign” is even stronger, utilizing multiple key changes and call and response form....
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Kurt Carr, Bless This House album reflection penned by Brent Faulkner Gospel music director, pianist, and singer/songwriter Kurt Carr has had an illustrious career as of yet. Carr had the esteemed privilege to be mentored by gospel royalty - Richard Smallwood and Rev. James Cleveland. Their influences shine throughout Carr’s music. After a five-year gap following 2008 double album Just The Beginning, Carr and The Kurt Carr singers return with January 2013’s double-disced, two hour-plus affair Bless This House. Both discs are divided into 12 tracks and deliver a rich amount of testimonial-driven, inspirational songs. Disc one features several noteworthy cuts. Prelude “Psalm 150 (Call To Worship)”, featuring Judith Christie McAllister as ‘exhorter’, establishes the tone for Bless This House. Possessing classical music sensibilities (a direct pipeline of Richard Smallwood), “Psalm 150” is highly spiritual as well as artisic. Praise proceeds on “Let...
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JESUS AT THE CENTER – ISRAEL & NEW BREED Reviewed By Brent Faulkner Israel Houghton, a Houston native, is a multiple Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. In addition to recording, Houghton serves as a worship leader at Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen). Israel & New Breed release 2012’s double-live effort, Jesus At The Center, via Columbia. Characteristic of Houghton’s music, ...Center delivers a fusion of diverse genres yielding impressive results. Following “The Intro,” “Jesus The Same,” captivates with solid production characterized by angular instrumental riffs. The songwriting is inspired, notably on the chorus: “Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever more/there is no other name greater than Jesus.” “Rez Power” opts for anthemic gospel, delivering high energy praise featuring co-songwriter Jeremiah Wood. “No Turning Back” keeps the intensity rolling, noted for its production possessing funk-jazz sensibility, further confirmed by horns, guitar, and percussive groove. The songwriting highlight...
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THE EXPERIENCE DELUXE EDITION – LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON Reviewed By Brent Faulkner BET Sunday Best Winner Le’Andria Johnson returns with a new live project entitled Le’Andria Johnson: The Experience. Johnson’s career has ascended rapidly since her victory, including four albums and being award a Grammy for cut “Jesus.” Her talent always shines on The Experience, even when the effort itself overindulges in ambition. “I’m Living” kicks things off energetically, characterized by rock-infused, contemporary gospel production. While Johnson sounds clear and assured throughout, the choral pacing (entrance is later than sooner) is questionable as far as conception. Ambitious with potential, the solid opener falls slightly short of aspirations. “Revival Fire Fall” trends more traditional. Possessing shortcomings, “Revival” features some ill conceived key changes and pacing issues. Once the choir finally asserts their presence, the vocal harmonizations are superb. “We Introduce God” also possesses lofty potential,...
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Reviewed by Brent Faulkner BET Sunday Best Winner Le’Andria Johnson returns with a new live project entitled Le’Andria Johnson: The Experience. Johnson’s career has ascended rapidly since her victory, including four albums and being award a Grammy for cut “Jesus.” Her talent always shines on The Experience, even when the effort itself overindulges in ambition. “I’m Living” kicks things off energetically, characterized by rock-infused, contemporary gospel production. While Johnson sounds clear and assured throughout, the choral pacing (entrance is later than sooner) is questionable as far as conception. Ambitious with potential, the solid opener falls slightly short of aspirations. “Revival Fire Fall” trends more traditional. Possessing shortcomings, “Revival” features some ill conceived key changes and pacing issues. Once the choir finally asserts their presence, the vocal harmonizations are superb. “We Introduce God” also possesses lofty potential, delivering some fine musical moments. Despite these,...
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Review By Christopher Heron I'll preface this article by saying that I haven't listened to every new album by every new Gospel artist in the past 12 months but my ear has caught every deserving release that’s created a buzz. So, I speak with some authority on this matter. Besides, too often The Stellar Awards has missed the boat on this important category - Best New Artist of The Year - and perhaps The Stellars could use a little direction before they drop the ball in 2013. Who can forget the 2011 award for Best New Artist going to Kristina Hallaway...the same year Forever Jones came out with their smash hit, He Wants It All. Kristina is a promising talent but Forever Jones is the full package. Then there's 2010 when nominees included Crystal Aikin, Shari Addison and...Coco McMillan and Kim Ruff, all...
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Review By Brent Faulkner Kenneth Mosley releases his third album, 2012’s Kenneth Mosley Presents In His Service independently via M2E. An esteemed musician, Marvin Sapp praises Mosley as a “...gifted singer, songwriter, pastor…” In His Service confirms those assertions, delivering a well thought out and conceived affair. “Don’t Wait” opens the effort with ripping horns, funky bass, and quick tempo. Mosley’s vocals begin casually, but as the cut progresses, his grit and passion ascend marvelously. Additionally, the chorus sounds superb, at times carrying the lead. The sole quibble? There are a plethora of ideas/layers to process. “Welcome Song” contrasts the bombastic nature of “Don’t Wait” with slackening pace and smoother execution, eclipsing the aforementioned. Mosley’s lead exhibits great tone and the choir sounds polished and reverent, delivering superb control. There are few cons, save for the lengthy unwinding of the cut. “Made A Way” opts...
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