A Heartfelt Debut from Jojo Martin | Posted July-23-2022 What You Need to Know
Gospel artist Jojo Martin has lived a life full of triumphs, hard work, and travel, while also living through his fair share of tragedies and struggles. He lost his mother more than ten years ago. He also struggled with kidney disease that could've cost his life. Thankfully, God gave Jojo a new kidney from a live donor, thus allowing Jojo to continue his musical journey.
Jojo's struggles and experiences served as a major inspiration for his debut release, Temporary Tears. His mentor, artist PJ Morton, serves as the album's producer. Songwriters for the release include Jojo, PJ, and artist Eric Dawkins.
What It Sounds Like
This ten-song album showcases Jojo's baritone/tenor vocals while being musically urban and adult contemporary. It's something you would expect from a PJ Morton-produced gospel album, especially for Jojo, who has a very similar vocal range as PJ. "Run-On" sounds like a private conversation that Jojo lets us listen in on.
When life's circumstances hit you, temporary amnesia can set in, making one forget of the many obstacles he or she has overcome. Jojo reminds "Right now you're at a point where you feel like giving up/Nothing going your way/And you feel like it's too much/.....A reflection of your past will show just how far you've come/Though your question is/Why or when?/This is now and that was then/You can't stop now/Almost at the finish line/Look ahead, you're almost done."
"Worth the Wait" is a mid-tempo soul pop anthem with strings melded throughout. It is a testament to his faith to hear Jojo sing that although he went through such a tough illness, the other side of that was worth the wait.
Spiritual Highlights
"Jesus please mention my name when You talk to the Father today/I got some bad news today/Be nice if you could carry this weight/See I got some bad news today." These are words to the song "Intercession," an original song penned by Kirk Franklin on his album, Losing My Religion. While on tour, Kirk called Jojo from the audience to sing the verse of this song. Jojo sang through the tears and agony of his kidney disease. So, it's obvious that the song would become a very personal one and one that he would remake as just an interlude. "He intercedes for me/Protects from things unseen/Right between God and me/You intercede for me."
Best Song
"Never Alone" is my favorite song on the album. One may read this and ask how I could choose it over the melodic "I Choose You" or the love song to God, "Me and You." Not an easy choice. However, there's just something about the musicality of "Never Alone." The call and response by Jojo and his background vocalists along with the musicians playing the horns and up-tempo drum pattern is something special. The sound is ragtime jazz meets good ole' shouting music minus the chromatic basslines and organ riffs.
Temporary Tears is a well-balanced debut album. Well-written and produced. With PJ Morton at the helm and Jojo writing about his life's story, you cannot go wrong. Sometimes, it sounds like a PJ record, so it will be interesting to hear Jojo's next album to see how he has evolved musically.
Another quality album from Pastor Marvin Sapp | Posted June-27-2022 What You Need to Know
Pastor Marvin Sapp does not stop. He recently finished his work on Fred Hammond's Festival of Praise tour, while continuing to pastor at the Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. Not to mention that Pastor Sapp recently dropped his new album Substance. Substance is his first release on his own label, Elev8 Music & Entertainment, a vehicle Pastor Sapp will no doubtedly use to spread his music and ministry to the masses. On the project, he again hooks up with gospel artists Aaron Lindsay and Myron Butler for music and vocal production respectively. Things would not be right if Stan Jones was not involved in the writting of part of the album.
What it Sounds Like
The sound is vintage Marvin Sapp in the studio without being stale and "overcooked." Themes of encouragement and uplifting others are sprinkled throughout: the dance-summer jam, "Relax," is a good example. In a period where mental health issues ravaged many people, including Christians, "Relax" is a fitting song to include on the album. Pastor Marvin goes old school with the bluesy/quartet, "Serve the Lord" and smooths it out with the R&B song, "Rearrange You." The latter brings quality in the tag where it says, "I'll change you walk/I'll change the way you talk/I'll change you/Rearrange you."
Spiritual Highlights
Substance is an amalgamation of songs to keep believers in Christ encouraged and a testament to everything that He's done. So many people are on edge and even struggling with their faith. However, Pastor Marvin reminds us of the landmarks in life where God was truly involved. Insert, "You Kept Me," a mainstay power ballad for playlists and a definite hit for Pastor Marvin's concerts. Being "kept" by God has a new meaning after all that was endured from 2021 until now. This song speaks of God keeping not only Pastor Marvin himself but his family and friends.
Best Song
It's the 25th anniversary of Gracy and Mercy, an album that many people believe solidified Pastor Marvin as a solo artist. On Substance, the artist remixed two of Grace and Mercy's biggest hits. "Not the Time Not the Place" was one of Pastor Marvin's early hits (I really enjoy the mellow urban makeover). The background vocals are so crisp and clean on the song, as well as for the other remixed hit, "Grace and Mercy."
Substance is Marvin Sapp's 15th album. And, on it, he doesn't veer away from who he is and has been an artist. Yet, the album will be one that is enjoyed by many fans--and for obvious reasons.
Gospel artist Tamela Mann is a multidimensional woman. Gospel fans knew her as a band member of the Kirk Franklin and the Family, as well as the wife of her soul mate, gospel great David Mann.
Watching her over the years, many will know how she has constantly stepped out of her comfort zone by acting in Tyler Perry’s plays, movies, and TV shows. She and David starred in Mann and Wife. They also starred in It's a Mann's World, a reality show that included their children. Now, the couple star on the YouTube-based program Mann Tv, a show where the family has very real and honest discussions while having dinner.
Tamela was able to lose weight, survive double knee replacement surgery, and have a clothing line for plus-sized women. Even with that, she still sticks to her love which is to minister in song with her powerful voice. Now, she's back with her new release, Overcomer.
What it Sounds Like
Overcomer is a further evolution of Tamela Mann as an artist and how she is willing to take more risks musically. This is her most complete album to date (and, yes, her powerhouse vocals are still intact). Take the title track for instance. It has a soulful rock feel to it, similar to “Free Your Mind'' by the '90s pop band En Vogue. Get ready to pump your fist as Tamela proclaims victory over life’s difficulties--even when everything seems lost. Tamela and gospel artist Kirk Franklin usually connect on ballads, but this time they hooked on the Caribbean/Afro Beat vibe, “Hello God.” Mainstream act Wyclef Jean adds his flavor, paying homage to his upbringing as a son of a Haitian preacher. This is a fun one, but yet so peaceful.
Spiritual Highlights
The album is a testament to God’s power in Tamela’s life and how He has helped her through a very tough season. Many who hear this album will grab onto the Lord's messages sprinkled throughout--and even use several songs as motivation. Each song points to God and suggests fully relying on Him. Power songs “Source” and “He Did It For Me” are gracious, wonderfully produced, and masterfully sung by Tamela. Again, they put the focus on God’s greatness and his empowering nature to help people overcome the most difficult circumstances in their lives.
Best Songs
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the anthem “Overcomer” was one of the standout tracks on the album. Come to think of it, there's not one skippable song on the album. “Finished” is a pop ballad that has a big sound with the drums riding the toms, potent background vocals, and Tamela building her adlibs to a few good squalls. “Final Answer” is a beautiful song that brought tears to my eyes from the beginning to the driving vamp, “I will say yes/I will say yes/I will say yes/Yes Lord.” Tamela and the singers did not stop there. She drives it home as they sing, “Yes to Your Will/Yes to Your Way/Yes I will God/Yes.”
Tamela Mann went to a new level on Overcomer. Through her tough ordeals, she pressed through and brought forth her best album. So many highlights and wow moments. There's only one Tamela Mann and we're so glad that she's only getting better.
Songs of Worship and Songs from Scriptures | Posted July-27-2021
What You Need To Know
Gospel artist Todd Dulaney is like an avalanche that has built so much momentum and really cannot be stopped. He's the worship pastor at All Nations Worship Assembly church in Chicago, husband, father of five, and a recording artist. Obviously, his music flows in the same area as what he does leading worship for All Nations. However, people are blessed to enjoy his music all over the world. His latest offering, Anthems & Glory is just that: an album full of anthems of praise and adoration.
What it Sounds Like
He's very intentional in having people worship God throughout the album. "All I Need" exemplifies this fact: "Just one moment with You gives me all I need/And forever, You’ll be all I need.” Todd starts off singing and smoothly flowing into his falsetto. However, he goes back to full voice as the song builds.
The vocalists that came after him mimic a more melodic tone, then they crescendo into strong vocals. They borrow part of pastor and hymn writer Edward Mote’s tune, singing, “My hope is built on nothing less/Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Whew. That just fits. There are so many moments on this album where the singers would break into spontaneous singing and worship. Todd likes to call those moments a “flow.” He had the “Opening Flow” and “The Glorious Flow (featuring artists Todd Galberth and David Wilford).” Oh, and artist Tamela Mann smashed the “Satisfied Flow” after Todd and artist Smokie Norful duet on “Satisfied.”
Spiritual Highlights
Todd decided to write and include songs based on the Bible. He and the singers take the first two verses from Psalms 18 and make a whole song. They took part of verse 2, took it straight to church, and tagged it, “I will call on the name of the Lord.” It was a strategic and smart move to have the song, “Psalms 23 (He’s a Strong Tower)” come afterward. These are two great songs to sing over yourself and to thank God for. “Revelation 4” is such a wonderful song of adoration and borrows from disciple John’s vision of how all will bow down and worship Jesus. I can just feel Todd’s passion. It invites me to worship God and show Him how much gratitude.
Best Song
“Proverbs 3 (Tablet of Your Heart)” has a small little mid-tempo groove chalked with acoustic and rhythm guitars. The drummer shines with his staccato style while staying in the pocket. The second part of Proverbs 3:3 serves as the chorus, “Write them on the tablet of your heart.” while the first part of the verse, “Let not mercy and truth forsake you.” is the bridge. You cannot go wrong with the Word of God and a nice little groove. Kudos to Todd Dulaney, musicians, and phenomenal singers.
Anthems & Glory is another winner for Todd Dulaney. The album is full of songs where you will want to pray, praise, thank God, share with others, and listen to them repeatedly. If you're on a praise team, you may be adding a few songs to your setlist.
An EP That is Both Therapeutic and Ministers | Posted June-15-2021
What You Need to Know
Latice Crawford is no stranger to gospel music, having finished third on the second season of Sunday Best. She has released a few projects, starred in a major play while also being a devoted mother. Crawford has always offered soul-stirring performances while maintaining a strong sense of elegance and fashion. Latice has kept busy: she's now a member of the entertainment company eOne. She also released her new EP, The Cure, a stew of gospel music sprinkled with old soul music.
What It Sounds Like/Best Song
My face gets ugly and my head nods when “Something Something” comes on. Latice’s raspy vocals are perfect for this midtempo jam. The bass line is so funky. That something she's singing about is obviously Jesus (she even borrows the line from the song that says, “Something’s Got A Hold Of Me.”) Listen to “Something Something” and “Big Gee Oh Dee” back to back, if you dare. “Big Gee Oh Dee '' is a fun song. It has only Latice on lead and background vocals, accompanied by a staccato programmed beat. As powerful as the ballads are, these two songs are my favorites.
Spiritual Highlights
The Cure EPis centered around rearranging priorities, truly making Christ the focus of life. She gets pretty candid about what she has had to cope with in terms of life’s ills and trials. She has had to make sure that she has food for her child, and so on. However, she reaffirms the fact that she puts her trust in Him. In fact, she hammers the point home that Christ is the cure and she sings the heck out of this song. After her powerful solo (backed only by a piano) on “All in All”, Latice says that all anyone needs is in God.
Latice Crawford produced a solid six songs. Thank you, EOne, for getting behind her and allowing her message of healing to get to her old and new audience. Do yourself a favor: buy, stream or gift this EP. Someone needs to hear these songs.
Anna Golden is a worship leader and artist with a unique and soothing vocal tone. In addition to that, she is very passionate when it comes to worshipping God. Anna ministers to audiences that are mixed in terms of race and culture. Yet, she is very comfortable leading people in Worship regardless of the audience. Her new album Peace: The Album is released as a joint venture with Motown Gospel and her mentor/friend Tasha Cobbs Leonary’s Tee Lee Records.
What it Sounds Like
It’s a duel album in one. Half worship record, half pop record, but all Anna! Anna is so unique in terms of her phrasing and pronunciation of words when she sings. It is evident throughout the whole album. “Safe” is a smooth, adult contemporary ditty accented by a subtle programmed beat to go along with it. It’s a song of reassurance that God will always be a “safe place” for anyone to run to. Keeping with the theme of running to God, “SOS” is a very lovely ballad of desperation and waving the “white flag” surrendering to God. Anna nails her head tone during the verses while flowing into her normal or modal verse during the chorus. I would encourage you to close your eyes and listen to this song several times in a row.
Spiritual Highlights
“Pressing onward to all that matters/Focus...and I’ll keep running to You/Chasing after You.” This is part of the bridge and chorus of “You”. Throughout the album all points back to Christ. It does not matter what the circumstances are, Anna sings about where to find “Peace” or whether the song has a nice little beat a la “Listen Breathe.” This record was carefully crafted to really point the listener to Christ while also being able wet his or her “palette” with a delectable array of songs.
Best Song on the Record
Some may not understand why I would pick this song out of all the other good songs on the album. However, “All Things.” is the song that stands out because it is such a chill pop record sprinkled with scripture references all throughout. Anna’s contralto vocals during the verses morph into her airy headtone so flawlessly. She also masters weaving in and out of her falsetto like the pro she is. The only guest spot on the album is reserved for Tasha Cobbs Leonard of course on “Rushing In.” The ladies are asking God’s Holy Spirit to come in and just have His Way. They know what happens when God is in the middle of things. “Come on in and bring revival.You are welcome; take Your seat. We’re prepared for Your arrival.” Tasha does what Tasha does: That’s drive a song home!
Peace: The Album stays in that vein of the power of the peace that God brings. Anna Golden does a wonderful job of making the songs and theme flow to the point that you forget that it is half live worship and half pop record.Turn on the album and let it play. It is one to play when you are in a time of prayer or when you want to relax or when you just want to take a nice ride.
A Talented Lineup Who Mesh Well Together | Posted April-14-2021
What You Need To Know
The Collective is a gospel group of talented songwriters, background vocalists, vocal arrangers, and designers. This list of artists, mostly hailing from Houston, Texas are ones that I beg people to take notice of. Although gospel greats like the Nakitta Foxx and Michael Dixon, two of the more well-known names, do not sleep on the likes of artists Deejay Lowry, KaiPeA, Tatiana Barnett, Anthony Hall, and Dominique Side. Sustainer is an EP that serves as an introduction compilation to showcase the singers.
What it Sounds Like
Sweet songs of worship of praises backed by lush vocal and musical arrangements would serve as a great one-sentence description. “Heart Cries” finds Anthony Hall and Dominique Side trading smooth lead vocals adlibs on a ballad of surrender to God.
Music was accented by the strings melded throughout the collection: “I believe what I can’t see/I will have what You promise me. When I fall, You rescue me/Safe in Your hands is where I’ll be.” Hearing KaiPeA and Tatiana Barnett so wonderfully sing these words with the help of harmonious background vocals will bring a moment to truly pause. Right when the ladies start driving the song, it falls back into the soft stylings that it began with. The Collective gives their own rendition of already popular songs such as the “How He Loves/He Keeps On Lovin’ Us” medley and “Do It Again.”
Best Song
Although I have said this before, gospel veteran Michael Dixon is a singer that masters being extremely effective minus many vocal acrobats nor squalling. He sings in a way that points you to Christ throughout, yet still recognizing his quality phrasing and tone. He and Deejay Lowry complement each other well as they lead us through the fun praise song, “Favor of the Lord.”
Nakitta Foxx takes us on a musical journey on “History” that goes from gospel/bluegrass to a stripped-down ballad ending with New Orleans jazz. She is testifying that her past victories with Christ are proof that He will do it again. The music, the subject matter, the title, "History, I see what you did there."
Solid offering by the Collective and they are just getting started. I cannot wait until each artist drops his or her own project. This EP is a small fraction of what they can do. This is the appetizer before the main course hits our streaming outlets.
The album that we wanted and needed! | Posted February-26-2021
What You Need To Know
The well-known band Israel Houghton and New Breed released their debut album, New Season 20 years ago. This was an album that continued the wave of Urban Praise and Worship that gospel singer Fred Hammond started back in the day. The album blazed a new trail started by New Breed.
Many great songs came from this group, such as “You Are Good,” “New Season,” “Again I Say Rejoice,” “Friend of God,” and “Jesus At the Center.” It had been a few years since the last New Breed album, and, while their bond was still strong, many members went their separate ways.
In 2020, Israel started having virtual bible studies and fellowship with New Breed members around the country. This ignited something major right in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. So, in November 2020, Israel and New Breed came together to record, Feels Like Home in the living room of his sister-in-law and her husband. Thankfully, people were able to enjoy it as a virtual concert.
Israel and his wife, Adrianne Bailon Houghton, were getting countless messages of how this intimate event reignited their faith in a time where people’s faith was hitting new lows. Singers Danielle Stephens McMillan, Onaje Jefferson, Cristobal Clack, Charlin Neal (who recently had a baby), Tina Baker, as well as musicians Jordan Baker (Tina's 15-year-old son), and Kevin Camp are a few familiar names that were affected by this amazing concert.
What it Sounds Like
Feels Like Home is very organic and unplugged, which allows the listener to capture every intimate note. This album drops at a time when people need to reconnect with Christ or to go deeper in their relationship with Him. This record is full of new songs, old New Breed songs, and some fresh remixes of popular songs. Songs of worship, “Don’t Wanna Leave” and “Breathe Into Me” are combined into a stirring medley albeit both on their own.
The “Coritos Medley” is one of my favorite moments of the virtual concert and the album as well. Israel sang old hymns and praise songs in Spanish with his family: his wife, Adrianne, his sister-in-law, Claudette, as well as his father-in-law, Freddie. They were able to take it back to Spanish services with the bass guitar, hitting those same licks, and the vocalists singing in a way that is both anointed and fun. It's a family affair as Israel’s son, Jordan Jones Houghton, joins Israel to help give “Echo” the funky New Breed treatment. Like his father, Jordan has a high tenor voice--and the man can sing.
Spiritual Highlights
Many churches are still 100-percent virtual. Combine that with the loss of lives and jobs due to Covid-19 along with polarizing events that have left a nation divided. What we need is a revival? And, revival is what this album screams. Listening to the “How Great Medley” as they sing “How Great You Are” and the classic “Be Glorified” draws you in and helps to put your focus on Christ.
It's wonderful to hear vocal veteran Melonie Daniels helping to lead “Be Glorified.” Yes, the New Breed does sing familiar songs. But, it's so refreshing when you listen to them. “Hymn of Breakthrough” is a new power ballad that deserves a listen. Please be prepared to stop and praise God for healing and freedom: "My breakthrough is here."
Best Song on the Record
I cannot get enough of “Free Indeed (You Said I Am).” There's so much joy oozing from this song. From Justin Raines' bass line to the strumming of Israel and Jordan to the New Breed singing, this album is just the jam: “You called me out of the dark and pulled me into the Light/You said that I’m set apart and see me justified/You shook me out of my fear and took the limits off/Now that Your presence is near, I believe that, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”
Music label Roc Nation and sibling music group Infinity Song came through to bless the folksy “Promise Keeper.” Infinity Song is like no other. If you have never heard their vocalist Victory Boyd sing, you'll be blown away.
Israel and New Breed really never left, yet they're back like never before. It's amazing to know that Israel’s wife, Adrianne, daughter Mariah, and son Jordan are all members. If the timing was an album, Feels Like Home would be the name. Be refreshed and get this album.
A Veteran That Keeps Things Fresh | Posted November-17-2020
What You Need To Know
In late 2019, Pastor Marvin Sapp made a very hard decision to step down from his church, Lifehouse Full Life Center Church that he and his beloved late wife Malinda founded. He accepted the position as pastor of the Chosen Vessel church in Fort Worth, Texas. For him, it was new beginnings, while accepting the pain of change. How fitting was it for him to record his latest album, Chosen Vessel (Live), in Fort Worth? Again, Marvin enlists the aid of accomplished producers, Aaron Lindsay and Myron Butler, a vocal director. Marvin has relied on these two producers to record all his live albums since 2007. The chemistry is strong and they delivered once again.
What it Sounds Like
Good gospel music. The band, which includes artist Buddy Strong, has so many killer moments. The background vocalists are as we expected—on point. Marvin shows his versatility on “Great I Am,” a beautiful pop song of worship. It takes me back with a medley of “Hymns” over a resounding Hammond B-3 organ. “Hymns,” a blessing to all elders, reminds us of the rich lyrics that fall in songs like, “He Will Carry You Through” and “Is Your All At the Altar.” I cannot get enough of the swinging and churchy “Say Yeah.” It's a call and response song where you can have fun while reflecting on God’s goodness. Let’s just say that the background vocals were everything and singer Candy West’s vocals can be heard loudly. She kills it. Marvin can drive any song home. And, he does just that over the tag of “Thank You.” This brother can just sing.
Best Song on the Record
There are so many songs on the album that hit at the right time. Thus, my favorite tune could definitely change. The album's messages are about Jesus and the amazing things about Him. In this pandemic, it's great to have refreshing reminders that help us to refocus. “Great and Mighty” is a song about just that. It's a good ol' song with a waltz sound. It's one that can help us fill in more words when we run out of what to say when talking about God. “New Thing” may be Marvin’s signature song for this album. It’s the power ballad a la “Best of Me” and “Never Would Have Made It.” Although those are colossal hits, “New Thing” is just as potent. “Psalms 23” is another standout song and believe me, it's a powerful one.
Chosen Vessel (Live) is definitely one of Marvin’s best albums, which is a huge feat giving all of the collections he's released. His latest album has everything. It shows how vocally flexible Marvin is. It's an album that has many songs that are needed in a time where people are desperate for hope. Take your pick because there are so many great songs to choose from.
Koryn Stays In Her Thriving Lane | Posted September-25-2020
What You Need To Know
Up-and-coming artist Koryn Hawthorne has already collected a number of accolades. She participated and finished high on the NBC singing competition show, The Voice. She later dropped her debut album, Unstoppable. Her single “Won’t He Do It” was a success. Koryn has performed on various awards. Speaking of which, she's been nominated for several awards: Grammy, Stellar, and Billboard. Yet, she’s only 22 years old, very present on social media and still showing that down-to-earth attitude can allude many when they achieve the accolades that she Koryn has. Instead of resting on her laurels, Koryn has dropped her sophomore album, I AM.
What It Sounds Like
The album has something for everyone: worship, contemporary, and even songs dealing with relationships. “Broken Pieces” is a ballad with a familiar prayer of asking God to heal what is broken. However, it hits differently in 2020, a year full of tragedies, trials, and triumphs. All I can do is close my eyes and worship to the anthem, “How Great.” Get the juices flowing and nod your head to the ’90s-tinged jam “Joy” while keeping the party going with “Sunday.”
Spiritual Highlights
As I stated earlier, this is a well-rounded album. It even deals with relationships from a Christian perspective. “Pray” reminds us to do something that will never get old or go out of style: pray. Constant communication with God is needed in our lives and in the midst of a time where so many voices are speaking loudly.
Best Song on the Record
“Peace” and “Know You”—two songs with different meanings and purposes stand out as the best music on the album. Gospel musician Jonathan McReynolds joins in on “Peace.” This mid-tempo song screams, “real talk,” as they both sing about leaving an unhealthy relationship. “Know You” features the passionate worshipper Steffany Gretzinger. Koryn and Steffany express their longing to know and have a deeper relationship with Christ.
Koryn didn't totally change directions on this album musically while still showing growth as an artist. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Koryn. She has a style and personality all her own. Koryn is another artist who is very needed in this industry.
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