Choir Music Will Never Die Posted September 10, 2023 By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know
Choirs like the late Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling, Mississippi Mass Choir, Sunday Service Choir, Ricky Dillard and the New Generation Chorale, and so many more are gracing the playlists and churches of people globally. People often overlook the impact of Gospel choirs, despite their continued presence in music.
Insert GRAMMY Award-winning producer/songwriter and artist Dwan Hill. Dwan is coming off a very successful few years, having worked with gospel great CeCe Winans on her GRAMMY-winning, colossal album, Believe For It. In mid-2022, Dwan put a call for those in the Nashville area who wanted to join a gospel choir. Not only did people answer the call, but over 90 people showed up for the first rehearsal. Now, that very choir has swelled to a whopping 1,300-plus members. This talented and diverse group of singers has created an attention-grabbing sound. They recently released "Joy," a catchy single featuring contemporary artist Ben Rector.
What it Sounds Like "I used to wake up feeling real stressed/Now I wake up feeling really blessed," sings the tenors of The Choir Room. The ladies came in strong with a bit of sass, "And for a minute I was feeling real rough/Until I saw that what I had was enough/I didn't know that I could love it this much." The song has a nice little groove to it while showcasing the choir. Dwan created arrangements that allow the choir to shine while singing about the joy that Christ brings. Ben eases into the vamp, singing, "Feeling good, Feeling right/Every day/every night/I got joy in my life/In my life." Then, he adds a little edge to it as he continues to sing.
Spiritual Highlights
"Joy" is celebratory in subject matter and a pretty fun song (Dwan, I'm going to sing with your choir one day) to sing. No matter the season of life, they confidently sing of the joy that Jesus can bring to anyone who lets Him in.
Final Words
I'm so very encouraged by The Choir Room. Another choir can bring a unique approach without losing the "choir sound." "Joy" is an excellent introduction to the world.
