Songs That Minister to the Soul Posted September 16, 2023 By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Gospel artist James Fortune has consistently released songs that minister to the souls of many listeners. He has developed his own sound regarding vocal arrangements and style. He has now released the Worth It EP, another one to add to your collection.
What it Sounds Like James writes songs for the everyday listener, those who are meeting life head-on, and those who have moments where they want to give up. James often incorporates unique sounds and guests. R&B vet and one of James' favorite singers, Monica, is featured on "Trusting God." It is as if this song was written specifically for Monica to add her signature alto tone to.
She sings, "I should have known better/Tried to do better/There was no one to blame but me/But the times that my faith wasn't there/But You were and You showed me You cared/And the nights that I didn't feel safe/And the strength that I could not explain/So I'm just down here trusting God." The song builds into an all-out anthem of hope.
"Couldn't Be Me" is such a dope song all around. The vocals have a staccato rhythm and a slight autotune effect layered over a crisp, programmed beat. In the song, James gives several reasons why we, imperfect humans, could never love like Jesus. They also sing about what God says about us in the Bible. When you are feeling down, sit back and chill to the "Don't Count Me Out." It is a smooth song featuring a locked-in band with the horns weaving in and out.
Spiritual Highlights James has themes of trusting God and hanging in through tough times. No matter where anyone looks, someone is always going through some testing. Questions remain. So when "Worth It" comes on, people will be encouraged to hear the background vocalists sing, "It will all make sense/This is not the end." James' exhortations are on point amid the vocals. Then the master vocalist, Zacardi Cortez, comes in and adlibs like only Zacardi can do. This brother knows how to drive a song home.
Final Word This EP is vintage James Fortune. He knows how to encourage those who are going through dire situations. He can pull the vocalists together to convey his message nicely. Worth It EP is yet another solid release.
