Lyrically great, and there are some songs here that I would probably love if I could listen to them more, but sadly I find Michelle's voice incredibly irritating, it has a nasal quality to it that is just not pleasant at all. I keep trying to listen again but am finding it very hard, not only because of the vocals but there is very little memorable here - normally with a gospel album there will be something that will reach me, or touch me, or make ... ...a bit strange and nothing gets to me.
I really wish I could like Michelle's albums more becuase she is sharing her love of God, and that is a wonderful thing. On the plus point, vocally and melody wise, Michelle is different.
I have been asked to give a little bit more information on Michelle, which I apologise for not doing in my first review - this is my first time, I am learning! Anyway, she is probably best known as part of Destiny's Child, ...
Advantages: Something for everyone. Disadvantages: Can depend on your musical taste
This is a very good CD from a very accomplished gospel artist in Kirk Franklin. There are some very good praise and worship ballads on this cd, which are sung from the heart, which makes it all the more special! I saw Kirk Franklin when he came to the Royal Albert Hall, London in 2002. It was a wonderful concert experience!
I will review each of the tracks on this cd.
1) Intro - This takes the form of a prayer from Kirk Franklin's grandmother praying ... ...Kirk completing the prayer in a scene years later. Quite an interesting introduction.
2) Hosanna - The introduction starts off with Kirk talking and preparing folks for the song ahead, then launches into a praise song done by female voices initially, with the male voices coming in later. The voice mixture is wonderful particularly when they enter into a short time of accapella. Kirk Franklin likes to say the words, and the singers sing them. A very ...
Advantages: Great voice, some great material Disadvantages: Slight dip in the middle.
...years before her next album. Believe features two collaborations from as follows Karen Clark Sheard and T-Bone and the album was released on Elektra Records. **Believe** 1 Never Give Up 2 I Gotta Believe 3 Fo' Sho' 4 Thank You 5 Song Of Faith 6 Unconditional 7 Anything 8 Only If God Says Yes 9 Since The Last Time I Saw You 10 I'm Gonna Be Ready 11 Darling Girl 12 I'm Thankful Opening things up is the great ballad "Never Give Up" which was recorded ... ...Centre on 11th September 2001. This is an inspiring song about standing strong despite challenging things in your life. "I Gotta Believe" is up next and this is a really impressive track which has an interesting beat which sounds like a mix between an R&B ballad and a dance track with it's stop start motion. This is another very good track indeed which further develops thanks to the nice background orchestral part which adds a nice touch. Track three ...
What can I say about Donnie McClurkin? The first time I heard him sing I was literally stopped in my tracks, you can feel the God in him when you hear him singing. His voice is the most incredible I have ever heard, ranging from velvety soft and gentle to thunderously powerful, but whatever he does he uses his voice as an instrument to bring the listener closer to God. After getting the album I also bought the DVD and that is even better, because ... ...I love this album becuase it shows Donnie performing old standards and hymns as opposed to the more modern songs, though I love his voice whatever he sings. I bought the DVD of this album after listening to this and it is well worth the investment.
It is so hard to pick out favourite tracks becuase there is not a duff one among them, but I guess the Blood Medley, Agnus Dei, and Total Priase, with Richard Smallwood, stand out. I also recommend "Again...........", ...
Wow, what an album. And before I go any further, I am adding this as an afterthought and because of comments received, and something I had not thought of at the time of writing the review - and that is that the music is so good there is no reason why it should not be enjoyed by a secular audience - yes it is Christian in message, but if you enjoy r & b/hip hop there is plenty here to keep you happy - I mean, you might not necessarily agree with all ... ...not as the case may be!) his stuff does it? .So give it a go!
Anyway, I almost didn't buy it because I hated the cover and was expecting something way too hip hoppy and far from God - but I got it for £1 on eBay so thought it was worth the risk! And how wrong my fears were, it is an absolutely amazing album. I still don't like the garish colours and there is nothing to make you think you are looking at a Christian album, but maybe I am just old! ...
