JEFF MAJORS - SACRED 4 YOU (2002)
Written By: Shayne Goodloe - Dayton, OH
Sacred 4 You is the latest release by harpist Jeff Majors. You can rest assured because this long awaited continuation to the Sacred saga featuring Majors and his harp Hanifah, won't disappoint. Sacred 4 You is a fresh breeze of anointed jazz that'll have you groovin', movin' and dancin' in the spirit. Track number one is Somebody Bigger a wonderful song lead by Jean Carne, already a proven crowd pleaser. It's followed by my personal favorite, Heard My Cry narrated by Majors and lead by Al Johnson who sung (make that sang) lead on Psalms 23 from Sacred. Trust me, this boy is bad, and what can I say about Majors voice other than its nice -- real nice! More favorites include: Thief In The Night and Pray written by Majors and Luther Vandross. Say what? Let me repeat that one for ya, Pray is co-written by the one and only Lutha. I'm labeling this one, the feel good song for twenty-03. Cause it will have you singin', jumpin' and shoutin'. Walk N' Glory, My Faith, Rose Of Sharon, and Near The Cross are all instrumental ballads featuring full strings, an orchestra, and background vocals by the Sacred singers. The sound is simply breathtaking! This soothing, and invigorating masterpiece even has the perfect ending, Benediction, a prayer put to music. If you haven't heard this fabulous CD or any of the other Sacred series, run (don't walk) and grab yourself a copy.

MARY MARY - INCREDIBLE (2002)
Written By: Ben Carter - Newark, NJ
Mary Mary first came on the scene with an underlined Gospel message in an all too flashy secular flare! They bombarded urban radio with beats that competed with Puff Daddy's latest remix and was squeezed between the likes of Busta Rhymes and Brandy. It wasn't the love of a boyfriend that had Mary Mary dancing but the love of Jesus Christ that had them rejoicing on 2000's massive summer hit "Shackles (Praise Him)." The criticisms that Mary Mary faced were the same BeBe & CeCe had heard, the same Vanessa Bell witnessed in the late 80's and the same Kirk Franklin was hearing just a few years before them. Who is this "him" and who are they referring to when they say "he?" "Mary Mary had gone too far!!!" They looked and sounded like the world! But Mary Mary was doing what the world could not and that's compel the hearts of man to seek Jesus Christ. They planted a seed in my heart with the lush ballad "Be Happy" on their platinum debut "Thankful" and now they've gone even further on "Incredible." What used to be referred to as music is now considered as "beats" and the beats are heavy. They are just as slick and polished as anything Mary J Blige could put out. In fact Rodney Jerkin's best work may be "He Said", a thumping hip-hop track that makes no apologies about its backdrop. The groove swelters around Tina and Erica's voices as they proclaim "Jesus said, cause I read it in his word one day..." If there were any doubts about who "he" was this song cancels all of them. Mary Mary has helped to transform Sunday morning gospel music to everyday good news. They inspire the common man on "God Bless", with uplifting lyrics that curl around a Warryn Campbell production. They give the most hopeless person hope. It's not all a party though. "I Try" picks up where "Can't Give Up Now" leaves off. The honest lyrics about a saint gone astray read with poetic prose and real life honesty. It's an "everyday" tale turned contemporary gospel classic. "Incredible" is indeed that, it's an honest introspective look into the lives of those of us on this perfecting walk. Songs like the first single "In the Morning" will set the standard for production with it's lush strings and matching harmonies. The acoustic flavor of "Trouble Ain't" will make us all feel like we can press on just a little while longer. While semi-autobiographical testimonies like "Little Girl" will help to empower young women everywhere. This cd is filled with enough music to make you laugh, dance, cry and not make you feel guilty about it but rejoice all the more knowing that you are laughing, dancing, crying and healing in the name of the lord!

GARY MAYES & NU ERA - THE NE X-PERIENCE (2002)
They say everything in Texas is huge -- Well I'm here to testify to the fact that this project is indeed HUGE! (edit: I just read Gospelflava's review after typing this and we open with the same line -- so that tells you something! ROTFL! Oh Well!) Gary Mayes & Nu Era are the talk of the town in 2002. Gary not only has an incredible testimony of God's deliverance but he can testify how this lil independent Gospel project on Soul Muzick records is makin' much noise in the industry. Several things impressed me about this project: 1) Certain songs were inspired by heavy hitters in the industry and the songs took on the style of that particular artist. He Keeps on was inspired By Kirk Franklin, Nu Creature was inspired by John P. Kee (and rightfully so--the lead Shawn McLemore is featured on several Kee projects), We Worship Thee was inspired by Fred Hammond. 2) The project has a taste of traditional and contemporary. Take your pick! It's sure to please everybody! 3) All of the soloist (famous or not) are wreckin shop! 4) These churren can just spit! A new term for folk that just saaaang! LOL Alright! Favorites from this disc include: Where Would I Be, Here Am I, Nu Creature (one of those grab ya tambourines, take you ta church songs), We Made It (Whew Jesus! The vamp takes me in!), Thank You (Nikki Ross Turnley is a force to be reckoned with! I expect great things from this young lady.) Aww forget it -- the whole CD is bangin! I'm almost tempted to say -- if you don't enjoy this CD, I'll give you your money back -- I ain't rich so it ain't happenin! LOL Just pick it up -- and if you enjoy it, I'll say I toldja so! ;c)

MEN OF STANDARD - VOLUME III (2002)
I didn't know if we were going to hear from Men of Standard again following their lawsuit last year.. but they made it through and blessed us with another project. Y'all know my reviews are ghetto fabulous so let me just get this on out the way. Some of the songs on the project are hot but then there are others that made me think I was listenin to a Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys, Nsync CD. Uh.. Where is PAJAM/J. Moss? That combination worked so well on the last project. And the umph I'm lookin for is not there. Maybe it's just me. Also.. I'm thinkin a album done with tracks from J. Moss, Tonex, Fred Hammond, John Kee would put these brothas on the top. Aight now onto my favorite tracks: Prayer Will - Isaac, sang boi!, Count It All Joy - Lowell is killin it and the music takes it to the next level. Love, So Beautiful (Urban Radio Friendly), He Cares, Gotta Grip, and Change Is Gonna Come. Even though my comments above may seem like I'm doggin the CD.. these brothers are doin their thing. Lou's Wish List: 4 Isaac to do a solo album. John P. Kee and New Life Reunion with Lowell, Isaac, LeJuene, Tina Morrison, Bruce Parham.. All them folk.

JUDITH MCALLISTER - RAISE THE PRAISE (2003)
When you think of leaders of Praise & Worship, there is one name that should automatically come to mind -- it's Judith McAllister. From all of the Saints in Praise CD's, to her appearance on Kurt Carr's project -- even on down to her debut project "Send Judah First", this Woman of God is holdin it down! I have to admit that when I cracked the seal on this one, the first thing I did was try to compare it to the first CD. I discovered that it just doesn't work that way with all projects. McAllister managed to pick right up where her last CD left off -- this was not only a great recording session but it's an awesome worship experience (minus a good buck that could have easily been placed after the track Declaration of the Saints/Holy LOL!) Ok now that I've tried to be all deep and "spiritual" lemme just cut to the chase and say nobody can HOLLA like McAllister can. WHEW! -- and did you check the credits for the list of background singers - sheesh! Sheri Jones-Moffett, Toya Smith-Adams, Melonie Daniels, Troy Clark, Ayana George & Ted Winn -- lawd help us! No disrespect to the others but I know these folks and I know you can't give them a mic and all you know what breaks loose! LOL The CD opens with the high energy Hallelujah: You're Worthy and doesn't let down. Beautiful Savior is one of my favorites and it features a comical reprise (those durn altos!). Declaration of the Saints features a breakdown that includes one of my favorite hymns Holy, Holy, Holy (Lord God Almighty) and they should have capped it off with a knock-em-down, full fledge buck. Other favorites include: Joy of The Lord, Lift Him Up and the Jubilation Medley. This one you definitely want to purchase. Oh yeah, Stevie Wonder drops in with a harmonica solo on A Beautiful Day.

JUDITH MCALLISTER - SEND JUDAH FIRST (2001)
Kurt Carr calls her the first lady of Praise and Worship.. and I second that.. Long known for her work with the West Angeles COGIC Saints In Praise series.. Judith McCallister enters the industry with a powerful praise and worship project. The tune that will probably blow up is "Like The Dew". We first heard that from Prophetess Juanita Bynum, but McCallister adds a lil tempo to it.. and a tight vamp! Other favorites are: Sing Praises to Thee, The Prayer of Recommitment, Send Judah First, and I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes

DONNIE MCCLURKIN - AGAIN (2003)
Donnie McClurkin is the man right now! From his platinum selling Verity debut, Live in London, to the Hopeville tour, several TV appearances even on down to pastoring a new church -- everybody loves them some Donnie Mac. This CD will probably sell off of his name alone and I'm sure everybody is looking for Live in London part 2 -- but it ain't happenin. Now before you open up your email to send me a hate letter, pump ya breaks! I'm not going to slam the CD (even though at first listen I sure was bout to). It's not a live project (well half of it was recorded at West Angeles COGIC in Los Angeles), most of the songs are slow to mid-tempo but this is a decent CD to sit and chill to. Worship is just what the Dr. ordered for this project. With production help from Kevin Bond, Percy Bady, and David Foster -- Again is definitely one of those disc you pop on when you want to study your word, chill after a hard days work and meditate and you could probably get away with playing just before a service at your church (set the atmosphere type of stuff). Favorites include: Again, Yes You Can, Special Gift with Lynette Hawkins Stephens, Holy, Create In Me A Clean Heart, So In Love & He's Calling You. Features a guest appearance by Yolanda Adams.

LISA MCCLENDON - MY DIARY, YOUR LIFE (2002)
PICK HITS: If You Fall, Clean Me, Don't Touch That Tree, Right There, Praise is Comely
This will go down as one of the smoothest releases in Gospel for 2002. If you're familiar with artist like Jill Scott, India.Arie, and Musiq -- you'll appreciate the ministry of Lisa McClendon. I guess we can officially change the title from neo-soul to neo-gospel-soul or somethin like that. LOL The album's title "My Diary, Your Life" strikes me as interesting one because even though it's Lisa's story put to a melody it mirrors the lives of a lot of young believers in church today. It deals with issues of sin, relationships, loneliness and so many more. All of the songs on this disc were written by Lisa; with production help from Mo Henderson, Cory Johnson and a few others. There are a few spoken word interludes tucked in between tracks. Most of the songs on this project are mid-tempo (Holla is a lil faster and features Gospel rap artist Pettidee), but that's ok -- it's a good project to listen to when you're in chill mode or just want to spend some time alone with the Lord. This is one you definitely want to add to your collection. Oh! Before I go -- those that remember the movie Saturday Night Fever with John Travolta and the track written by the Bee Gees will dig the opening cut on the CD -- Still Alive. Great remake!

BISHOP ERIC MCDANIEL - WE ARE HEALED (2002)
After I donated blood, pulled teeth, lost a few limbs I finally got this CD and I guess I can say it was worth the effort. LOL Bishop Eric McDaniel is no stranger to the Gospel Music industry. He has appeared on releases from Timothy Wright, Bronx Mass choir, and has written many of the hits that Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship camp are known for. If you search real hard you may even be able to find copies of his old projects He'll Make It Alright and In The Morning Time. Recorded live at the McDaniel's church (The Lord's Church, Bronx, NY) this CD starts off strong (although the flow of the first track is interesting) and really heats up towards the middle of the CD. If you didn't know by now.. my favorite tracks on the cd are Some How Some Way featuring Cheryl "Coko" Gamble from SWV (Coko is poppin up on everybody's album-Check her on Brent Jones/Midnight), Keeper.. That drive takes me in everytime! KEEE-PERRRRR.. Up! I feel the glory!, and One More Chance featuring McDaniel's wife.. If your church doesn't buck (shout, dance).. put this track on and go for broke! My other favorites are More Like Him and the last track When I Come Into This House featuring Ayana George.

BISHOP ANDREW MERRITT - FAITH IN THE HOUSE (2000)
The sixth in a series of releases.. Faith in the House with Bishop Andrew Merritt and the Straight Gate Mass Choir has to be the best one yet!! This project is so incredible! Produced by Steven Ford, Faith in the House features several lead vocals from Bruce Parham (SING BRUCE! lol), Vanessa Williams (Richard Smallwood & Vision) and some of Gospel's tightest musicians. Please be warned.. you'll do alright until you get to the track Cover Me.. PREPARE TO LOSE IT! I almost got slain at work listenin to this song! No joke! TRACK LISTING: Come Into His Presence, We Sing Praises, Victory Chant, We'll Be Faithful, Thy Word, I Was Created To Worship, Faith To Believe, Cover Me Lord, The Lord Thy God, There Is None Like You, Hallowed Be Your Name, Mustard Seed Faith, Only Believe, The Call of Faith, I Live By Faith Album Release: October 3, 2000

MISSISSIPI MASS CHOIR - AMAZING LOVE (2002)
Written By: William Bland - St. Louis, MO
A mainstay in the gospel industry, especially in the traditional genre, the Mississippi Mass Choir comes back with another powerful project, Amazing Love. In an age where mostly traditional artists have changed their styles to keep up with the industry, MM has stayed true to its traditional roots and it's founder, the late Frank Williams. The set opens with "Come Let Us Adore Him", an upbeat invitation to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Fan of Lecresia Campbell (Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir) should thoroughly enjoy "Lord You're Holy", where she lends her powerful vocals and terrific range. And what would Mississippi Mass be without Lillian Lilly? Always giving a 100% effort as she lends her powerful vocals to "I Get Excited", although the content of the song leaves a little to be desired - YOU be the judge. In the wake of the tragedy that struck our country on 9-11-01, MM comes at you with a spirited rendition of America the Beautiful. And who can forget about "Mama" Mosie Burks? If you enjoyed "When I Rose This Morning" and "They've Got The Word", then you won't hesitate to 'gitcho praise on' when she fires up and old favorite, "Holding On (And I Won't Let Go My Faith)". This project also includes the recently recorded "By Grace" by Praise II Choir (Heal The Land) and written by Percy Gray. This album will not disappoint. The music is what you come to expect (David Curry on organ, Jerry Smith on keys, etc...) from the choir that knows how to fire it up from down south.

VASHAWN MITCHELL & NEW IMAGE - ANOTHER CHANCE (2003)
This young man's musical resume is getting pretty full-- from his own projects, to writing and producing for Bishop Larry Trotter, Reed's Temple and Chicago Mass Choir, even his appearance on Bobby Jones Gospel last year, VaShawn is a busy dude. I still haven't recovered from his debut release So Satisfied. If you get a chance to hear Lisa Page slay the song Live Holy then you'll know why. This Chicago artist is doin the durn thang! Another Chance is definitely a step up from the debut project. The production (iffy in a few spots), vocals, and material are definitely on point! All of the material for this project was written by VaShawn with production help from Kevin Randolph, Rick Robinson, Rico Nichols and Daniel Weatherspoon for Spoon-fed Productions. Gospel heads should note a couple of folks that drop in to do solos: Charnetta Richardson (Ricky Dillard & New G) on Give It Up, Elder DeAndre "He's Alive & If We Faint Not" Patterson on the churchy When I Get Through This, and Leanne Faine (Bobby Jones & New Life, Milton Brunson & the Tommies) on I Can't Feel At Home.

REV. JAMES MOORE - THE VERY BEST (2001)
If there was ever anybody that touched the Gospel Music Industry in a special way.. it was definitely Rev. James Moore. I don't think there can ever be a "very best" collection of his music because he recorded so many great songs.. But the folks over at Malaco did the best they could to put some tracks together. Without taking anything away from Malaco.. I think they should have put more effort into this project.. from the coverart to the song selection.. Maybe even a double-disc. What better way to celebrate the life and the music ministry of Rev. James Moore...

BISHOP PAUL S. MORTON & FGBCF - LET IT RAIN (2003)
PICK HITS: High Praise, Let It Rain, God Is A Good God, I Need Thee
Bishop Paul S. Morton has a lot to shout about these days. He just celebrated his 10th year with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in Atlanta, GA, created Gospel Dream, the gospel industry's answer to American Idol, and he's released a smokin brand new CD on a new label Tehillah Music Group in conjunction with Light Records. Let It Rain opens with the high-energy song High Praise, which features a killer lead by Desmond Pringle. Many should remember him from his solo project on the now defunct Tommy Boy Gospel. The title track is next and features a groove that sounds awfully similar to that done by Prince towards the end of Purple Rain. I love it! I'm sure the saints won't catch that though. Y'all not sposed to know anything about Prince. LOL! The churchy God is A Good God is next and even though the credits say it's led by Bishop Morton, that's not him. The song was written by Gerald Thompson, a traditional Gospel favorite. He knows how to bang out those hand clappin, foot stompin numbers. I Need Thee is a wonderful arrangement by BeBe Winans that merges into a call and response of the original hymn. Bishop James Morton tags on at the end with the "Yes Lord" praise. Just as I thought they should -- Byron Cage leads the saints into a dance! My! My! My! Straight church! If you make it pass the first four songs, you'll also enjoy the rest of the CD. I was surprised to see the remake of Lauryn Hill's On That Day. Even though there are only 10 tracks -- this is one CD that you must have. This one tops the entire set of Full Gospel CD's that I have in my collection. There's a great mix of traditional and contemporary twists in this CD. It also reminds me of listening to a Carlton Pearson Azusa project. This project boasts a great list of writers, musicians, and singers.

MT. HATTIN YOUTH MINISTRY CHOIR - CONSISTENT GOD (2001)
What do you get when you put some of the top musicians in the industry (Min. David Frazier, Joe Wilson, H. Buddy Larkins, Melvin Crispell, and Jeff Lo Davis) and four of the hottest acts of Gospel (Timothy Wright, Lisa Page-Brooks, Danny Eason, and Kim Burrell) together on one CD? A major fit in the Holy Ghost and a busted ear drum from listenin to the music too loud! It's doesn't hurt that Mt. Hattin is a sangin bunch of young folk. You've heard two cuts off the project so judge for yourself.. this is one group that you need to keep your eye on!