SHEI ATKINS - GIRL TALK (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Kenisha Ringgold - Newark, DE
Pick Hits: Going Nowhere, Onna Freeway, Trunk Bangin, Spend Some Time, He Can Fix It
It's too bad that the mediocre and mass marketed is so ubiquitous that we actually start believing that what is being offered is good. Then unexpectedly once in a while your ears pick up something that really is good. Music that is more than just "nice" to listen to, it's music that has life changing potential. It's the stuff that draws you in and makes you feel like you are apart of the story. They are songs that make you want to stop your car on the side of the road and cry, or turn it up and dance like you want to -- because no one is looking. I'm sure every artist wants to make this kind of music. But Shei Atkins can say she has done it. "Girl Talk" isn't a weepy and sappy collection of songs aimed towards women, rather they are songs sung by a young woman who has been through some things and has lived victoriously to tell the story. The double disk features twenty-four songs in all. The breadth of the material doesn't get watered down or lose the collective sound of the entire project, while giving just enough variety that you never get bored. The music is generally urban, and many tracks could be placed on the playlists of any of the top R&B/hip-hop radio stations. The content however comes from a Christian perspective and from the viewpoint of taking ownership for our life experiences and becoming determined to become stronger because of them. Shei's husband and producer Drathoven deserves a special mention. The sound is clean and is married together perfectly with the lyrics and the overall mood of each song. If you know don't this cat you will soon. Additional Pick Hits: Free

BYRON CAGE - THE PROCLAMATION: LIVE AT THE APOLLO (2007)
out of 5 stars
Written By: Roderick Meadows - Atlanta, GA
PICK HITS: Royalty, If You Never, I've Got A Reason
Byron Cage has done it again. With the release of his fifth project, he truly has shown how he earned the moniker "The Prince of Praise", and turned the Apollo-a venue known for performances by greats such as James Brown and The Motown Revue line-up of the 60s, into a straight-up revival. Kicking things off is "The Proclamation"-heir apparent to Cage's mega-hit, "The Presence of the Lord is Here" and a surefire future classic for church praise teams all over the country. The calming acoustic vibe of "Royalty" written by Cage and Demond and Darien Mickens, gives us a glimpse of the throne room of the Most High-starting off mellow and bursting into an exuberant praise offering. The project contines with the bass-driven Twinkie Clark-like groove of "I've Got A Reason" and the uplifting "Anyhow"-which features soul crooner Dave Hollister and incorporates the Thomas Whitfield chestnut "Hallelujah Anyhow". The first single, the PAJAM-produced "With All of My Might" is nothing short of a 5-minute praise party. The Goddess of Gospel-Kim Burrell drops by to add her jazzy vocals to the laid-back thank you letter "If You Never". Cage and Burrell wreck the stage before J. Moss appears, adding his soaring tenor to the mix. In summary, this project doesn't have one track that's not worthy of a second, or third, listen. I didn't fast-forward once. Cage and PAJAM are a winning combination, and God definitely got the glory out of this project.

GOD'S CHOSEN - LOVE EVER AFTER (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
PICK HITS: Clap My Hands, Didn't Let Me Fall, Lift Jesus Higher, Love (Medley)
In a day when manufactured studio singers are the norm, and with help from Pro Tools, the worst of singers can half way sound like something, it's quite refreshing to listen to the debut from 3 young women from St. Louis and know that what's on the record will be the same when presented before a live audience (having seen the group live in August 07, trust me on this...). Zebrina Anderson, Sarah Stephens and Nikiesha Whittier are God's Chosen and with production assistance from Levi "Too" King, Daryl Lester and Marion Robinson, their project Love Ever After is one independent release that deserves a spin from gospel industry personalities and fans alike. With each of the girls taking their turn at writing, this project is put together very nicely and they'll easily stand alongside their contemporaries Virtue, Trinitee 5:7 and even new girl group favorites, Zie'l. A definite highlight is the Love Medley which meshes together songs from Kirk Franklin, Lamar Campbell and the GMWA National Mass Choir. A favorite in my house, hopefully God's Chosen will be come a favorite of yours.

JESSICA GREENE - 4 THE WORLD (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Kenisha Ringgold - Newark, DE
PICK HITS: Trust in You, Restore, Promises, Storm, Searching
Baltimore native, Jessica Greene introduces herself to the world with her debut CD "4 The World." Among her inspirations she cites Mary Mary, Kim Burrell, and the Clark Sisters. Their influences are heard in her vocal tone and delivery. It's a given that she can sing. The issue is whether her material rises to the level of her talent. Seasoned fellow Baltimoreans Jason Nelson, and Anthony Brown lend their vocals to warm up the background and Mo horns blazes on a couple of tracks. The first section of her project I would label "issues." Listening to the first four tracks gave me the feeling of coffee table conversations with my girlfriends. It kicks off with the upbeat "Searching" which she makes personal with the lyrics "Why am I looking for love in the wrong places?" If you haven't been there you know someone who has. She follows up with "Pretending" another drop top song which tackles the subject of 2007 Christians-- in other words hypocrites. Jessica courageously addresses the issue of sexual abuse on "Don't Touch Me." She sings with passion and strength on a song that tells the story of many. The second half of the CD is more conventional. Songs like "My All" and "Grateful" have an urban inspirational feel sprinkled with a little praise and worship. You won't find any groundbreaking production but this "4 The World" definitely addresses universal themes. Her willingness to bring something a little left of center is important to broadening scope of gospel music.

TERRANCE MACKEY & NU RESTORATION - RESTORATION VOL. 1 (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
PICK HITS: I Luv You, Get Right, Safety, Loose Here, Crossover
The state of Texas has always been one to watch when it comes to gospel music. From the choirs, groups/ensembles and even soloists, there always seems to be a breakout artist that comes from this region every year. Such is the case with Dallas' own Terrence Mackey and Nu Restoration -- Their debut disc Restoration Vol. 1 is a 14 track (12 full tracks/2 interludes) mix of music with hard hitting beats and encouraging messages that not only encourages the saints but will also evangelize the sinner. With a tight knit, polished group sound, Nu Restoration ably tackles material provided by Fred Ash, Bishop Cordell Booker, Donnell Davis, Deyoune Yancey, Donan Yancey, Ken Jr. and Xavier Jackson. Though I found the switch from contemporary to traditional throughout the project quite jarring, it somehow worked for this group -- it's only a matter of switching up the song sequence as it relates to the flow of the CD. The ability to tackle both sides of the spectrum in their music showcases Nu Restoration's versatility. A surprise find on my part, I'm glad I had the opportunity to partake in this musical journey as it was one of the highlights of 2007.

TRINITEE 5:7 - T57 (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Roderick Meadows - Atlanta, GA
PICK HITS: I Will Lift
This review I struggled, travailed and agonized over. I remember 1998, when the original trio released their self-titled debut CD, and how much I loved almost every cut on the project. Fast forward nine years to their fourth studio release, T57, but that feeling just isn't the same. It would be crazy to blame my disdain for this project on the fact that they've changed line-ups (both their sophomore and third projects featured Adrian Anderson, who replaced original member Terri Brown Britton, and were pretty great albums), or the fact that they've seemingly been off the scene since for 5 years. I place the blame squarely on bland, paint-by-the-numbers material. The group is now signed to the Spirit Rising/Music World imprint-under the leadership of Destiny's Child svengali Matthew Knowles, and the similarity between the two groups have become painfully obvious. A couple of the slower tracks sound like inspirational cuts that were rejected by Beyonce and her crew, likely because the project was co-produced by Knowles, his daughter Solange and DJ Static. The first single, a neo-soul tinged remake of Douglas Miller's stirring "My Soul Has Been Anchored" is well executed by the trio, but the production sounds like it was done on a home Yamaha keyboard. Still, Chanelle's soulful voice, shadowed by Angel's lilting soprano saves the cut from total ruin. "Listen", the current radio single sounds a bit dated, with it's ping-ponged synth-work-a feature that shows up again on "Reflection". One-time collaborator R. Kelly's "You Saved Me" gets another spin around the block, but it's not as effective this time around. "God's Triangle" is James Brown redux. The stand-out cut on an otherwise banal project is the beautiful "I Will Lift", a reverent ode to God's faithfulness that showcases Angel's soaring pipes, underscored by Chanelle's soulful deep alto. T57 basically left me longing for the days of "God's Grace" and "Pray for A While", where the three-part harmony took precedence over beats. Maybe if they had hooked up with Buster and Shavoni and J. Moss again, results would have been better.

MARVIN WINANS - ALONE BUT NOT ALONE (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Keemon Leonard - San Marcos, TX
PICK HITS: My Story, I Still Believe, Try, Alone But Not Alone, I Shall Never
Marvin! Marvin! Marvin! The world has been patiently waiting on a solo album from this man. And now in 2007, Marvin Winans has decided to share with the world his superb vocals that have blessed us throughout the years with his brothers (The Winans) and his church choir (Perfecting Church of Detroit), where he serves as the pastor. With his debut on Pure Springs Gospel (his sister CeCe's label), Marvin delivers 11 tracks that will satisfy your musical taste buds. With the help of Tommy Simms in the production chair, Marvin takes you on a journey of evolving and powerful lyrics laced with a smooth laid back vibe that definitely make Marvin's album stand out from the rest of 2007. Opening the project is the soulful title track featuring a sample of another great Marvin (Gaye). "My Story" is a notable track that features Marvin's twin brother Carvin. It's a great piece of music that talks about their personal stories and how God is the only one can bring you out of your struggles. "My Story", "Just Don't Wanna Know" and "I Shall Never" takes you back to that favorable "Winans sound" that we have grown to and still love today. "I Still Believe" is a personal favorite, that showcase several musical elements laced into one great sound with a pure message of belief. "Try" features Marvin in a duet with the incomparable Kim Burrell on an all-out jazz piece that will make you push the repeat button. Other artists contributing on the musical experience: The late Ronald Winans (Marvin's eldest brother), D'Shondra Rideout (16 year old vocalist that you will definitely hear from again) and backing vocals from Take 6 and Darwin Hobbs. Definitely this is a great start for Marvin on his first solo album. Marvin brings to the table timeless, life-changing music that doesn't limit itself to the inner walls of the church. If you love powerful, thought provoking messages laced with the easy-listening smooth R &B vibe, this is your project. I'm expecting even greater things on his sophomore project. Hopefully it doesn't take 20 years to drop the next album.

YOUTHFUL PRAISE - EXALTED...LIVE IN BALTIMORE (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
PICK HITS: Exalted, Everything Is Changed, Freedom, Satisfied, We Worship You
In just seven years, the music ministry of Youthful Praise has evolved from being in the choir stand of Turner's Faith Temple in Bridgeport, Connecticut to them now being one of the country's most favorite recording choirs. Along with their director James "JJ" Hairston, the choir's fourth release (fifth if you count the independently produced "Call To Worship") "Exalted...Live In Baltimore" brings yet another a shift. While they haven't lost that "East Coast squall" that fans have grown to love, and even more so than the "Live! The Praise, The Worship" project, their sound is much more refined and continues to lean heavily on the praise and worship vibe but with an "urban twist". Leon Lacy, David Caton, Claudius Craig, Hairston each makes writing contributions while Judith McAllister, Timiney Figureoa, Steve Lawrence, Tedd Winn and Jason Nelson make guest lead appearances. Even with its noticeable difference in direction from the choir's first 3 projects, a need to shave the length of some of the songs down, and questionable art direction, Exalted is a strong CD and with the right single choices at radio, this project could have lasting momentum through 2008.