A&M GOSPEL CHOIR - TRANSFORMING MUSIC INTO MINISTRY
out of 5
Under the direction of Michael G. Marshall, the A&M Gospel Choir sets the standard high for representing the talent of singers on college campuses across the country. Their debut release Transforming Music Intro Ministry not only features great vocals and production, but a timely message very much needed for such a time as this in the gospel music industry. Though the project was recorded live in 2004, time hasn't affected the material featured at all. This project can stand up against recent releases from some of Chicago and the East Coast's finest. Transforming Music Intro Ministry features guest appearances by some of gospel's newest rising talents. Blanche McCallister (Tri-City Singers) lends her vocal chops to our personal favorite When I See Jesus and appears again on What's His Name. Malaco Record's newest artist Prince Yelder appears on Breathe On Me. When our attention isn't focused on these two, ALL of the lead vocalists featured on this project hold their own. Kudos also go to Courtney Franklin and Marque Walker for their co-production efforts. PICK HITS: Holy, Holy, Holy, Change Me, I'm Going Home, When I See Jesus, Breathe On Me, Thank You

YOLANDA ADAMS - DAY BY DAY
Written By: Roderick A. Meadows - Atlanta, GA
It's almost hard to believe that "Day by Day" is Texas tornado Yolanda Adams' tenth solo recording. She marks this milestone well with what (in my opinion) is her best project. An electric, eclectic mixture of urban contemporary gospel ballads, acoustic-tinged worship songs, and funky hip-hop laced beats, "Day by Day" offers up a little something for everybody- young and old alike. The first single, "Be Blessed" is straight-up inspiration with Yolanda offering words of encouragement to the downtrodden. Penned by Adams, cohorts Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song includes the slinky keyboard and synth-bass handiwork of "Big Jim" Wright (of Sounds of Blackness fame) and guitar by former pop artist-turned-producer Bobby Ross Avila. Adams also includes a solo remake of her duet with Crystal Lewis "This Too Shall Pass". Hip-hop heads will definitely love "Victory", the bouncy, bass-heavy cut also featured in the upcoming movie "The Gospel". Never selfish, Yolanda shares the spotlight with her Hopeville brethren Kirk Franklin (who contributes the worshipful "Show Me" and the urgent, Stellar-award worthy "Tonight") and Donnie McClurkin, as well as Gospel sweethearts Mary Mary for the percolating "Lift Him Up". Also on board are the capable background voices of Franklin mainstays Candy West, Myron Butler, Anthony Evans, Shanika Leeks, Ashley Guilbert, and keyboardist extraordinaire Bobby Sparks. PICK HITS: Victory, Tonight, This Too Shall Pass, Be Blessed

RANCE ALLEN GROUP - THE LIVE EXPERIENCE
Rance Allen and his crew have been puttin it down for more than 40 years. What better way to celebrate your longevity than being signed to a new label and by putting out your first LIVE album. There's no doubt that Allen is one of the greatest voices in Gospel. He can hang with the best of em. This live project features many of the the hits that made them famous and stellar production with Chris Byrd and Tracy Williamson at the helm of it all. Make sure you cop the DVD that comes with this one. Features Guest Appearances By: Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin & LaShun Pace. PICK HITS: Miracle Worker, Ain't No Need of Crying, I Can't Help Myself, Do Your Will, Something About That Name Jesus [originally posted 11.04]

ANC - I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS
I'm an avid CDbaby.com surfer. Some of the artists featured are a blessing and others are quite comical. I stumbled upon this New Jersey group and was quite impressed with what I heard. Based out of Ocean Township, NJ, ANC (A Nu Covenant) and their release I'd Rather Have Jesus is quite refreshing. Drawing comparison to other youth/young adult groups such as Steve McCoy & Greater Purpose and Tye Tribbett & GA, ANC's vocal arrangements and style should attract many new listeners. These youngins can squall! Dropping by to lend a hand on lead vocals are Sherri McGee and the ever popular Melonie Daniels. The only downside to purchasing this CD was the pricing and packaging. $17 for a burned CD in a slim case sealed with scotch tape?! Nah man! Of course I could go the deep and mysterious route and say, "I'm just glad to be able to sow into the ministry" *quickens and utters a 14 syllable tongue*, but had I not been pleased with the CD, we were going to have a problem. I work hard for my lil bit of change. :c) PICK HITS: Calvary, Battlefield, Case of the Can't Help Its, I'd Rather Have Jesus, Tehillah Praise, Where is My Morning

ANOINTED - NOW IS THE TIME
With more line-up changes than Destiny's Child (wait, they were on the scene before -- nevermind), Anointed (now paired down to the dynamic duo of brother & sister team Steve and Da'dra Crawford Greathouse) is back on a new label and with an urban sound that should make all take notice. With both Crawfords in the executive producers chair and Warryn Campbell (Brandy, Mary Mary, Soul Seekers) in the producers chair, Now is The Time is a departure from the usual pop/CCM flavor that many have become accustomed too on previous Anointed projects. This is definitely a good thing! Certainly got my attention. Special Guest appearance by Andrae Crouch. PICK HITS: Mighty Long Way, Gonna Lift Your Name, Now That I'm Free, Eternal Life, Gotta Move.

ANOINTED PACE SISTERS - RETURN
out of 5
Written By: Roderick A. Meadows - Atlanta, GA
Don't call it a comeback! These 8 Georgia-bred songbirds never left us. With the October release of Return-Duranice, Leslie, Phyllis, June, Dejuaii, Lydia, Melonda and Latrice Pace are riding high with their trademark harmonies and soulful vocal pyrotechnics. In my opinion, the best album since the groundbreaking U Know (1992), "Return" serves up some of the greatest refreshing and spiritually uplifting offerings of the year. Recorded live at Atlanta's Siloam Church, the project is almost total perfection-(I just wasn't feeling the generic-sounding house remix of "High Praise"), but this mis-step was more than made up for on the rest of the project. The majority of the songs were penned by the sisters themselves, save the laid-back "Strategically Ordered", the percolating, Kirk Franklin-esque "Return", the first single "High Praise" and the stirring "He's Here".. For me, the highlight of the album was the breezy "Contentment"- penned and led by Latrice Pace Speights, and "He's Here" which features a guest appearance by 9th sister LaShun Pace and incorporates their classic "When God is In the Building" in a reverent P&W groove. It should be a crime for this much talent to come out of one family. This was definitely one Return worth waiting for. PICK HITS: He's Here, Contentment, The Words U Said, Return

VANESSA BELL ARMSTRONG - WALKING MIRACLE
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
When looking at the musical career of Vanessa Bell Armstrong, straight off the back most recognize her for being one of the greatest voices not only in the gospel music industry but in the music industry period. She has a string of hits to her credit. While her latest release and debut on the EMI Gospel label "Walking Miracle" will introduce her to a new generation of gospel consumers, will it satisfy long-time fans? That depends. After the release of her last project "Brand New Day" on the now defunct Tommy Boy Gospel label, and an overhaul musically under the production guidance of Deitrick Haddon, she has now teamed a varied team of producers that include PAJAM, Cedric Thompson, Antonio Neal, Smokie Norful and Fred Jerkins. On one hand 13 tracks work well for her, but on another seem like they were better suited for some of her younger industry counterparts. If nothing else, "Walking Miracle" allows consumers to be grateful that Armstrong is still recording, and that she is able to "hang with the best-of-em'". One can only wish that she pairs up with the right team of producers and finds the right material to propel her back to the top of the recording game. PICK HITS: "Walking Miracle", "Seasons", "Wait", "Watch Me", "Til The Victory's Won", "I Just Love You"

SHEI ATKINS - THE LITA MAE SHOW
Continuing to deal with issues that affect the lives of believers and non-believers alike, Shei Atkins returns with her sophomore project The Lita Mae Show. With a similar vibe to her debut release, Shei is holdin it down with the urban contemporary delivery of hot tracks and vocals that will stand up against many of her secular counterparts. This CD is all about the message. Dealing with topics like relationships, pre-marital sex, cheatin' significant others, Shei tackles em all. The conclusion of the CD is a benediction of sorts that takes the time to point those with the various issues addressed toward a better way of life. When's the next show? Your audience loves you Lita Mae! PICK HITS: No One, One Day, I'm Going Home, He Can Fix It, He's There

DANIEL AUSTIN - ON MY MIND
out of 5
I honestly don't know what's happening on the DC gospel scene. I'm not that connected, but to my surprise, I was told about a new artist that is doing big things. Seeing that he attended my Alma Mata Suitland High School only made me more interested. With an already impressive resume in tow, Daniel Austin's debut On My Mind will only propel him to further success. Produced by DC's own Isaiah Thomas, who is becoming quite the popular guy here lately, and recorded Live in Washington, DC, On My Mind features music that I've heard before on other projects, however rendered this go around with a fresh coat of musical paint by some of the industry's finest musicians, a stellar line up of background vocalists (that includes Howard University's Gospel Choir) and of course Austin's anointed tenor lead. Lowell Pye joins in on Grace and the CD closes with three studio cuts. You definitely don't want to sleep on this one. PICK HITS: It's Time To Praise The Lord, Be Transformed, Jesus Is, You Are God, Jesus Is Real, Try Jesus, Faults