Default Headline

Default Text

Member Login

Lost your password?

Not a member yet? Sign Up!

VASHAWN MITCHELL

2

With two solid albums under his belt on Tyscot records and penning hits for artists like Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Bishop Paul Morton, you would think VaShawn Mitchell would be more of a house hold name. Instead, it almost feels like a new artist is emerging and receiving the recognition he finally deserves.

From what I can tell, VaShawn Mitchell’s first release on EMI Gospel, “Triumphant,” has been one of the most highly anticipated releases this summer. In stores and online outlets everywhere, the buzz of the complete release is largely in part due to the incredible hit single “Nobody Greater,” that is over taking radio formats all over the country.

So with such a big single one would expect nothing less from the entire CD.  Well it’s my pleasure to say this CD lives up to all the hype surrounding it!

The CD opens up with one of my favorite songs “Conqueror,” which sets the tone for the whole CD. It is the perfect opening track. The placement of a song really makes a difference. Following behind that is this summer’s praise and worship anthem “Nobody Greater” and another favorite of mine “Chasing After You.” This song has been recorded several times before, but I love the drive on this version. The cadence of the song really gives you the feeling you’re “chasing after” Jesus!

A song I kind of overlooked on my first couple of listens “You Reign” kind of snuck up on me.  This is the type of song where the lead vocals don’t even matter because the background vocals are so befitting.  The words are so simple, but the message is so powerful. “Lord you reign, reign forever more…the angels bow down at the thought of you. In adoration of your greatness and truth.” This is definitely a single contender in my opinion.

The CD started to have a familiar feel that worried me a bit, UNTIL the next two songs took me to a place of worship that shook me to the core! The spine tingling, “His Blood Still Works” featuring Lisa Page Brooks took the CD exactly where it needed to go…straight to church!  If you aren’t careful you might be laid out and not even know how you got there. (LOL)  And the momentum intensifies subtly as the Donald Lawrence esque song “Be Fruitful” transitions. This is the most lyrically moving and my favorite song on the project. One line sums everything up, “It’s not only your time, but your turn.” LET THAT SOAK IN A BIT!

The CD closes out on a high note with “Can’t Take My Joy Away,” “Triumphant” and yet another standout song, “Now Be Restored. There’s even a hidden track too.

As you can probably tell from this review, I love this CD. I’ve made no secret that most of the releases this summer have fallen short! VaShawn Mitchell’s “Triumphant” is a much-needed breath of fresh air amidst the mediocre pack. This project stands alone because the songs are teachable with simple lyrics, but not so simple where you felt like “you’ve been here, heard it all before.”

No CRICKETS for “Triumphant.” Go get your copy!

DEWAYNE WOODS

4

Well, my faithful followers, I haven’t written a review that had the saints giving me CRICKETS in a minute. I don’t do it on purpose to get everyone riled up, just me giving my little ole opinion.

On June 22nd DeWayne Woods released his sophomore album, (coincidentally, that was my birthday) “My Life’s Lyric.” I was reallllyyyyy hoping I would have more favorable things to say, but to my dismay…not so much.

The first single “Living On The Top” missed the mark for me all the way around and it happens to be the album opener.  The Aaron Lindsey produced track was very cliché. I felt like I had heard it all before.  I was like, “Did I hear this on a Donald Lawrence project some years ago??” I get the, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” formula. But how about “if it feels familiar, switch it up”?

Luckily, there was a bright spot early on with the second single “I Won’t Be Afraid.” This is the quintessential choir song that I believe many choirs could easily pick up and bring any atmosphere into worship.  Then it was back to me wanting to press skip again with “Still Here featuring The Murrills.” This song truly felt like an album filler to me.  I didn’t even know The Murrills were still signed to Verity!!!

The sleeper hit for me was “What Kind of Love.” By far, this was my favorite song on the CD.  The sincerity in Wood’s vocals matched with the heartfelt lyrics, was perfect! ”Always by my side, You never leave. Even when I fall, You’re there for me. I don’t always make you smile, yet still Your child. What kind of love.” Beautiful song!

The following tracks well…”Good Times”. I get what they were trying to do with that throwback 70’s sound and the falsetto.  And I have to admit it was kind of infectious, but I still have a question mark by that one. “God Can featuring PJ Morton” was so formulaic to me, it was painfully obvious. It felt like part 2 of DeWayne’s chart topper “Let Go.” It was in the same key and everything.  “Lost” I actually don’t mind.  The Caribbean feel had me tapping my foot.

There was one more track that was grouped between two tracks that I was unhappy with, which caused me to skip it too.  “It Might Be Hope” was the CCM song of the project. This track was guilty by association because of where it is on the project.  But in actuality it’s not a bad song at all. The closing song “Positive featuring Daniel Weatherspoon” has the potential to be good. I think if I heard I would like it more because I love the background vocals. But the track kind of ruined it for me.

My problem with “My Life’s Lyric” is that there was nothing new under the sun. Overall, it didn’t get me pumped to keep listening over and over with the exception of a couple of songs.  So I have to give this CD 3 1/2 CRICKETS! Basically that mans, buy at your own risk.

LEANDRIA JOHNSON WINS THE TITLE OF SEASON 3 WINNER OF SUNDAY BEST

5

Well thank goodness we don’t have to riot and storm New Orleans and BET studios, because the right decision was made when 27 year old, Orlando native LeAndria Johnson, beat out the 79 year old senior Elder Goldwire McClendon as the season 3 winner of Sunday Best.

I have to say this was probably one of the best seasons yet of Sunday Best and for the third year in a row another female powerhouse stole the title! Let’s be honest, there really wasn’t any other choice. As charismatic, loveable and anointed as Elder Goldwire is, LeAndria is just in a league of her own. And I think it’s safe to speak for myself and others when I say there is something about LeAndria where you just wanted to will her to win!

Other highlights of this episode included; Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell serenading some of this year’s top finalists as only Kim could do and last year’s dynamic 3 Latice Crawford, Jessica Reedy and winner Y’Anna Crawley, who performed alongside Donald Lawrence. According to talk on the internet fans are kind of upset that Y’Anna Crawley’s CD still isn’t out. But it’s supposed to be released sometime in July.

All in all this was a great season. Now it wasn’t without a few mishaps but nothing they can’t fix for next season. By the way, can we make the finale live PLEASE!?!!? These fake, drummed up, winner’s reactions ARE KILLING ME! CRICKETS!!!

(CD REVIEW) INDIE ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: PHASE 2 DEBUTS NEW PROJECT “NO MORE”

0

I’ve been anticipating this group’s CD for months!! I discovered them last year through MySpace and ever since then I’ve been dying to hear the completed CD! I finally got a copy sent to me and so everybody it is my pleasure to introduce you to Phase 2. And now it’s my turn to tell you what I think! How many CRICKETS will I give them?!?! LET’S GO!

Let’s start with the positives. What I love about this foursome from St. Louis is that they can SINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! No seriously I haven’t heard a blend like this from a young quartet in forever. It sounds like there are 10 of them. I know the studio works wonders, but you have to be able to give the studio something to work with. Phase 2 gets an A+ for vocal ability. And from the videos I’ve seen on YouTube they deliver the same sound live!

Out of the 14 tracks, there are 6 that caught my attention. “We Introduce God” is simply AMAZING! I haven’t heard anything quite like this song as far as the arrangement. And vocally they rip this song to shreds. Other highlights are the praise anthem “How Excellent” and the Take 6 inspired “Keep Your Lamps.” These three songs in particular standout because not just any group can get up and sing these. Dare I say, only Phase 2 could pull them off?!? I appreciate when songs are tailor made for a group! Of course others will attempt but never do it like the original~

Where I get disappointed with “No More” is the production is so up and down. One song is produced beautifully and the next three songs I’m asking myself who produced this and where was it recorded. The quality of songs and production were inconsistent. I want to hear them with some heavy hitters like Donald Lawrence, Warryn Cambell and Mark & Joey Kibble. I hope one day they get that opportunity. But a big shout out to one of the producers on this album Levi “Too” King because he’s INCREDIBLE! Listen to God’s Chosen debut “Lover Ever After” and you’ll understand!

Image wise…I want to hook them up with a killer stylist and an established photographer to elevate what they already have. They don’t look bad, I just want their look to match their talent.

So on the CRICKETS scale, I’m torn. I love this group so much, but was a little disappointed because I was expecting to love every song. So 3 CRICKETS ! 3 CRICKETS means you will probably agree with my review. There are songs you will love and others you will press the skip button on. But I definitely would suggest getting the CD. They are better than a lot of groups out now.

STANDOUT CUTS: “No More” “We Introduce God” “Without You” “How Excellent” “I Don’t Know Why”

www.phase2music.com

Check out Phase 2 playing on Da Truth Tunes!

SHARI ADDISON REWORKS LEJUENE THOMPSON’S” ONE MORE SUNNY DAY” DOES IT MEASURE UP??

0
  • News
  • February 26th

I’m discovering more and more songs are being reworked, retooled and re-released on other artists’ projects because, sad to say, a large portion of the masses never heard it the first time.

Recently I was riding in my car listening to first season’s runner up of “Sunday Best” Shari Addison’s debut CD and on came a song “One More Sunny Day.” I recognized this song from LeJuene Thompson’s debut project on EMI “Soul Inspiration.” The track was without a doubt one of the standout cuts on LeJuene’s CD and I was somewhat surprised to hear it on Shari’s CD.

As you know, I always have an opinion and something to say, so I had to weigh in on which version I like better. So let’s start with the original version first, LeJuene’s.

Right off the top, I like LeJuene’s version better. LeJuene’s raspy, gritty, churchy tone just shakes something inside of you. On this Cedric Thompson production (which happens to be LeJuene’s husband), it just grabs you and if you really sit and listen, it will give you chills! The track is relatively simple and therefore lends itself to really focus on the lead and background vocals, which they are utterly and completely SLAYING!!! By the second verse you realize LeJuene ain’t playing with this song!!! LeJuene sings the second verse with so much power and conviction you really get the feeling she’s MIGHTY grateful God gave her another sunny day.

Donald Lawrence updated this song a bit for Shari Addison and added more lush instrumentation and a fullness that wasn’t in the original version and even changed up the lyrics. While there is nothing inherently wrong with Shari’s version, I think it just comes down to a preference. I think this version is produced differently, which almost makes it a different song in my opinion. The orchestration is a bit prettier, more delicate and has more mature edge to it, compared to LeJuene’s version. And towards the end of the song where Shari let’s loose on the vamp, at some parts it sounds like she is yelling a little while LeJuene still keeps a musicality in her voice while she squalls. (LOL) How do you do that??

As I said before it just comes down to preference. Both songs still minister, I just like LeJuene’s better. Check out both ladies’ interpretations and let me know what you think!

*** Shari Addison’s version of “One More Sunny Day” is playing now on Da Truth Tunes!! Check it out!

THE STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP PT. 1

0

Well everybody I’m back from my first official Stellar Awards Weekend EVER and I must say it was worth all the build up and hoopla and it exceeded my expectations! Now that I am back in Los Angeles I can say that I’m 100% exhausted. You don’t come to the Stellars to sleep that’s for sure! But, I’m back with a renewed sense of energy and I’m ready to hit the ground running with a vengeance. There was a lot going on the whole weekend. So much so that I can’t recap EVERYTHING, but I’m going to give you some of my favorite highlights from the weekend. So let’s go…I’m going to start from my flight.

Thursday January 14th, 2009 leaving LA

Unbeknownst to me there were a couple of familiar faces on my flight starting off with Erica & Tina best known as Mary Mary, Neily Dickerson big time executive in the Gospel industry and Phil Thornton Jessica Reedy’s manager and a major power player in the entertainment business! Momma Campbell was on the flight too, but I don’t know her name so we’ll just call her the Mary’s mom! There were some other black people on the flight that I know were headed to Nashville also, but I don’t know who they were so there it is! LOL

Later on that night…Urban Soul Café Access Granted

After I met my roomie for the weekend, up and coming Gospel artist Titus Jackson (remember the name yall plus he’s an absolute fool) we dropped our stuff off at the room, hooked up with the Bonnerfide Radio crew and got some grub! THANK YOU JESUS FOR PROTEIN! (LOL)

Then we made our way to the Urban Soul Café Access Granted show. We got there really late so to be honest I don’t know who we missed. But by the looks of the flyer, 98% of the artists I had never heard of. So I was giving it CRICKETS even before I got there. (I know that wasn’t right, but I’m just being honest lol) J. Moss was on the flyer and I don’t think he performed. 21:03 entered the building via video screen because they were in London. CRICKETS to that video message they showed. I didn’t see the purpose!

The highlights of the evening for me came from Melinda Watts, Adrianne Archie and Johnny B Williams. Melinda Watts sang “Say Yes,” which is probably one my least favorite songs on the album, but I thought it went over well live! Then she sang “Purpose Driven Life.” GOOD LAWWWDD does she minister with that song! Melinda performs like a seasoned artist and every time I see her sing live she is in perfect voice! She has really become one of my favorites lately.

I had never seen Adrianne Archie perform or even heard any of her music, but she obviously has a following. She made me a believer! She definitely got the crowd up and her energy on stage was infectious. I really enjoyed her set.

And THEN some dude hit the stage by the name of Johnny B. Williams. HEAR ME WHEN I SAY he is THE TRUTH!!! He was phenomenal. It was just him, his red/burgundy guitar and flawless vocals! Think Stevie Wonder meets Jonathan Butler and that’s what he sounds like! He captivated the whole room and had everyone worshipping. It was an awesome experience! It’s imperative that I get more information on him! STAY TUNED!

An artist named Petula performed and she was cool, but I felt sorry for her because she had a table set up with a lot of CD’s and I didn’t see anybody go by her table. But Michelle Lang’s table was right beside hers and I didn’t see anyone at her table either. The crowd was giving the tables CRICKETS! I almost went over to their tables so it would look like someone was over there, (lol) but I was too tired to get up. The men of G.I. did a cool two song set too. The one with the braids…he can really sing. They need to let him do most of the leads! Oh yeah James Fortune & Fiya performed and of course everyone was just waiting to hear Zacardi Cortez rip the vocals to shreds. I don’t even know anyone else in that group. I don’t think anybody else does either? Well do you??

BMI LUNCHEON Friday January 15th

So this was the exclusive invitation only luncheon that I’ve heard in the past is usually better than the actual Stellar Awards. This year at the 2010 BMI event, Andrae Crouch and Donnie McClurkin were honored. In the back of my mind, I was like I hope I don’t get to the front to give my name and they give me CRICKETS. (lol) Thank God that didn’t happen. Before the show started everyone was mulling around doing that kissy, kissy, so happy to see you spiel. You know what I mean…the formalities! (lol)

Let me tell you what we ate before I go any further. They started us off with a salad. Then the main course came which was a roll, some type of breaded crusted chicken breast, macaroni and cheese and a vegetable. There was some type of pastry on the table too. I never ate it, but it was there. Overall the food was good. Except that macaroni and cheese that me and Karen Jackson of EMI had to doctor up because it tasted like cardboard at first! (lol) Before I move on can I say there is a spirit of hmmmm…how do I say this…HUNGRINESS more so among the men in Gospel. Some of them with their bellies hanging over their belts should practice portion control. There was someone at my table, who will remain nameless, because everyone will know who it is, wiped his plate CLEAN. And he’s somebody that probably should have left a little something on his plate. LOL ok I’m done moving on.

The afternoon started off honoring Donnie McClurkin. DeWayne Woods served as the musical director. With him were 6 of the baddest sangin women background singers and the house band that consisted of a whose who of musicians. Hosted by Byron Cage the afternoon went something like this…

  • Dorinda Clark Cole opened the show with her hit “Take it Back” which won the BMI song of the year award written by Derrick Starks.
  • Jessica Reedy performed her trademark song “God Has Smiled on Me” and she sounded amazing as usual. But what stood out the most was her stage presence. She looked relaxed, comfortable and you could see her growth as an artist.
  • After those two performances, the official honoring of Donnie McClurkin began with the background singers performing a snippet of “That’s What I Believe.”
  • Latice Crawford sang “I Call You Holy” and it just wasn’t good. It sounded like she was yelling through the whole song and I don’t think it went over well with the crowd either. Basically she got CRICKETS!
  • Micah Stampley performed “Speak to My Heart” and woke the audience up!
  • Before Marvin L. Winans even sang a note everyone was on their feet. He sang “Stand” and brought the house down. He also brought his brother Bebe up to bring it on home!
  • Yolanda Adams performed the classic sinner’s redemption song “We Fall Down.”

All in all I felt Donnie McClurkin’s tribute was nice. But as me and some my friends were talking about everything over brunch on Sunday, a few of us felt that the tribute wasn’t personal enough. Meaning, the organizers of the event could have done a better job personalizing the performances with artists that were close friends or even family members of Donnie. (i.e. The McClurkins) It didn’t take away from anything, but it was just a side note.

After Donnie’s tribute concluded they went right into the legend Andrae Crouch hosted by Yolanda Adams.

  • The incredible, incomparable Donald Lawrence did a short medley of some of Andrae’s timeless classics. Donald relieved Blanche McAllister-Dykes of her background duties for a brief moment and brought her to the front to sing “Right Now” from my favorite Andrae Crouch album “No Time to Lose.” Then closed it out with “Quiet Times” and “Soon and Very Soon.”

  • The distinctive voice of Tata Vega set the atmosphere on fire when she sang “Speak Lord” from the movie “The Color Purple” and “Oh it is Jesus.” After she took the stage, the whole place changed into a straight up church service! That’s when Yolanda Adams WENT IN! She started jumping and shouting so hard I was afraid she was going to jump a hole through the stage and fall through. (lol) But hey when the spirit moves!

  • Give BeBe & CeCe a classic and they will light the place on fire and that’s exactly what they did with “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”

  • Our favorite sisters Mary Mary performed “We Are Not Ashamed.” Can I just say that lately every time Erica opens her mouth she sounds INCREDIBLE! Not that she didn’t sound good before, but her vocals have been on another level lately! Maybe it’s the baby. If that’s what it is…Erica can you stay pregnant please?!!? (LOL)
  • After Marvin Winans shared more than a brief history (lol) of The Winans and Andrae Crouch he finally started singing the classic “Jesus is Lord” and brought the singer of all singers Karen Clark Sheard up on stage. She wrecked the place with her runs in less than a minute!
  • Mr. Crouch closed out the evening with a touching speech and briefly mentioned the many health problems he had been dealing with recently. He started telling a story about a hole in his toe. While it was moving testimony, I was so happy that I had stopped eating because it got a little graphic for me and I felt a little of my food come up in my throat! (LOL, LOL)
  • At the very end Marvin Winans brought up all the SINGERS in the house (Vanessa Bell Armstrong, J. Moss, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe & CeCe, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, etc.) for an impromptu Andrae Crouch medley.

I think Andrae’s portion was a little better than Donnie’s, but overall it was an absolutely great event. If you weren’t in the building, I hope this recap makes you feel like you were there or at least in the lobby peeking in trying to see what was going on! J I was truly honored to be there. God is so good!

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THE DAGOSPELTRUTH STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP!

BET’S CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL…WERE YOU THINKING THIS TOO??

0
  1. Does Shirley Ceaser have a time machine that stops her from aging!?!?! Doesn’t she still look the same from when C.O.G. first aired!?!?
  2. Didn’t those cones on Y’Anna Crawley’s dress look like the cones Madonna used to wear?? You know you were thinking it! (lol)
  3. Ok, YES, we ALL know CeCe is beautiful…but wasn’t Bebe & CeCe’s performance just a little…hmmm…how do I say this…a tad boring?!?
  4. Weren’t you wondering who gave Bobby Jones that idea for that bubble wrap homeless costume!? Whoever it was should be…FIRED!!
  5. After seeing the tribute for Steve Harvey, weren’t you ESCTATIC that he let that flattop/box go and went with the bald look!?!?
  6. Didn’t you wonder how much celebrity journalist Jawn Murray paid the camera man to get him in every shot?!?! (lol)
  7. Donald Lawrence’s suit on the red carpet was Gucci from head to toe! It was hot! But that suit he performed in…hmmm…but he’s the Donald, so I guess he can do that!
  8. The more you see Fred Hammond perform songs from this new album “Love Unstoppable” don’t you start to like the CD even more?!?!
  9. If they ask Yolanda Adams to sing “Victory” on one more show don’t you think she should put her foot down and say NO! Cuz I sure do!!
  10. Didn’t you think James Fortune’s white tuxedo jacket and black pants was a little boring?!?! Come on James you had an incredible year in ’09 with a mega chart topping song…now let’s get a stylist.

HITS & MISSES OF ‘09…DONALD LAWRENCE, CHRISTOPHER PAGE, KIERRA SHEARD, BEBE & CECE, BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON & MORE!!

0
  • News
  • December 21st

Every year a new crop of music is released to the masses and some shoot for the stars and actually surpass expectations. Then there are some that never make it pass the clouds! I try to have a positive outlook on everything, but as we all know you’re not going to love everything and everything isn’t going to be a hit. So here’s a look back at my hits and misses for 2009!

HITS OF ‘09

  1. Coko went churchy on her sophomore release “The Winner in Me.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first because it was drastically different from “Grateful.” But, I LOVE IT! Truthfully she can do no wrong in my eyes!
  2. Donald Lawrence penned a song called “There is a King in You” from“Law of Confessions Pt. 1.” He didn’t need to do another thing this whole year, in my opinion, after that song!
  3. Christopher Page invented the first line dance for the saints called “The Sanctified Slide.” I thought it was corny at first, but now I have an appreciation for what he created and he’s still riding high as we go into 2010! I can admit to being wrong! (lol)
  4. I had to put them together because they both did an excellent job. Sheri Jones Moffett switched up the game with her Motown 70’s throwback track “Renewed.” And Ted…well just go get “Balance.” You’ll be glad you did!
  5. Brian Courtney Wilson brought grown & sexy spiritual music back into the church with his debut “Just Love.” See him live and you’ll get what I’m talking about! I like what he does and how he does it. I will be looking to see more from him in 2010. Big congrats to Stan Jones for providing the hits!!

MISSES OF ‘09

  1. Tarralyn Ramsey releases her long awaited third CD “Beyond the Darkness.” I SOOO wish her the best because I think she is super talented, but this album…not so much!
  2. Donnie McClurkin “We Are One Live in Detroit” kind of missed the mark for me. I think they thought just because Karen Clark Sheard was on the first single that would make everything copasetic. Even the packaging of this CD looks like his previous releases. All his CD’s are starting to blur together to me. I respect Donnie for his ministry and his music, so I’ll kind of give him a pass on this one, since it wasn’t ALL bad.
  3. Although Phillip Carter & SOV have been nominated for a slew of Stellar Awards…that means nothing! Sorry, but this CD was not up to par. From a professional standpoint I recommend some overdubs.
  4. We waited 9 YEARS for Kim Burrell to release “No Ways Tired.” I love Kim like EVERYONE else, but after 9 YEARS I wanted something a little more! I just feel it in my bones that she is going to give all of us a follow up to “Everlasting Life!”
  5. Kierra Sheard released “Kiki’s Mixtape” that basically had NOTHING new on it!?!? Ummm, I kind of felt there was some trickery going on to make us think it was going to be something new. Nonetheless, I love her the same…but she still gets a MISS from me!
  6. I know I’m going to get a few crazy looks for this one. But, the new Bebe & Cece album “Still” did not do it for me. I was ecstatic, even a little anxious, since the lead single “Close to You” had me groovin!! But, I was disappointed to say the least. Bebe stated he wrote “Close to You” 12 years ago. My assumptions were dead on, expecting the whole album to pick up right where they left off. They picked up all right, but it was TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT. Now I don’t feel so bad about the initial review I gave them. I still love them though…I mean it’s Bebe & Cece! I grew up on them!

For more articles on ‘09 recap go to

Biggest Breakouts of ‘09 www.dagospeltruth.com/?p=1557

CHRISTMAS ALBUMS…WERE YOU THINKING THIS TOO??

1
  1. Didn’t Sounds of Blackness’ song “Soul Holiday” become the Black holiday anthem?? LOVE IT!
  2. “The Real Meaning of Christmas” on Benson Records is a classic now!! Do you have it?!?! Angelo & Veronica, Commissioned, Kim Rutherford, Fred Hammond, etc.  I NEED TO HEAR IT NOW!
  3. Didn’t Tarralyn Ramsey put her foot, arm and head into “O Holy Night”?!!? And she was only 14 or 15!!
  4. Thank God Brian McKnight recorded a second Christmas album because that first one…CRICKETS!
  5. Isn’t it time for Kirk Franklin to give us a new Christmas CD?!?!
  6. Some of the arrangements on Destiny’s Child’s “8 Days of Christmas” were VERY different. But why is it one of my favorites now?!! They always get me!
  7. Donald Lawrence’s “I Can Hear the Angels” is one of my all time favorite original Christmas songs!! The groove is out of this world!!
  8. Why hasn’t Brandy recorded a Christmas album yet?!?!? Come on B-Rocka!
  9. Hearing “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” by Tevin Campbell makes you realize that he really did his thing back in the day!! Hmmm…where is he now, is the question??!?
  10. Don’t you think some artists shouldn’t even try to record Christmas albums!?!? You can fill in the blank yourself. (lol) I’m not trying to get myself into anymore trouble until next year!!

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?? DA GOSPEL TRUTH READER REVIEWS BYRON CAGE’S NEW RELEASE “FAITHFUL TO BELIEVE”

0

Sometimes I feel the “media” or “music critics” are scrutinized a little harsher because our opinions are out there for all of the public to read, which is part of the job! I’m not trying to run from that at all. But I also think it is very important for artists to hear directly from the people who are purchasing their music and get their honest viewpoint. If I were an artist I would want to know if the majority of people who bought my album felt they got their money’s worth. So instead of me doing this review, I reached out to one of my readers, Brian Sings. (yeah I’m going to research that last name lol) I asked him if he’d be interested in doing this review since I knew he had purchased this CD. He obliged and this is what he had to say about Byron’s latest offering.

BRIAN SINGS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

  • 27 years of age from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area (born & raised)
  • Favorite types of music: Gospel, Neo-Soul, Alternative, etc. (im kinda an eclectic soul, but it MUST be of substance)
  • I play the alto sax, drums & play the keyboards a little by ear, but my main focus has been my vocal (both lead & background vocals)
  • Raised Baptist, but now I am in that good ole’ Church of God in Christ & have been for the past 5 years
  • I am a director of our Youth & Young Adult Choir as well as an active member on the Praise & Worship Team

Given the history of Byron Cage, I expect nothing but greatness from him. I mean, he has been involved in a lot from a behind the scenes standpoint from directing the choir on numerous projects for Dottie Peoples, New Birth in Atlanta and his home church of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD to breaking out with his own material. The new CD from Byron Cage “Faithful To Believe” is a well put together effort to spread the Gospel across the nations. With Stellar Award winner DeWayne Woods assisting as musical director, I had high expectations prior to listening to this CD, especially knowing that Woods is from Donald Lawrence’s camp.

Some components definitely stick out more than others in comparison to Cage’s previous CD’s. The sound of the background vocals are totally different in some places, a bit pitchy in parts and not blended well in my opinion. Musically, I was left a little confused with the direction and the arrangements on certain tracks. But there were some tracks that caught my attention like “In The Midst” featuring Tye Tribbett. I mean who wouldn’t know Tye from his distinctive high pitch screams and infectious energy. The song, “I Can’t Hold It” took me to church with the hand clapping and foot stomping. However, the song that stood out the most is, “You’re My Everything”, featuring Pastor Marvin Winans & Karen Clark-Sheard. You have two musical giants that lent their unique style and sound to this track. Pastor Marvin Winans is smooth with his delivery, yet you still hear the sincerity in his voice, while Karen sings with her signature “Clark” growl and riffs. All in all I say this CD is okay, but not Byron’s best.

Aside from the tracks previously mentioned, the majority of the content seems a bit underwhelming.

http://www.myspace.com/byroncagemusic