Israel Houghton is putting the finishing touches on his latest solo album, The Power of One, which will be released on March 24, 2009 on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. The album features co-writing from long-time writing pals Aaron Lindsey and Tommy Sims, and guest performances from Mary Mary (on the powerful ballad “Every Prayer”) and tobyMac (on the rock track “You Found Me”), among others.
This album represents a return to the studio for Israel, as he hasn’t released a full studio album in a while– maybe Real, released in 2002, which STILL gets heavy rotation on my playlist. And even though it’s a solo album, we’ll probably still get a little bit of that “New Breed feel” on some tracks.
The multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award winner says that the theme of his upcoming album is in line with the message of much of his later music– “social and global concerns, focusing on identity and the purpose of God in everyone’s life.”
Now, I’ve spoken with several people who felt that Israel’s music was becoming somewhat formulaic– still great music, mind you, but predictable. And I could see that point. But I’m actually really excited to hear this album!
This is the first time that I’ve heard his musical objective articulated so well. He’s linking the connection between worship and justice– and that’s desperately needed in this industry. We all love a song that inspires worship about what God has done for us. But how many artists write music to praise God for breaking the chains of child prostitution or slavery for a stranger in a third-world country?
Anyway (*stepping down from soapbox*), look for the album. It sounds promising and I really think it’s gonna deliver.
You said and I quote "for Israel, as he hasn’t released a full studio album in a while– maybe Real, released in 2002, which STILL gets heavy rotation on my playlist." Just a small correction, Israel did release a studio album after 2002...It was in September of 2006, entitled "A Timeless Christmas" which features 13 tunes and collabs w artists such as...Luther "Mano" Hanes, Marvin Winans, Matthew Ward, CeCe Winans, LeAnne Palmore and Jonathan Butler.
:shock: Wow. You're right. Thank you for that correction, Tobiustobi1! I don't typically think about specialty CDs (probably cuz labels don't normally count 'em towards an artist's contractual obligation), but you're absolutely right. I think I'ma need you to visit DAILY to make sure I'm on my toes. ;-) Thanks again.
I agree with you on this one. I'm a big Israel & New Breed fan. And I can't wait to hear the new joint "The Power Of One"! On a side note...that "Timeless Christmas" project by Israel & New Breed is one of the most slept on Christmas cd's that I know of. Israel, Mano Hanes, & New Breed made a great classic Christmas project that everyone must have in their cd collection!
Israel's new record is over the top... the perfect mix of accessible congregational expressions, innovative genre-defying joints and edgy musical experiments that nobody else but Israel would attempt but that everyone can get into. Next level, indeed. Cool blog EJ.