I can remember a recent time in the gospel industry where people would call an album a “classic” and it really would be just that. I’m not talking about stuff from the 70′s and 80′s…
I’m talking about contemporary gospel projects like Karen Clark-Sheard’s Finally Karen, Kim Burrell’s Everlasting Life, the God’s Property album. They remain timeless, yet contemporary bodies of work in our industry. Temporally, that wasn’t too long ago… musically, however, some of you might argue that it’s a thing of the past.
My question: is timeless gospel music still being made today? If not, WHY not? If so, who’s making it?
It would probably be easy to blame the artists or their labels for some of the less-than-potent music of the day– over-commercialism, too much compromise, not enough focus on Scripture. And all of that may be true, but what part might WE, as consumers, play in the hit-of-the-day trend toward which gospel music has been increasingly leaning? Who are we rewarding? Who are we failing to support? What matters most to us, musically and ministry-wise?
Maybe it’s that we’re too easily pleased and, at the same time, wholly insatiable. We think EVERYTHING is awesome, yet we always want something BETTER. Maybe we’re accept it all, only for it to leave us with a bitter aftertaste. And to that end, we’ve begun to look rather similar to our mainstream counterparts (I’ll table that for a separate discussion about how society has managed to annihilate quality R&B/soul music).
Just some thoughts… I dunno. What say you, folks?
Where’s the music that lasts?
You must have my house and phone tapped. Or you just might be normal too. I used to spend months and months and months with ONE project... Commissioned, Thomas Whitfield, early Yolanda Adams, Smallwood, Witness "Standard," Vanessa, Tommies... and those same albums have transitioned from LP to CD to my iTunes because they STILL minister, encourage and entertain -- all in one. Plus, these and other artists had their own sound! Today's gospel is so homogenized. It's sometimes hard to tell the difference between Martha Munizzi and Youthful Praise. In the mid/late-90's Fred Hammond & the Radical for Christ Choir and Israel Houghton's sound was so refreshing on the radio and in our churches, that even Ricky Dillard, Hezekiah Walker, the Clark Dynasty and every new artists have CCM-infused records. I'm ALL FOR artists evolving and exploring... but that stick-to-your-bones, classic-ness of yesteryear's Gospel is very rare. I rarely spend a lot of time with anything now... perhaps it's because I'm so evolved as a musician (LOL)... I doubt that. If I may say something that drives everyone crazy... I also think Kim Burrell ruined things. She's so AWESOME everybody wants to be her. Fortunately, I think the masses have grown weary of KB-clones and are looking for artists again. Maurette Brown-Clark is on the right road! She is an ARTIST. I'm excited about Ted Winn's new project... heard some songs yesterday and can't wait to see how it does. Sha Simpson is awesome... and I say that because she's talented AND saved, she's tempered in her craft and is a teacher in how she exhorts and balances. Another culprit... the writers, artists and musicians don't have the same foundations as veterans like the Winans, Jeffrey LaValley, Richard Smallwood, Hawkins, Crouch, etc. There are no hymns in the churches... what am I saying? The churches are arenas now that have traded their pianos and hymnals in for technology and light shows. Many young singers coming up have no idea what the hymns, let alone the verses in those self-same hymns that shape our theology and give us necessary foundation for not just writing and ministering, but LIVING lives of character. Whenever you think of artist and holiness, you think of CeCe Winans... is she the only upright artist in the Kingdom? I should hope not. At the end of it all, Ej, you said it right... we "reward" this stuff and complain later. I'm kinda just brainstorming, but I know I'm talking right too. Those are my 2 cents.
EJ...I agree with all the things you have mentioned, but I also want to through some more things in the pot....One of the things is marketing. Due to more independent artists promoting themselves I don't think that we get to hear some of the great music that is being put out (case in point...Calvin Nowell...Start Somewhere album...I think its a classic). So if the majority don't hear it then I guess it doesn't get heard so no "classics" are being made (just my thought). Another thought that comes to mind is....genre within genres. Ok I know this might get me a whoopin' but I'm going to say it. Within gospel we have to many genres so people tend to migrate to a genre that fits what they want without hearing some other styles of gospel that could have potential "classic" capability. For instance is you like Holy Hip Hop...you might only listen to that genre and miss Marvin Winans Alone but Not Alone ablum, needtobreathe ablum (christian rock), Hillsong..(praise & worship)...etc. Lastly I think its the singles that are promoted from the label to radio. I love the song "In the Garden" on Marvin Sapp's album but I don't think it will get Airplay on the radio because the labels are sure if it will help sell the album. Ok..I'm steppin down from soapbox...LOL. I look forward to reading the responses. EJ - Thanks for stepping out and asking these provoking questions....keep up the great work. One, Klugh
I agree with Byron also.
I think there are some classic gospel albums still being made since Kim Burrell's Everlasting Life cd (since that's the latest classic that you mentioned). I would argue Ricky Dillard's 7th episode, Darwin Hobbs' Worshipper, Kirk Franklin's The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, Israel and New Breed's Live from Another Level, Kurt Carr's Awesome Wonder, and Donald Lawrence's last 3 projects are some candidates for classics. Those were just off the top of my head. I guess I would ask what's the criteria to become a classic? A listener's perspectve is so subjective. There are plenty of well crafted, innovative gospel albums that barely got/get any recognition. Even if the classics were to come out each week, would they still be classics? I highly doubt that there will ever be enough "classics" to satisfy us. Anyways, I don't know about anybody else, but I've been rather pleased and excited about the projects that have been dropping, especially this year. I think Mali Music is one of the most innovative artists to come out in a LOOONG while.
Obviously, the term "classic" is subjective. Nothing released musically after the age of 30 wil be a classic to us. Our parents dont think any of the music in OUR lifetime is classic...and the same will go for us when we get older and have kids. The cycle will just continue. What old person thinks Kim Burrell's Everlasting Life is a classic? Or God's Property? LOL They sure think Mahalia is...and truth be told, the only reason WE think Mahalia is classic cause we were told so by our elders. LOL Its a cycle that will never end. Just think, one day the Father of Auto-Tune (T-Pain) will be a legend to someone... i digress. Also, i'm not hearing anything NEW and FRESH in Gospel...it all sounds the same to me. Writers are trying to duplicate what worked for other artists. People still using the same ole tired cliches. Everyone wants to ATTEMPT at CCM (thanks to Israel). Young singers are all sounding the same now (thanks to the one and ONLY Kim Burrell). But at the end of the day, things will remain. Another classic will come when we least expect it. To all the artists, do what you feel led to do...not what you think will get you on radio.
Unfortunately, I find myself going back to the classics much more now. Not to take anything away from the new, but I guess it is a matter of taste, age and where you are in your walk. I listen to everything because I am a musician and what I don't like, I just say it wasn't for me. I find that a lot of the new don't record with live instruments unless it is a live session and I can't stand autotune. But we have some powerful young guns out there doing the darn thing. For example, Brian Courtney Wilson is a breath of fresh air . Speaking of classics, I wish Donald, Fred, CeCe or Kirk would bring Howard Smith into the studio and record this brother. I still play his two projects, Totally Committed and Seasons Change . The writing on those projects are superb, and Scott Smith's production is so tight that it could have been recorded today. I petition that we urge the powers that be with the juice to get Howard Smith back into the studio to record a new project!
I agree completely! One only needs to listen to Fred Hammond &RFC's Pages Of Life: Chapters I and II to understand exactly what you are talking about.
Awesome topic EJ. I talk about this all the time. I don't have the time now to fully express my views on this but I do agree with alot that has been posted so far by others. I'm also mad at how people are blaming Kim Burrell for the people trying to sound like her. lol. Makes no sense. She has no control over that. You should be mad at the people imitating her. And, all the people imitating the Clarks, and all the other powerhouses we have in gospel.
I agree with many of your points Byron, however, I agree with Mylum as well. I find it difficult to lump certain artists, cds and/or entire decades into a group and say, "Here are the classics". True enough music is subjective. What you may deem as classic others may deem as trash. It's not always due to lack of musical knowledge but due to personal preference and differing tastes. The only thing I think is keeping people from making "classic" albums is the fact that so many artists are too busy following TRENDS instead of seeking GOD for direction when it comes to their ministry and their albums. Every time you turn around their is another "praise and worship" tinged album being released. That is indeed the trend. Also, EVERY artist wants to have this jazzed out flair that is so obviously KIM BURRELL. You can hardly find two singers who sound different from one another because we are now so hung up on how many times you can run in and out of the key in ONE phrase. We also have gotten away from the TRUE ministry. We are so focused on celebrity and popularity that we forget that ministry is not about the artist. If you don't believe me, walk around GMWA and you see so many artists who are full of self. Get up and minister, sit down and are full of mess and foolishness. Artists need to stop seeking notoriety and start seeking GOD. My last point is this. Some of the GREATEST music of this generation is not coming from those artists who are signed to major labels. It is coming from many independent and self-produced artists.
I wanted to add some "classics" to your list..... Fred Hammond "Spirit of David" -Churches are still singing "No Weapon", and "The Spirit of David". Israel & New Breed "Live from Another Level" -These two discs will always be a part of my music collection. This mixed so many different styles of music and worship and did it in a beautifully orchestrated concert. Tye Tribbett & GA "Stand Out" - I loved how they rocked on "So Amazing", jammed on "Still Have Joy" and still got an old school shout on.
I agree Har'Rell.We as christian artists need to get to a point of where it's all about the Kingdom and not about Me.I'm nothing without God.The "classics made back in the day came from a place of life and issues that God brought them through.If only we could sit at the feet of Jesus and seek Him on the direction of what songs to put out on an album, that's where the anointing and classics will flow from and that is from Emmanuels vein, better yet from the mouth of God. Let's be God chasers you'll and desire what God desires and that's for us to be more like Him and to truly reach those who are lost. If I could name a classic artist or group it would have to be Men Of Standard and Virtue. Their harmonies and there songs are the truth and I still listen to them to this day.
NY, I don't blame the wonderful, creative, sweet Kim Burrell. Her name is in lights in my book. It's just crazy that instead of drawing FROM, today's folk just BECOME you! If I can listen to you and start identifying "Lisa Page" "Donald Lawrence" "Vanessa Bell"... well then that's problematic. Draw FROM and then find yourself. It's a hard row to hoe to be completely original in 2009, but that's one of the official criterion for CLASSIC: UNIQUE. Another is it just has to be GOOD. Another is AUTHENTIC: I don't wanna hear the gospel version of Mary J because I like the R/B version better. And if you're the gospel version of Mary J, did you birth that out in prayer? LOL. On another note, I agree that "classic" is subjective, and perhaps generational... but there are some young people that love MY generation's classics. Now, THEY have some sense! :)
Hi EJ, plenty of great gospel reaching these shores (England) new gospel plays here are Anthony Dent-Through the pain, Sheri Jones~Moffet-Renewed,Vicki Winans-Suddenly and finally available here Pamela Bowman-Prayer,Praise & Power so it seems to be in good health over here I like to keep an open mind and judge the music on its own merit.Also plenty of gospel house music played over here with great vocalists like Ann Nesby and Kenny Bobien maybe not for folks on here but it spreads the word and maybe brings younger folk round to those classic albums. Keepin' the Faith Steve.
So many good points have already been made that I don't want to be redundant! I will say that although classic is clearly a subjective term, I think one of the criterion is such that the music is ALWAYS radio friendly, wherein not only can you go back to the CD at any time and be effected, but the marketplace agrees with you! I think many of Tonex's albums, especially Out The Box, fall into this category. Regardless of where I've traveled in the past 5 years, I haven't been to a city where "Make Me Over" or "God Has not Forgotten" weren't in the top 50 of the respective market's rotation. A major grievance is people are seemingly attempting to do what sells instead of what lasts. Although sales are admittedly a reasonable objective, they don't necessarily translate into longevity. I used to be SUCH a fan of Kurt Carr, and I hope he doesn't read this and get offended, but the recent projects (in my opinion) have been so overproduced that I can't even play them around older members of my family because there's simply too much going on! So that's my final criterion: Upon which age groups can I present a CD and all people find something enjoyable about it? It seems as if many artists are so fixed on appealing those 35 and younger (admittedly a large percentage of those who purchase projects), even if they are no way near 35, that they neglect older ears. Good music is universal. I was listening to Anita Baker live on TV One the other day, and I got texts from people all over, varying age groups and all, totally glued to the TV watching her. Now with the message of CHRIST, not self-help platitudes, behind our music, it should be even more cross-generational. PS. I think Youthful Praise's FIRST project is somewhat classic. I remember having to refrain from going to musicals for about two years following because every time I went, I was destined to hear "Awesome God." LOL That project brought ridiculous vibrato and coupled it with biblically based lyrics. It blew me away. Who uses "paraclete" in a song anymore?!?!
I agree with "me" in an earlier post, the term classic is subjective. Just think about it and look at what classics we have to compare todays songs with. There are alot of good points on here. Also, I think alot of people are getting the words "classics" and "hits" mixed up. I know a number of hits that aren't or won't be classics. When I think of classics, the word "solid" also comes to mind and standing the test of time. There's just this "thing" that I experience when I hear a gospel classic and it's not JUST a good feeling, it's more - I can't put my finger on it. Yes, I think the industry is messing things up. Should be about the kingdom and not money. Maybe it wasn't this article, but someone said something about someone singing AND being saved (good point). I thought that was a given, but I thought wrong. Maybe there is something wrong with me and yes we are ALL humans, but some people singing gospel don't even act like it, I mean some of the things some of the artist say, I wouldn't expect for someone following Christ to say, but some of them are just making music and that's all. Like I said, maybe it's just me, but I think that people just reverenced God more back then anyways; now man and money are being reveranced and it's affecting the music we have today (among other things).
There's been such an influx of artist comin on the scene within the last several years; its EVERYBODY is trying to put out a cd; the indie gospel artists are blowing up so to speak....and like someone previously mentioned, everyone is starting to sound the same.....there seems to be something missin in dome of today's music...there is no "meat" in some of this music today...choir music and even contemporary(Andrae Crouch, The Winans) had some "meat" to em....you didnt mind listening to their projects, like Byron said, over and over and over again...this new stuff, i may listen to a lil bit and may never pick back up for awhile...love some of it, but alot of it is not stickin to my "ribs"!! lolol
Great topic EJ! It's kinda packed with so much that it spin off into another one. Nevertheless, here are my thoughts........... First, I would be crazy not to add Fred's "Purpose by Design" album to the list of classic/timeless albums. There is not one track that I ever skip when listening to that joint. The ENTIRE CD is CLASSIC. There are newer artist that I can say I feel that way about: Canton Jones' "Love Jones" and Tye's 1st Live cd just to name a few. But I can honestly say it's hard at times to say that about some other new music that has come out. I think many people have already covered a lot of reasons why there is a "lack of classic/timeless" being made. My take on it comes from several different persectives. As a consumer, I tend to look for that lead single that will be that bait that draws me into believing (and buying) that an the whole album will be great. Many of times, I have been dissappointed that this was not the case. Some artist have a great lead singles that really ministers', vibes or gets me to bob my head or lift my hands, but then the rest of the album slums. Not to put any particular artist on blast or dissrespect the time and effort they put into their work, but it really sucks when you purchase a cd/download an album and I feel like I wasted my money. So much so that I add the great lead single to a playlist containing similar songs and almost never play the album again (and that is after several attempts in trying to like the album). For artists, I have noticed that they do not take the same amount of time to prepare and put out an album. This could be due to record label contracts and stipulations that demand they put out new work every so often, but it has caused the quality of work to go down. It seems like some cds are rushed and incomplete when you buy them. As if the artist was working really hard on 3 to 4 songs, then needed to complete an album and just kind of threw together the other 6 or 7 tracks. I think about most artist that prepare to release their very 1st cd. The time and energy that goes into that 1st release can take about 1 to 2 years for many artist because they want to make sure that introduction to the masses is so on point and right that they spend dedicated time to ensure this happens. To me, that same effort lacks when artist get into their 2nd ro 3rd cd. Not to mention local artists in many areas, seem like "cookie cutters" of the mainstream artist (i.e. EJ's point about everybody doing the typical praise and worship cd). There was a time that artist had their own sound. I feel like many gospel artist are duplicating CCM styles of music because it has become more trending and excepting in black/diverse churches. Honestly, I am do not purchase much CCM because the music ( in the way it's delievered) just doesn't reach me, but the lyrics are great. AT TIMES, when I have heard a gospel artist redo a song by Chris Tomlin ("How Great is Our God") it really ministers to me. But it's not for all gospel artist to do. It takes away from their uniqueness as an artist. Why is it we don't see or hear CCM artists rushing or redoing gospel songs? (That might be a topic of another disscussion). Yet, there are artist that have their own sound really are what can make their album classic and/or timeless (i.e. Micah Stampley's 1st cd or Lecrae's Rebel). What matters the most to me is different depending on the artist. Up front, I definitely expect it all to minister, but musically, in different ways. For instance, my expectation for a Donnie McClurkin cd is different than a Canton Jones cd. I expect Donnie's cd to cause me to lift my hands to honor God in that way. Where with Canton, I expect his music to make me have fun and dance in God's presence. Two different expecations, that ultimately help me reach the same goal. That's its for now, I just realized I typed a lot.
great blog EJ ME DIGS IT LOTS...LOL
I must also agree. And Finally Karen has to be ONE of the most Classic albums of all time. I think artist, and i use that term lightly,try to change with the times so much, that they lose the essence of the true gospel feel, and roots that date back to hundreds of years. Not to say that we cannot change, but we lost that timless stamp that used to be on Gospel albums because we are trying to conform. Now there are some good ones in the past 5 years. Israel & New Breed “Live from Another Level” Tye Tribbett "Stand Out" Kierra Sheard "This is Me" Marvin Sapp "Thirsty" ...and even The Clark Sisters "live one last time"
You talking about classics what about the Clark Sisters You Brought the Sunshine, I'm looking for a Miracle, Pray for the USA a lot of their songs are so relevant now. many people have tried to duplicate them because that is just pure singing.
I agree with Novella in that Brian Courtney Wilson has a sound thats fresh. However, I still think a lot of perople have differnt preferences. Who can deny that the Mary Mary CD is thr hottest thing out there right now. Even still, there are folks that don't like it. it's tough to please everyone. I'll Just Love!
Great topic. Agree with most of what has been said. I like all the new stuff, but I don't LOVE it like I did in 98 (pages of life, kirk gp, cece era). I remember listening to those albums for months. it just seems like everyone sounds the sounds the same. People use the same writers, producers etc. I love Israel and kim is my fav. vocalist, but everybody can't be them. Artists really need to step up their game. I'll be honest I use to buy 3 to 5 albums a month but I've stopped simply because I've grown weary of wasting my money for 4 good songs. that's not to say I don't buy albums. I do, but just not at the rate I use to. The last album where i really felt like I got my monies worth was the mary mary and D. Lawrence albums. BTW someone mentioned the needtobreathe album. I picked it up on a whim last week and really enjoyed it. It was the first physical album i have purchased in about 3 months. Anyways, I know that "classic" is a very subjective word, but I'm confident that some artist will answer the call and really put out something truly classic. *steps off soapbox
YOUTHFUL PRAISE: the one with the purple writing. ALL of it. RICKY DILLARD: No Limit EXCELSIOR's first 2 records
"A change, a change has come over me. He changed my life, and now I'm free." Most gospel music connoisseurs recognize that as the introduction to Walter Hawkins' song, Change. I'm sure that you will agree with me that this song is a classic, and it remains timeless because of the message that it conveys. The gospel artist of today, well some of them, are a bit confused. It is not about how well you can sing or how many runs you can do. That does not necessarily give your music life. We know you can sing or you would not have a recording contract. The question is what message are you trying to communicate. Thomas Whitfield and Richard Smallwood are masters because the songs that they have written minister to the inner man. Consider this: Richard Smallwood wrote songs like; My Everything, Total Praise, & I'll Trust. You can't say Lord I'll Trust You or tell the Lord that You're my everythang without a relationship with Him. Thomas Whitfield wrote songs like; Soon As I Get Home, Hallelujah Anyhow. Now, these songs are classics. I'm just sayin'....
I do see what the original post is contending, but I do believe that of late, there have been some candidates for "classic" status in Gospel. Some have been mentioned by others, and I know I have been moved by certain projects for months and months. I have felt the Spirit and the move of God in these CDs-- Youthful Praise's Exalted Smokie Norful's Nothing Without You Kirk Franklin's The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin Marvin Sapp's Thirsty Donald Lawrence's Finale Act I & II Donald Lawrence's The Law of Confession (definitely a classic) Ricky Dillard's 7th Episode Hezekiah Walker's 20/85 The Experience