JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise boldly return to the gospel scene with their fifth album, Resting On His Promise, due in stores this Tuesday, September 1st. From this 12-track project, two things are abundantly clear to me– the choir is establishing itself as the contemporary choir standard, and it’s only getting better with time.
There’s plenty to love on this album– from the great songwriting to the talented band and excellent production. What I appreciate most, however, is that JJ Hairston & YP are able to significantly contribute to the progression and development of the choral genre, while respecting the foundation upon which it is based.
It’s clear in the varied, but cohesive, styles of songs on the project. YP easily navigates the rock-infused “Hear Me Lord,” the staggering worship ballad “Awesome Wonder,” and the jazz-laced “Still Mighty, Still Strong,” with vocals from powerhouse Dorinda Clark-Cole. But they remind us that they’re more than capable of mastering the traditional “High Praise,” featuring the legendary Pastor Shirley Caesar, and the downright churchy “You Can Make It.”
Other stand-out tracks are “Great Expectation,” a timely single-worthy song of encouragement featuring Myron Butler, “Powerful God,” with jaw-dropping ad libs from YP’s own David McClure, “Lord You’re Beautiful,” with the boundless Lorraine Stancil leading the vamp, and the title track (and current single), “Resting On His Promise” featuring Bishop Eric McDaniel.
More than catchy songs, the album’s message of trusting in God is timely, encouraging and full of life. I urge readers to not regard this project as “just another choir album.” Resting On His Promise is definitely worth a listen (and probably a purchase) from any lover of gospel music.
The project is available everywhere on September 1st, but you can pre-order it NOW by clicking on the image to your right. >>>
I'm so looking forward to hearing the Dorinda song. From the picture of her singing there, it looks like she went mad!!!!! Also want to just get the album out of continuity of the other cds. I have all 4 previous ones. Still playing the Judith Christie song consistently.
Can I be honest here? I am lol I love the choir and have always love the choir, but JJ's Voice is so annoying to me. Does anyone else notice that?
Tyrone: I agree with you. Love love love Youthful Praise, but JJ's voice makes my ears bleed. LOL!!!
WOW! Thanks Renee & Tyrone! I didn't know this review was going to turn into a let's trash JJ's voice session. (Not really lol). Well one thing you both said is that you love YP, and I appreciate that.
JJ Hairston got that James Hall look goin for him on the cover....Thats a good thing though...His directing style is somewhat similar to James' as well....was a lil disappointed with their last DVD, i just knew there would be a praise break on there somewhere!! lolol looking forward to this new project btw!!!
I have followed JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise from their very first cd, and I was an instant fan. The choir's vocal prowess is exceptional, but JJ Hairston's voice sounds like he has Tourette's Syndrome. It can only be described as a vocal tic.
Wowww. The rudeness meter is a little off the charts here. Let's CONSTRUCTIVELY find ways to criticize, Amen?
Sorry EJ I still love Youthful Praise tremendously.
I apologize JJ for my strong choice of words. I wish you continued success.
Daaaaang!! HAHAHA!!! You never know whose reading these sites.
You would think we as Christians could do a little better with these comments, but some people just want something to talk about. JJ's voice sounds fine to me, but we have to criticize him like he made himself...smh, we gotta do better. Anyway, JJ & Youthful Praise always bring the house down. This is a def. album to buy. Can't wait to Sept. 1!
To JJ Harrison, and rest of people.. I did not mean to offend, I just made my honest opinion and I do believe as Christians we have the right to an opinion. I am not in any means "HATING" I pray for success for JJ and Youthful Praise!
Good afternoon everyone!! As you all may or may not know not, I was only expressing my opinion yesterday on how I feel about JJ Hairston's singing voice, just like Tyrone and Renee' did before me. If my negative opinion of his droning voice bothers any of you then so be it. But remember this, an opinion is simply an expression of someone's conviction about something (in this case JJ Hairston's awful singing voice) it does not necessarily represent the truth.
All: I'm an avid supporter of people expressing opinions, but let's do so in line with Scripture, which says that we ought to also bridle our tongues (James) because they can cause great destruction. So, our urgent need to express ourselves and keep it real must at all times fit God's GREATER calling to uplift. Clearly, as the owner of this site, I often have to grapple with my desire to speak my mind as I obey the mandate to encourage our Body. Saying that someone sounds like they have Tourette's Syndrome is disparaging against the vocalist and is wholly insensitive to people WITH Tourette's Syndrome. I'm all for expressing opinion and everyone doesn't have to love JJ Hairston's voice, but we do all need to check ourselves and determine whether our desire to be witty needs to take a backseat to edification. Thanks, all, for your continuing to weigh in.
Hey again everybody. I had no idea this would still be discussed into the next day.... To all that have an opinion whether it be positive or negative, it's cool. I respect your opinion, and you're all definitely entitled to having one. In no way will that change what I do, because I have to do what God is leading me to do. I understand that EVERYBODY will not like what you do. Fortunately there are some that don't have a negative opinion on the way I minister. But the real subject at hand is the new record that's dropping on Tuesday. For those who aren't too fond of the way I sing, I believe you will still be happy with the CD. Not only are there songs of praise, worship, and encouragement, but there are also some great guests soloists such as Dorinda Clark Cole, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Myron Butler, Lorraine Stancil, Bishop Eric McDaniels, Troy Bright (of the Kurt Carr Singers), and a few of the lead singers of YP which I'm very blessed to have ministering with me. I pray that ALL of you will support the ministry and pick up the CD on Tuesday - September 1st. Peace & Blessings JJ Hairston
I like prayzehymn online point about the cd "At one time, YP had their own unique sound. With added marketing interests, including pressures from both Light Records and Gospelflava’s Evidence Records (James Robinson is on staff with popular gospel e-zine Gospelflava and Light Records), YP constructs an album far from the thorough East Coast choir drives of Awesome God and the jumpy, sing-a-long traces of Live the Praise, the Worship. Now YP is left once again at a mid-life identity crisis; scathing to find what’s next for them. It’s obvious that turning back to the old YP sound would probably be disastrous for their career since Awesome God is so embedded in the canals of ‘90s contemporary gospel. But churning out lukewarm Hillsong-inspired, hard-to-connect compositions and a smidgen of low voltage gospel isn’t all that attractive on such a talented group. You can detect the aging signs of a youthful brand heading towards a challenging period of creative menopause" I so agree...I pray the best for their ministry
JJ Hairston: I wanted to let you know that I saw you on "Lift Every Voice" this morning with CoCo Brother. I was very impressed with your sincerity, honesty, and transparency during the interview. I always try to catch interviews, blogs, videos, etc., of different artists because I am as curious about their characters as I am about their music. I was even more impressed with the integrity and composure you displayed when responding to some of the comments that were made on this site. I desire to be in the music industry one day. I strongly believe it is much more important for the lives of artists/ministers to reflect the music they are singing about than it is to sell 20 million records. That is why God will continue to use you and Youthful Praise to bless people across the nation. Awesome God and Incredible God, Incredible Praise are the JAMS! Congratulations on your new CD and I look forward to hearing it! God Bless!
I have hesitated to say something about it, but I have to agree that JJ should try to limit his singing on these albums. I know that the Bible talks about making a joyful noise. But it also admonishes us to understand our gifting. JJ is a brilliant writer, producer, arranger, and he sings well enough to be on a track or two of a certain type. But, he doesn't need to be on every or most tracks, not when you probably have lead vocalists in the choir and/or the ability to call up other vocalists (like they've done for some tracks) to lead songs. I'm sorry, but his voice is a distraction from worship for me (and apparently others), because it's not consistent with the overall spirit of excellence exhibited everywhere else (i.e., music, lyrics, choral singing, production) on their projects. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I do think JJ should seriously consider stepping back some, like Ricky Dillard, Lamar Campbell, Donald Lawrence, O'landa Draper all did. That allowed them to bring some great vocalists forward from their choirs, and keep the thread of excellence flowing through all of their music. Again, I'm not saying that JJ should stop singing. He does well on some tracks. I'm just saying that some wisdom about when to let other people step forward could be beneficial.
I bought the project....and to be honest, I was lil disappointed. I've purchased every cd Youthful Praise project that has ever been recorded, and this latest was just ok for me. Not that it's bad, just expected more. There was a little too much call and response going on. Start feeling like every vamp had the lead say something and the choir just repeat. The songs also took a little too long to get the "good part" if that makes any sense. Favorites are "Close to You, Still Mighy Still Strong, and Lord You're Mighty." I've heard a lot of people rave about "Powerful God", but it's so much like other songs the choir has done in the past that it just ok for me. I believe there was the same kind of call and response on that song as well. With that being said, I'm of fan of the choir and I'll continue to support their ministry.
Finally geeked up about this cd, well finally a lil more geeked up. You have Trent Cory's song Awesome Wonder. I first heard this song on here at gospelpundit.com's player, then bought the cd. This dude is wailing on the song. Awesome Wonder would sweep through a place like crazy.
Good evening everyone. Well, I have waited to exhale on the release of this cd. I held my breaf with excitement because it seems that choirs are on vacation nowadays, and finally a choir has given us something. I was a tad bit disappointed. Now, Dorinda gave it up as she always does on Still Mighty, Still Strong. Awesome Wonder, well, it is a beautiful song. Powerful God and Close to You were also nice. As for the other songs, I'll just say this, the music was awesome and the choir was fantastic. However, if I am going through something in my life and I need a song with some substance that speaks of the death, burial, and the resurrection - none of these songs meet that criteria. They are just good songs to listen to while you are cleaning up the house. Gospel artists are failing their listeners because their songs are becoming too carnal. Honey, we need to hear about "The Power of the Cross." (If you don't know about it, ask Ricardo Sanchez & Israel Houghton)
Ok wait Lynn, I had made up in my mind that I wasn't going to respond to any more comments made, but the last thing you said was just offensive. "Gospel artist are failing their listeners because their songs are too carnal"??? What about the CD did you find to be carnal? What do you need more than the word of God when you're going through? All of the songs are based on scripture, and most of them quote specific scriptures in the songs. I would list them all, but I wouldn't want to bore you, but just to name a few: You Reign – Exodus 15 verse 1 – 7 Close to you – Psalm 17 verse 8 Great expectation – Jeremiah 29 verse 11 High Praise – All of the books of Psalm! Resting on his Promise – Phillipians 4 verse 19 and there are more.... I'm not sure why a few of you have decided to just pick my voice, my writing, and presentation apart in the past week. It's amazing that I used to be excited about visiting this site, but now I'm always afraid of what may be said about me specifically. And it's amazing how some of you like completely insult me and the ministry and then end of the comment with, I'm a fan and will support them. Do you consider making negative comments support? I mean what is your goal when you say negative things on a public site about a ministry you say you support? Let me say this, I appreciate you all for buying any and all projects you buy from YP. However, by continuing to criticize what we do publicly may inhibit others from supporting us. Is that what you want? I thank God that many people have told me they're being blessed by the CD and the ministry. I only ask that instead of being quick to judge and criticize, that you take the time to let the music minister to you. Peace & Blessings JJ Hairston
@JJ Hairston Everyone is going to have an opinion of your ministry. Some will love it, some won't. Some will give really great constructive criticisim, and some will be say stuff that's just straight off or wrong. You don't have to keep writing and responding to comments, cause you'll be doing that all day, and trust me, you can't win, lol. You did what God has put on your heart, so if God is pleased, don't let what people say bother you. You can't go back and forth with people though, it's a waste of time and you can't change a persons mind. Do you know how much time Mary Mary would waste if they were on here going back and forth with people who didnt agree with there actions? Never feels good to have your work criticized, but you have to be able do decipher what are the true valid critiques & what are the critiques you would categorize as whatever, lol. I don't care who you are, everybody will not like your music.....and although it stings, some critiques can be helpful. At the end of the day, don't sweat it, you sing for an audience of one. God bless!!!
Luda, I really appreciate your comments. Thanks so much. I realize that everyone will not like everything you do. I guess because I consider EJ a friend, and because this is his site, I kind of thought of all of you as either friends or supporters. Kind of like my friends on FB or twitter. LOL. So I got taken off guard when all of the criticism came out of nowhere. I also realize that it's kind of the riot effect too. Once one person starts something negative and screaming, people from all around start chiming in. You all should have a place where you can feel free to chat about music that you either like or don't like. However, please remember this: the artists you talk about are people just like you. They have feelings just like you. You mentioned Mary Mary, well I know that they were very disturbed about some of the things people have to say about them. Are they going to take the time to respond...probably not. But it doesn't make it hurt any less. I guess unless it's you being criticized, you'll never understand how it feels. Again, I appreciate all of ur support. God has been good to us. I believe he is pleased with what we do, and I pray that he continues to use us in whatever manner he sees fit. Luv yall JJ
I think the JJ criticism is ridiculous. Haters will always hate. I am a big JJ fan. I absolutely love his voice. When it comes to music you cannot please everyone. The bottom, line is JJ has a an authentic voice, that is not duplicated, and it is in a class all by itself. He is not trying be a another tenor singing falsetto. Anyone that has to say he has a bad voice, or needs to stop singing needs to have their head examined. His voice is great the group is great. The greatest thing about JJ and youthful praise is that they are in a class all by themselves. The beautiful thing about critics are that just because you criticize does not make you right. Just a critic.
Amen!
All this controversy has stirred up my interest, I can't wait to see you at the fair! Praise Jesus always!