The industry was blessed with some really great new music in 2009– we saw some highly-anticipated debut projects, a looooong-awaited reunion project, and fresh music from some of our favorite artists.
I think I’ve heard all of it and here are my 10 favorite albums of 2009, in order:
10. Coko | The Winner In Me
Coko’s got one of those voices that just screamed CHURCH, even when her R&B group, SWV, was at the height of its popularity. The Winner In Me is her sophomore gospel project and it demonstrated a firm commitment to gospel. Even more, it demonstrated a firm commitment to Christ, lest there be any doubters. She crafted a diverse, yet cohesive, body of work that has received significant rotation from me since its release in July.
9. Tonex | Unspoken
Despite the talk and controversy that seems to follow him, Tonex’s musical gifts are 100% undeniable. He provides one of the freshest musical perspectives in gospel music, always pushing the envelope to remind us that God, as Creator, gifted His children with the same mindblowing ability to CREATE. I’m like a kid in a candy store when I listen to Unspoken. There’s more musical goodness going on than I have the auditory capacity to take in at once, which is why the project has gotten so many spins from me. And I’m far from being finished with it.
8. Melinda Watts | People Get Ready
The winner of Gospel Music Channel’s 2008 season of Gospel Dream gathered an award-winning team of producers and songwriters to assist her in crafting a fresh and exciting debut project that represented her diverse influences and musical preferences. There’s a little something for everyone on her album, so she’s been able to get major love from CCM and gospel audiences alike. She’s an up and coming gap-bridger and, with her debut project, Melinda’s carving a nice lil’ spot in the industry for herself.
7. Ted Winn | Balance
With his debut solo album, Ted Winn demonstrated his ability to handle every form of artistry in the gospel biz– he’s gone from choir, to ensemble, to duo, and has landed firmly as a solo artist. What’s more– he’s one of a few artists that I trust, musically, to respect the gospel genre while remaining relevant to the marketplace. The project is bursting with simply good music– from catchy songwriting (primarily his own) to great production and arrangements, Balance provides just that for listeners.
6. Sheri Jones-Moffett | Renewed
On her debut solo album, Sheri Jones-Moffett “renewed” the industry’s concept of her as a vocalist. We knew that she could dominate a churchy lead vocal, but we were blessed to see her jump effortlessly from soaring ballads to pop-infused tracks, even a 70′s-themed single and a New Orleans-styled praise chant. With an inspirational and encouraging message to share, Sheri knocked her debut offering out of the ballpark… and nabbed a much-deserved GRAMMY nod in the process.
5. Fred Hammond | Love Unstoppable
The pioneer of contemporary praise & worship in gospel added yet another hit album to his discography with Love Unstoppable. Perhaps most refreshing about this project is that he successfully tested the waters of other styles– even calypso and jazz– while remaining at all times “classic Fred.” This album demonstrated why we continue to look to him for musical guidance for the coming years… great things keep coming from his lab. He’s kinda unstoppable, too.
4. BeBe & CeCe Winans | Still
The world waited 15 years for gospel’s favorite sibling duo to reunite and make music together again. The wait proved worth it when BeBe & CeCe finally released a collection of music that was a great reminder of why we loved them in the first place, while remaining relevant to today’s musical climate. How many duos can, at their height, take a break, experience chart-topping and award-winning solo careers, come back together, and prove that they’ve “still” got it? Just one, I think…
3. Israel Houghton | The Power Of One
Israel ventured out on his own, sans New Breed, for his latest project. The result was a cohesive project from a musician who remained loyal to his gap-bridging musical technique while demonstrating his ability to master other styles within the gospel and Christian genres. This album affirmed Israel’s ability to make music for the universal Body of Believers, a feat that not all ministers of music are able to perform.
2. J Moss | Just James
After a year marked by a test, a shortcoming and, ultimately, a triumph, J Moss returned to the marketplace this year with a new perspective on his third major solo release, stripping away all pretense in an attempt to present himself as “just James.” The result was a collection of work that seems to have been born straight from his time with the Lord– times in which he saw his need for grace and experienced, in a fresh way, God’s redeeming power and love. We were merely blessed enough to have those experiences translated to music that could encourage us in our own journeys.
1. Donald Lawrence & Co. | The Law Of Confession, Vol. 1
In recent years, Donald Lawrence has focused a lot of his musical energy on encouraging the Body of Christ by teaching us who God is, who we are in relation to Him, and what we might expect as a result of that relationship. With his latest release, Donald challenged believers by demonstrating the power of our words, especially in view of God’s words. As if the message, alone, wasn’t enough to make a great album, he set it to music that is as diverse as it is beautiful. From instrumentation to his in-demand group of singers, Donald Lawrence is unparalleled in his ability to produce and arrange music that pays homage to the heritage of gospel music while progressing the genre for the glory of God. The musical manifestation of that ability is, hands-down, what makes The Law Of Confession, Vol. 1 my favorite album of 2009.
If I can do an honorable mention category, I’d have to point out that the following albums got a tremendous amount of play time in my car and on iTunes, too:
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise | Resting On His Promise
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. | The Big Picture
The Anointed Pace Sisters | Access Granted
Vanessa Bell Armstrong | The Experience
For your musical enjoyment, you can click an album image below to listen to snippets and/or make a purchase. You’re never too late!
What do you think of my faves?
*Fred Hammond has everyone saying "Drop it, John!" I have to agree with your selection there. I also enjoyed Melinda Watts during a visit at a Christian bookstore (really couldn't put it down). I agree with the review on Israel Houghton as well. I heard the best of so many different styles on one song and the theme was aligned perfectly.
I am surprised at your take on the Tonex cd. Sure the the guy is talented, but after his public declaration of his sinful lifestyle, and his stance that he is happy and content in that lifestyle, it's hard to fathom a believer co-signing this mess. Just because the music sounds good, don't forget this guy is living a life that the word of God says is an abomination. If it was only about musical gifts being 100% undeniable then satan would still be in heaven. The only thing that is 100% undeniable is the word of God and his promises.
I enjoyed all of the albums you mentioned, though I felt a few weren't exactly standouts to me. I appreciated the biblical relevance of Donald Lawrence's "Law of Confession Part I," the muscial mastery of Israel Houghton's "Power of One," and the versatility on Sheri Moffett-Jones' "Renewed." There were a couple projects that you didn't list that I loved, including Smokie Norful's "Live," which ushered me straight into His presence. Also, Crystal Aikin's self-titled debut album was quite a solid effort. Ted Winn's project, on the other hand, was not a stunning to me. That's not to say it was bad, there were just others that delivered more memorable songs. The same can be said for Coko's second solo outing; in my opinion the first project was the standout. Overall, it was a good list. Keep the conversation coming...
I am very shocked at the order of you cds. Youthful Praise Honorable Mention. HMM I would have to disagree on that move. James Hall & The Voices of Citadel project was released at the end of the year. I would have to put that CD somewhere in the Top 10.
No mention of Donnie McClurkin's 'We Are All One'? I thought that was a very solid CD with some good songs on it.
I havent heard all of these yet, but the majority of them would be on my top ten list, too. "Just James" was my favorite album period of all 2009 - I've listened to it just about every day since it came out :-)
I agree with LT and many others, I am sure, that will say putting Tonex on the list is just plain WRONG. Sure, Tonex is very talented, because God's call is irrevocable. Until he gets the help he needs to get those chains of homosexuality broken I would not even consider playing that or any other Tonex cd on the air. I agree with all of your others, but maybe make a top fifty list by the time everyone gives you their picks. There is a brother out of the Cincinnati area,Christopher Michael, that put out a cd called" Life,Light,Love" that is indie but it goes on my top ten..I played "Cause I Believe" all year on the air....please check it out at www.christophermichael.net. Also, Leah Smith cd "Beautifully Made"...still playing the songs "Untitled Song" and "Beautifully Made"...www.leahsmithmusic.com.....Earnest Pugh "Live-Rain On Us"....Hezekiah Walker and LFC-"Souled Out"...Kim Ruff "Ready to Live"...Brian Courtney Wilson-"Just Love"...Denise Clark-Live: Overwhelmed (used to be with Lamar Campbell and Spirit of Praise)...Kathy Taylor-"The Worship Experience"....Clarence Fountain, Sam Butler and the Boys-"Stepping Up, Stepping Out".....just to name a few. Mike "The Messenger" The Sounds Of Inspiration Bloomington, Indiana
I agree with you on Donald Lawrence's Law of Confession.I appreciate the great music out there;but I think what makes Gospel music is the Good news in the music, if not it's just another great music as is out there.I thought His album had so much depth in it..it was revelation-filled and had so much insight as well as nice vocal arrangement/production.If you can say 'homologeo' in a song,then you're good.Law of Conf. was def my fav of '09 I enjoyed J.Moss,Fred and Israel's projects. Melinda Watts...not sure about dat one Sheri and Ted...not so sure of theirs as well. I really think Donnie's CD should be in my top ten though. But I think your 10 picks were all great anyway.
I probaly would have said the same albums that you mentioned on your top faves.I think you accessed this years albums very well.I probaly would have to add Karima Kibble's album "Just Karima" to the mix because the album was on point and I believe that she is one of the greatest female vocalist of all times.
One of those cds really don't belong there. I'm not referring to Coko, Fred, Sherri, J. Moss, Ted, Melinda, BeBe, Cece, Donald, or Melinda cd either. *There is something spreading through this world and if you don't put up your defense quick, you are going to start liking men in pink who wear colorful bangs and try to sound and move like Janet Jackson too. LT and Mike are right. They used to say it was something in the water when weird stuff started happening. Now you really have to be careful cause it is something in the music. Another country just viewed their first approval of same sex marriages. (Check out cnn.com)Now who can honestly say they have listened to Tonex's cd and have not sensed that sinful mess creeping through the speakers? Come on! The artist has decorated his Myspace page with pink banners and refers to the gospel industry as a circus. Do you want your sons and daughters sharing his cd with each other. Do you want your son impersonating Janet Jackson when he leads a song in church? Think....Just Think...LT and Mike are on point.
Like the contdown. I too think that D. Lawrence album was nothing short of genius. Not sure if I tottally agree with the theology behind it, but still it was hands down the best album this year. Personally, I was a little dissapointed with ted and sheri solo albums. Maybe I need to give it a couple more spins. I didn't pick up the tonex project, but love him or hate him, at the end of the day he's still one of the badest vocalist in the game. So, I think for the most part you summed up the best this year quite well. Frankly, I felt this year was just lacking. There was alot of GOOD music, but nothing really jaw dropping. I just hope next year we get more exciting and innovative music as opposed to more crazy headlines.
Where did all the black church music go. I mean Afro-Centric choir music. The black church has let go it's heritage and now mimics the Anglo mega church. P&W, lots of unison, repeats and key changes to keep the songs alive. This style is much easier to compose. It doesn't have to really say anything, just have a strong hook. The funny thing is, the Anglo church is doing the music we used to do. If you don't know where you been, you can't get to where you are trying to go.
I probably would have earnest pugh "rain on us" and Mali Music "the 2econd coming" in my too 10, but I agree these were some of the best albums of the year.
I like your list. I especially agree with you on Donald Lawrence and Tonex. Donald's cd, to me, was heavily slept on for some reason. I was at that recording in Chicago last year and it was one of the best recordings I'd ever been to because it wasn't just a show. It was ministry and excellence at it's best and those are two qualities that I LOVE about Donald. As for Tonex, I may be the more liberal thinker on this board, but I don't think anything is wrong with him or what he did. I'm glad he finally told the truth about himself. Everyone's acting like this is so brand new when the man sat there and told Lexi that he's been this was his WHOLE life.....that includes during the Prounounced Ton-ay days and Out the Box days. Move on. Nobody knows what God is saying to him on this so let's stop judging him. His music is excellent and innovative and he definitely deserved to be on your list, lol.
I don't understand why some people take issue with Tonex's presence on the list. EJ is not saying anything about the man's personal life or ministry .....he's talking about the MUSIC ABILITY. I've never been a Tonex fan, matter of fact, I do not own any of his records. However I cannot deny the gift of music he's been blessed with. If we started to be picky about whose TALENT should or shouldn't be recognized because of their transgressions....then you might as well complain about eliminating half the artists on this list. Let's get real.
EJ, you really need to wake up. Just like others have said Tonex is living a sinful lifestyle. Do you read your Bible? Do you really think what he is doing is right? I'm very suprised you support him, I'm not saying you have to condemn him, but get real. Gospel music is a lifestyle and it has to be honored, we as Christians have to have some standards. The question is what lifestyle do you think is wrong. Take some more responsibility in your blog. If it's just about what's the latest news in the industry then your doing a good job. If it's trying to put Gospel Music in the best light and give recognition to those who deserve it, then bad job. Many people sing Gospel but don't live the life, they put on a front and we get fooled. Tonex came out so why are you still being fooled. You can't serve 2 masters. You really need to read your word. Living that lifestyle he will never be able to make it into heaven. So if God doesn't support him or will not acknowledge him, how do you acknowledge someone like Tonex if you strive to be more like Christ.
@All: Against my better judgment, I'm responding one time, and one time only, to those who would question my inclusion of Tonex on this list. Tonex continually puts out great music. It was great (and most of you ate it up) BEFORE his interview, and it's still great after it. His latest project, Unspoken, is one of my favorite albums of 2009. To those of you who believe that my "favorites" should be filtered according to your standards, my advice is easy and straightforward-- you're simply going to have to get over it.
EJ, your favorites should be filtered according to God's standards! As christians we have to guard what is entered into our mind and heart. There is no way in the world would I let my spirit man be fed by that mess. I guess we are truly living in the last time, when a gospel singer can come out of the closet, state that he is comfortable with his sinful lifestyle, and some christians still co-sign it. EJ, you said you are like a kid in a candy store when you listen to Tonex. Hmmmm. Just because it sounds pleasing, does not mean it is good for you at all. I for one shall steer clear of Tonex's "candy store".
Good grief, are we really going to turn this into another ambassador situation? If you're really that concerned with Ton3X's lifestyle, intercede on his behalf instead of publically condemning him on a public blog! Whatever he needs to be convicted of, the holy spirit will do it, not us. EJ, good for you for standing your ground.
Tonex has already condemned himself. Jesus says "There is no condemnation for those who walk in the Spirit NOT in the flesh. Jesus also says if the brother does not change to expel him out of the church. Pray that The Holy Spirit sends His messengers to agitate Tonex so much that He realizes He must repent. Pray that Tonex gets to the root of where the homosexuality first manifested....sexual and/or mental abuse,etc. But, as far as playing his cd...NO. I agree with LT....not our standards, the standards of Jesus. Jesus says do not have anything to do with the immoral brother. @Kiesha....you bring up the fact about getting rid of half of the list because of their ( I am not talking about the ones who have fallen and repented)transgressions...if you know this to be fact, that the artist actually accepts these sins as being okay, rather than rumor, please let us know.
Definitely have to say Law of Confession Vol. 1, Just James, and Sheri Jones Moffett were among my absolute favorites for 2009. Bebe and Cece, Fred Hammond and VBA probably got the second highest airplay (as determined by my car CD player). I slept on Coko for a REALLY long time, and she slowly grew on me. So I can see why she made your list. I think some of my favorite female vocalist this year would have to be the "Sunday Best" trifecta of, Crystal Aiken, Shari Addison, and Melinda Watts. I would have to put Byron Cage on my list of honorable mentions along with JJ Hairston and YP
I have to add one to the list but wanted to see if everyone heard it on the list. What Lawrence Flowers and Intercession's cd Major in Ministry Minor in Music?
Randall, thanks for the suggestion of a group that I was not aware of,Lawrence Flowers and Intercession. This group is nominated in many categories for the 2010 Rhythm Of Gospel Awards happening in Memphis,TN. in July.
EJ, your blog should be SHUT DOWN!! How dare you list music on here that I dont like? You should ONLY love what i love... point blank! Sheeesh, you bloggers always want to have your OWN opinions. SMH
I truly agree with Lt about Tonex. Ej, I think you do a good job overall on your blog, but on this subject you are truly misguided. Also you're response to people who disagree with you is pretty lame. Write something real, let the fans who support your site know if you support the lifestyle of Tonex. Jay Z and Kanye West are talented, so why don't you write about them on your blog (you might as well). You said "to those of you who believe that my “favorites” should be filtered according to your standards, my advice is easy and straightforward– you’re simply going to have to get over it." Thanks for the very thought provoking response, but it's not my standards it's God's standards. You can do what you want, but if you are being responsible with this blog then you should know Gospel music is more than just great music, it's a lifestyle. You are responding to this one time, and one time only, but I say this is a more meaningful discussion then what artist is coming out with a new release. You decided to make your views public, don't run now. The response you gave was extremely weak but I challenge you to do something more meaningful. If you are not afraid, why don't you ask some of the artists you interview would they play the latest Tonex CD and would they invite him to their church to minister to the people. Are you up for the challenge? On a little side note I respect your knowledge of the industry, but did it come across your mind that if his CD is so great and he is such a respected artist in the Gospel community why is Tonex not performing on The Stellars, Celebration of Gospel etc... I don't hear nothing of "Unspoken" played on Gospel radio. These days many artists have radio shows, why don't you ask Yolanda Adams or Dorinda Clark why don't they play this great CD.
This is one radio announcer that will not play Tonex. Reason: A youth reads a blog like this or any other blog that recommends Tonex's cd as one of the best cd's of the year. Then they find out what lifestyle he lives and figures, hey, that is okay as long as you are singing Gospel music.....the youth has been struggling with homosexuality but thinks,well it is okay because Tonex says it is okay. Jesus says that, unless Tonex repents,he or anyone else in this lifestyle, will not see the Kingdom of God. We are in this world,not of this world. The Word of Jesus cuts like a two-edged sword. Believers and followers, we must stand firm on the Word of Jesus, and not waver for any one artist or reason. Can I get a witness here!!!!
My personal favs were J. Moss and Youthful Praise. Thanks for sharing what you enjoyed this year, EJ. I pray that all are aware that NO SIN will enter heaven, ALL SIN is an abomination to God, and no sin is greater than another...sin is sin. That includes blatant unrepentant sin and concealed unrepentant sin. We like to pick and choose what issues we blast folks for but YOUR ISSUES can't enter heaven either...and the fact that we don't know what they are to call you out on them doesn't make those issues better or worse than Tonex's situation. So let's cut this self-righteous stuff, pray for each other, and spend more time getting ourselves together so that our lives can be a testimony, light, and encouragement for others instead of blowing hot air or posting hypocritical comments on blogs.
I agree with you Mike "The Messenger", hopefully EJ will take some responsibility here and answer the challenge, I feel more radio announcers feel the same way you do. What other reason would radio announcers have for not playing this great CD. The main problem with us Christians as a whole is that anytime we come up against someone or something everybody wants to say stop judging people. But I feel when you become a public figure and have a great influence over people then you leave yourself open. We as Christians should not be afraid to speak our mind and stand up for what's right. If we don't do it then who will. That does not mean you have to be holier-than-thou , but you can't sing Gospel music and live any lifestyle, you can't be a Christian and do whatever you wan't, I know that for a fact (I'm not a Bible scholar, but they teach these simple principles in Sunday School) and If Ej would take some responsibility and ask some of the artists he knows, I feel most of them would school him on this subject. Normally I never post to blogs, I just felt compelled to do it. I was just shocked to read someone supporting Tonex like this and I feel it's a shame to mention him over other great Gospel CDs (what about Byron Cage, Smokie Norful, etc..) I understand you can like whatever you want EJ, but you are very lost. It's just a list of your favorite albums, I feel some industry experts would disagree with some of them. The problem arises when you include a secular artist on a list full of Gospel Artists. Why not put Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas etc... on your list. Gospel music has made great strides, but is still a overlooked genre, do we really what to make it seem like Tonex is one of the best we have to offer. I'll say it again, making great music does not make you a Gospel artist and it's true we don't know what people do behind closed doors, but we do with Tonex because he came out, This will be my last post unless EJ steps up to the plate.
Well I can understand where EJ is coming from having stated that he enjoyed Tonex's Cd. Which I did as well. He is not approving his lifestlye the word of God isn't going to change for anyone. That also goes for any of the other artitsts that made headlines this year. I agree his gift is awesome but I do not support his lifestyle and it is not up to us to judge him. I also agree that there is a spirtual side to the music we listen to and it does effect you and influence you. You have to be careful who you listen to. Overall I sort of wonder why Kim Burrell's project didn't make it into the favorite section being that it was 8yrs since she released something. Anyway, EJ stand up for what you like because after all its what YOU like .
I know " ..." Isn't supposed to be the voice of God? Y'all have way too much time on your hands. This is EJ's personal opinion on the top 10 albums. The list isn't changing.
Stop judging people is NOT scriptual. The scripture says: Do not judge lest you be judged. This means if you are in the same sin you have no right to judge someone else. The scripture says before you take the speck out of your brothers eye, get the plank out of your own eye. Once again if you are in the same sin(the plank) you have no right to judge someone else(the speck).Judgement STARTS in the house of God. Jesus chastises the ones He loves.Jesus says, Live Holy as I am Holy. Lukewarm is useless. Can I get a witness!!
@ Mike. You are right on somethings. Now don't come chopping my throat off lol. Tonex lifestyle aside the man is gifted. This is just a matter of personal opinion and preference as it relates to music. No scriptures neeeded. Maybe Ej is just adknowledging the mans gift theres nothing wrong with that and it comes from the creator.
Again, NO SIN will enter heaven, ALL SIN is an abomination to God, and no sin is greater than another…sin is sin. That includes blatant unrepentant sin and concealed unrepentant sin. We like to pick and choose what issues we blast folks for but YOUR ISSUES can’t enter heaven either…and the fact that we don’t know what they are to call you out on them doesn’t make those issues better or worse than Tonex’s situation. I see no one has taken the challenge to respond to that. No one wants to admit that in God's eyes, our stuff makes us no better or worse than Tonex. Does that justify any of our foolishness? Absolutely not. But it should shift the focus back where it needs to be...ourselves...so we can make sure we're on the right side of the gate when Jesus comes. If anyone is that weak that seeing Tonex mentioned in this list will cause them to stumble, there's a problem...we're all smart enough to know where EJ was coming from. If you disagree for whatever reason, fine. But to say EJ is lost, misguided, etc. for his opinion?! SMH. There's a long fall to the ground off those high horses folks. Heed the examples of some of Gospels most judgmental players. Judging is not wrong but it comes at a high price. Can you afford to pay it????
@mylum, uh, it was sarcasm.
@ mic. Tonex may not be performing at the Stellars and so on, but he is Grammy nominated and his cd is going where most "gospel cds will never go" so it doesn't matter. The world doesn't know they stellars, but they know the grammys.
@Trey The world accepts the lifestyle that Tonex is in right now (pray that The Holy Spirit shakes him up so much and unblinds him so he can see the truth...by the way Tonex's mother just passed on to the next life) so being nominated for a Grammy is not a surprise. If he would have been nominated for a Stellar, that would have been not only a surprise, but also it would have been in error....@ Deon....As I said earlier in this blog, the call and talent that Jesus has given Tonex is irrevocable. Even when I was in great disobedience (I did not know Jesus or His Word at all), working as a dj in the clubs in the 70's,drinking to excess,etc. , the talent was still there,given to me by Jesus. I thank Jesus everyday for His eternal salvation, long suffering,grace,forgiveness, and mercy.
Well Mike, Tonex's cd was being accepted in the world before the interview was even released and way before his mother passed. It's a good cd and simply put, it reaches outside of the walls of the church. I'll say this one more time: all Tonex did was do what SO many other gospel artists will NEVER have the guts to do: TELL THE TRUTH. U can call it sin and whatever else, but it is what it is. No disrespect, but it's no use saying these things to u, because like most of the church, u are probably cool with things as long as it's not said or brought out to the open. So with that, I'll stop talking, lol. But real talk: happy new year and God bless and your's.
@ Trey: You say that I am probably cool with things as long as it is not said or brought out into the open....Re-read the comments I have put on this and other gospel-pundit blogs:))). Jesus says, if you do not repent( turn away,do not return...go and sin no more) your sins will find you out and be exposed. I do agree with you that some Gospel artists are not telling the truth. Jesus calls it sin,so as a follower of Jesus, I must agree. We are all sinners...that is why Jesus did what He did,shed His blood. But does this give us the right to CONTINUALLY and OPENLY sin...GOD FORBID.
I agree with some of those on the list; although I have not heard all of the CDs. Undeniably, Donald Lawrence has the best CD of the year with the Law of Confessions. As someone said, I was, too, at the live recording, and it was anointed and moving. "The Blessing Is On You." Other standouts are Smokie Norful's Live! (I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of his releases this past decade); Vanessa Bell Armstrong's Experience (I attended the live recording. Why was this so slept on?).
M.J. I agree: both Donald's and Vanessa's projects were kind of slept on in the gospel community for some reason. They'll both probably get more national and widespread attention next award season. The grammys seem to take notice of projects that the church ignores. @ Mike: no need for me to re-read anything. I said exactly what I meant to say.
@ Trey....If you do not have to re-read them then you see that I agreed with what you said. I am not cool if things are hidden and not brought out into the open ...one day Jesus will bring them out into the open. Have a Blessed in Jesus,2010.
@ Mike....not to keep going back and forth with you lol, but I need to respond one more time. I have seen your older responses in which you agree with that, but in this situation it seems like you are doing the opposite. Reason being: you wouldn't have a problem with Tonex if he had not opened his mouth. You have a problem now because he spoke. Doesn't matter that he's been gay WAAY before he ever put out an album; you and others are mad because he made it known. That's the contradiction that I see.
@Trey. I do not go by rumors, and there were plenty of them about Tonex (and others). Once it came from him, then yes, I won' tplay anything by him. I have done the same on the CCM program I dj on, The Fire Escape when Ray Boltz came out...no more Ray Boltz....because he says it is alright,also, to live a gay lifestyle and be a Christian. What say Jesus?
ugh some people are so touchy....Look im ready for the 2010 music, because as someone said.. a little lack luster this past year. New Year..NEW SOUND...
I don't agree that Donald Lawrence project was really "slept on". That's been one of the most hyped up critically acclaimed albums of the year. The single "Back II Eden" was a hit too. Now Vanessa, I haven't been hearing a whole lot about that one. So I agree there.
J Moss - Just James best CD of 2009...PERIOD!!
I would just add Kim Burrell's cd to the group..the rest were great choices, surprised Byron Cage's Invitation cd wasn't mentioned..also Melvin Crispell and Testimony's cd is bananas