Purchase or Pass is the new series from Mia Paylor, GospelPundit.com’s newest contributing writer (click here to read about her). Here, in her first post, she comes clean. Go on, Mia. Tell ‘em what you did…
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I have a confession to make. I never purchased or listened to the gospel CD’s released by Michelle Williams, Dave Hollister, Heather Headley… notice the trend? I admit that I normally don’t purchase projects released by those I think are “I can’t make it financially with secular music so I’ll just make money off of church folk” gospel artists. It’s not that I believe secular artists aren’t saved and don’t desire to see souls saved. I just don’t want to hear what I’m thinking was motivated by money…not ministry.
So, you know what I didn’t do when I heard that Jason Champion, former member of the R&B duo, Men at Large, released Reflections through EMI Gospel. That’s RIGHT! I didn’t buy it! My fellow R&B connoisseurs remember Men at Large or, at the very least, you remember their hit, “So Alone”. I sure do…cause that was my JAAAM!
But, while listening to Bonnerfide Radio recently, I heard Jason’s song, “Find a Reason”…and I LOVED it! Through this guitar-laced jam (with what I swear are some Prince elements from the Purple Rain era), Jason declares that in spite of what we face in life, we must always find reasons to do what God calls us to do. I found myself listening to that song over and over again until I finally told myself I needed to download it…because I was DONE fast-forwarding halfway through that 2 hour podcast just to listen to it! Then, after previewing all the tracks, I knew I had to download the whole CD. And I’m GLAD I DID!
I have not stopped listening to it. The lyrics are completely Christian and relatable. The production was handled by greats such as Warryn Campbell and Gerald Haddon. The R&B vibe is consistent throughout the entire CD. “Always” (with its millennium disco vibe) and “Friend of Mine” (with its base driven groove) keep me dancing! And, most importantly, I felt Jason’s heart in every song…which prompted me to dig up his story. I learned that God released Jason from Men at Large and, shortly thereafter, he began recording and touring with Kirk Franklin. He’s a family man with a powerful testimony and a heart for ministry. His wife, Paula, is featured singing beautifully on “For Better or For Worse”.
I’m now a changed woman! No more passing on purchasing a gospel CD simply because the artist just hopped off of the secular bandwagon seemingly because they were too broke to stay there! Instead, I’ll do a bit of research…try to get a feel for their true motive for recording the project by reading bios and interviews…listen to their song clips to see if my Spirit-man connects with them. Then, I’ll decide to purchase or pass.
So, Jason, PLEASE forgive me! Accept this heartfelt editorial as a penance for doing you sooo wrong! I withheld a blessing from myself and, most importantly, you…because you deserve every cent I paid for it.
I won’t be making this mistake again. What about you?
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Okay, so I guess I’ll confess, too. When Mia told me she was writing on Jason Champion, I was SoOooO excited because I had JUST discovered the full album, myself. I had heard tracks from it before, and I loved his voice and the music, but never listened all the way through!
IT IS INCREDIBLE. Definitely my favorite album of the past 30 days– even though it’s 2 years old.
So, I stand with Mia on this one. Do yourself a favor, if you have not already done so, BUY THIS ALBUM. At least, take a listen to see if you wanna do it. Click here to listen to snippets and to make a purchase
Tell me–
(1) Whatd’ya think of what Mia had to say? Didn’t she do a great job?!
(2) Did you Purchase or Pass on Jason Champion’s project? What are your thoughts on the album?
I'm not a fan of Jason's album, but not because he used to sing secular music...I don't hold that against people as long as they are taking the music and minstry seriously...some ppl like Woody Rock and Michele Williams seem to be just taking swipes at singing gospel...not serious at all...but others like Dave Hollister, Jason Champion, and too a lesser extent Coko from SWV are putting out some anointed stuff...I personally don't like the production on Jason's album...but he is very talented and I do like some of his songs...
Curious...what about the production didn't you like, Paul C.?
Mia, you're spot-on! Great work. And it's funny, I saw a tweet by a singer I respect that said she was listening to "Find a Reason," so I went to my iTunes to hear it.... I had bought it but hadn't added it because it was probably a bad day for me (I'm really fickle sometimes). Nevertheless, this was 2 weeks ago. And I've been listening too! Look at how God is doing this!!! : )
Too many slow songs/ballads...not enough up-tempo stuff like "Always"...I love that song...but the rest of the album seems like it just drags out...."Friend Of Mine" is a good song...I just wish that they opened up and jammed a little bit more....For example, I think the production on Dave Hollister's "Witness Protection" sparkles so much more...Just my personal opinion...
That blessing must have shook something. Just kidding. You kept my attention throughout your article, which is hard to do as I skim through most writings getting down to the meat. Campbell and Haddon did a great job with some of the production on Crystal Aikin's cd (Even Me still takes me in) and Noel Jones (Haddon only). So I'm going to trust your judgment this once. Please send me the paypal address where I can a refund request to. Okay..... Good work.
Great work Mia. I will be honest and say that I haven't listened to Jason Champion's cd...didn't feel an interest until now. Great review and it sparked interest for us to go and take another look/listen to Jason. Looking forward to your next post.
Great article. A very honest look at the purchasing practices of gospel music lovers; as I also have passed on Jason Champion but still think he's a great artist. It's not a bad reflection on his anointing or calling but more of a discerning of the needs of the listener. We tend to get caught up on the "superstar" aspect of gospel music and not the "ministry" that it should be. All gospel artists can't minister to everyone in every season of life. Keep up the good reporting. Articles like this are sorely needed as opposed to the "let's support the superstars" pieces where spiritual discernment is frowned upon. Thanks.
Some may Michelle Williams isn't a serious Gospel artist (and they may be right), but I just always like to point out that she released two Gospel albums at the HEIGHT of her career, not like others who wait till they're virtual unknowns. That is all.
I wouldnt necessarily call being Beyonce's backup singer the "height" of her career....but I get your point. lol I'm definitely gonna take a listen to Jason's album though! I passed over it as well.
Loved it Mia! I also don't like Gospel- RnB cross over music like blame it on the jesus/ its the god in me music.
Purchase or Pass? I'll say "Purchase". I would have to agree with M.I.A. on the misjudgment of the secular artist going gospel. I have been a bit of a skeptic and haven't purchased their CD's. However, I do absolutely love Jason Champion and his ministry. In due time will we all see if these secular turn gospel artist profess and stand by their music as they minister to God. I just hope it is not for the Love of Money...
Ok, I have to confess too. I finally bought it a year ago. I think I was more shallow and didn't buy it because of the cd cover *head hung in shame.* Something about it said...I don't know what it said, but it stopped me from buying it for the longest. Jason definitely had one of the best cd's to come out in a long time. Although this makes me wonder v4...I mean Mia. Did you buy Coko's first album? That was one heck of an album!
Great article, I can definitely relate... I actually do buy music from secular-turned-gospel artists. Now whether I get past the first 3 tracks or listen to the record continually is a conversation worth having at another time lol :) I didn't purchase Jason Champion's full album (for a few reasons). But I did download "Always", when it first released.
First Off I love A Honest Person so I definitely applaud Mia being added to the Gospel Pundit family/writer lineup..... 2) I was the opposite of her stance I bought everybody that was once secular turned gospel/still secular with a gospel album but the person who killed it for me was Smokey Robinson's 04 gospel album (it was the T in Trash for me smh) but Two of the Secular/Gospel Artists that have released in recent years Coko & Dave Hollister were awesome in their deliveries (Coko in both her debut & sophmore/Dave in his sophmore). Anywho I bought the Jason Champion Cd because I thought he could sing via watching him with Kirk but! found out later on he sung with Men of Large(was playing the cat & mouse game with 90s R&B so I don't know much) anyways I listen to the record and I wish I had more Hands to Give that CD 4 thumbs down and I was sooooooooooooo disappointed because I thought between the Dawkins & Dawkins & Baby Dub it would be so much better but it sounded like Smokie Norful 2nd Album (Just Thrust Out there on a Whim) but thats why you gotta pay attention and screen these albums via amazon or whatever sites that let you preview via snippets what cds gonna sound like otherwise you'll be wasting gas & snack money on "unpleasant" musical purchases.
@Joe Clean....finally someone agrees with me about the Jason Champion album...just because someone has a bad album doesn't mean they aren't talented...(I think he is) it just means that all the pieces didn't come together...And like you said it was disappointing, because of the great first single, plus he had some heavy hitters working on his project...hopefully Emi gives him another chance, because they have a tendency to drop those who don't knock it out of the park...
Here are all my replies! Thank you, thank you to everyone who takes the time to read the article! @ Paul C. & Joe Clean - Paul C., I agree that the CD could've used another sure up-tempo song. But the majority of the songs were at least rhythmic. To both of you, I think that a good executive producer would've made the CD stellar in my eyes and made a difference to your ears. ;-) Just like with Coko's first gospel CD and Karen's most recent release, I feel that the CD sounds like it was produced by several different people. The CD could've been a bit more cohesive...but it still works for me. Now about your boy, Dave Hollister...I think you should look up his NEW duet with Willie Clayton on, "We Both Grown", lol. Yup, "We Both Grown". Then, we can talk about how (whatever y'all said) his CD's were, lol! @ Celybelle - LOL...I think my exception is Karen and Kierra's duet, You Love Me. THE ECHOS...The Echos...the echos... @ DB & Denise - I considered Michelle's career to be questionable once Destiny's Child disbanded...questionable can't be the height, lol. @ mylum - LOL @ the name slip! I did buy Coko's first gospel CD...I had to. "Clap Your Hands" and "Endow Me" were WAAAY to HOT to pass up! I was more than pleased with my purchase. Again, my only beef with it was that it sounded like it was produced by 20 different people, lol. The songs were individually decent to great...but altogether, they didn't create a cohesive sound to me.
Mia, thanks so much for this review. This is what I have been searching for!!! Someone to review a CD and give me an idea of whether or not it's worth buying. I haven't purchased the CD yet, but you've definitely given me some food for thought. I think I might check this guy out. Thanks for the insight!
Great article MIA! Thanks for being 'transparent'. I also had the same struggles with supporting those 'r&b/now I wanna go gospel' singers. Thanks to you I see things differently now...so I'm gonna check him out! Thanks again! :)
Honest, and well put. You're making me want to go out and purchase the cd today just to experience it. You fit in perfectly with the gospelpundit site. I'm glad more people are able to experience those real, genuine, no holding back opinons that we have experienced for years. Luv ya!!! And I mean that was a REALLY GOOD article, I'm not just saying that!!! I was into every single word!!!! ;0)
Fantastic job MIA! I'm in agreement with Sharla on how helpful the information is. I hate wasting money on cd's that suck. And am afraid of listening to new artists at times. Keep up the great work and in keeping us informed. YOU ROCK!!!
Great Job Mia! I love your honesty. So what is your take on gospel artists who switch to singing secular music???? What's their motivation?
@ Liz - This kinda touches on my beef with the term "secular". Songs that have "Jesus" in every other phrase are NOT necessarily Christian. And songs that don't have "Jesus" in every other phrase are NOT necessarily going against Christian beliefs. So for as long as the music does not go against the teachings of Christ, I'm cool with it (and I am very SELECTIVE when it comes to listening to "secular" music...I do NOT listen to any and everything). When a gospel artist switches to "secular" music, the concern is whether or not the artist "gave up" on their calling...and whether or not the lyrics will reflect a sound walk with the Lord. I think the motivation depends on the individual. It may be money. It may be lyrical freedom...freedom to discuss love in relationships and life experiences from your Christian perspective. You really have to listen to what the artist is saying about the transition...and I think they have a responsibility to say something if they still want your support (not your permission...there's a difference).
Great insight Mia. I have the same sentiments that you have when it comes to flip flopping with music. Stick it out somewhere, but be true to who you are as an artist. Thanks for sharing.
After Reading the article I must admitt I to have passed on many cd's from artist who have come over to gospel from the R&B scene. Than I began to think who am I to be judgemental. If God can change a sinner like myself and turn me into a minister surely God can do it through music. We must be careful on what we listen to period. I must admitt my issues is with Gospel artist with secular beats to their music. That's another issue in and of itself!! Job well done Mia Pastor Edward J. Lynch
This was a very nice review. I can relate to the point about listening to artists that switch genres as well. I guess that is because it just subtracts from a geniune presentation (from my perspective). I am aware that others feel differently, but the customer has that right to choose. However, just as everyone has a right to decide on whether or not they will listen, artists also have a right to praise God whenever they want in any state they are in. I was especially proud of Coko's version of "Endow Me". *I had not even heard about a song called "For Better or Worse". I MUST check that out cause I am so tired of those R&B love songs that consistently project a negative image when it comes to love. With all my thoughts added here on the subject, I have to admit that I am still so annoyed if the artist comes out with a cd and crazy stuff is circulating on the news about them-annoyed to the point that I may not get the cd. So if they cross over in "good standing"...Ok. But if they are just openly exhibiting behaviors against Christian values, I just stop listening to them. There is a place where I have to draw the line because sometimes an artist starts to make a mockery of God-no longer presenting a true praise, but making a joke . I am not going to mention this artist here because it usually starts a huge debate. Years ago people criticized artists who did not sing with meaningful and inspiring lyrics. They would say, "Hey, she has a nice voice: Why are her lyrics so weak?". I am in that group because my level of maturity has changed. I want to see more artist like Champion. Thanks!
EJ, Mia opened an important can of worms: if we're honest we all have a bias when it comes to music. Some won't buy music by anyone who used to be R & B or who is still not "totally" gospel. Someone else won't pay attention to anything that looks "quartetish" (a word I got from Pastor Winans!). Another won't listen if there isn't a Hammond B3 in the mix. And if the artist has on a push up bra, well there's a whole crew that will pass on that as well.... I know I have my biases, too. But this is a reminder to all of us that by a eliminating an artist before we give him or her a hearing, we might be missing out on something really special....
The Bible says to "Confess your faults one to another...." (James 5:16). I confess that pertaining to this topic, I am a big ol' HYPOCRITE! Based on Mia's premise (welcome to you in your new writing gig!) about buying such music, I make very unfair choices. I'll say it this way: I RAN to buy the following gospel CDs from "secular" artists: Kelly Price and Coko two that I can think of off the top of my head. AND, if/when Fantasia does a gospel CD, I'll be all over that as well. But when Michelle Williams' CDs came out, I didn't even look her/that way. Heather Headley, either. Patti LaBelle, either. Sigh.... One easy way to solve this is to redefine these categories. Expand the "inspirational" category or something. Step up and DEFEND what "real" gospel music category should be and what kind of music should be included in the category. I do concur that it helps to have an open ear to music from those so-labeled "secular" artists. Not sure what would open my ears, though because I really don't appreciate artists pimping gospel music for greed/celebrity/repentence tour.
I actually purchased both of Dave Hollister's projects and Also Jason Champions as well. I too have been where they are singing secular and then answered to the higher calling so I sowed into their ministries and hopefully someone will one day sow into mine. I have thouroughly enjoyed them all. You should really check into Dave's second relase Witness Protection...
@ Robert - I think you should look up Dave Hollister's NEW duet with Willie Clayton on, “We Both Grown”, lol. Yup, “We Both Grown”. Once you listen and digest that, if you still want to convince me to purchase his gospel stuff, I'll be willing to listen. ;-) Is anyone perfect? Nope. But music ministers should at least TRY not to DELIBERATELY contradict the word. @ Katydid - "For Better or For Worse" would make the most PERFECT wedding recessional song! Or, it can be used for the entrance of the Bride & Groom into the reception...or the first dance (if you've got rhythm)! And that Paula hit a run on the last word in her verse that absolutely caught my attention. THAT sista can SANG! @ Tam Tam - "One easy way to solve this is to redefine these categories. Expand the “inspirational” category or something. Step up and DEFEND what “real” gospel music category should be and what kind of music should be included in the category." Yup...but based on a thought I had after reading EJ's article in Gospel Today, Gospel artists have forgotten that gospel music is a MINISTRY FIRST! So, it's hard to relay that to other folk when the inside folk don't seem to know that either! You've got some insiders who should probably be inpirational as well!
v4c said: Gospel artists have forgotten that gospel music is a MINISTRY FIRST! You know what? There's NOTHING ELSE to say behind this. Absolutely nothing. Is it really possible for gospel music to return to the real ministry that it is supposed to be? Seriously?
Great job Mia! Thank you for your candor, and letting us in on great music. Admittedly, I too passed on Jason Champion, when he first debuted. Since then, I have become a fan. However, I just won't buy a Michelle Williams CD. It has absolutely nothing to do with her secular beginnings or her genre cross-over. I just don't like her sounds. Not a huge fan of Heather Headly, and for many of the same reasons, but to a lesser extent. I'm actually a fan of many cross-over artist (someone previously mentioned Kelly Price, Coko). Far be it from me to decide who has been called to minister. But, whatever the song in your heart may be, I only ask that it be sung well. Otherwise I will have to PASS!
@ Tam Tam - Honestly, I KNOW it's possible. And the solution is pretty simple. If you are called by God to minister, then He's given you a message to send. Trust it...and release it. Even if you're not a songwriter, you should be able to communicate what's on your heart so a songwriter can write it for you...or only accept songs that fall in line with the message. Instead, we're releasing what we THINK a mass amount a folks will buy...what we THINK a bunch of folk will want to hear. We're glossing it up with fancy production to the point that we don't even realize the CD is lacking POWER! No faith is the problem. More faith is the solution. What I enjoyed most about this CD was that I could hear his heart...seriously. It was honest. And the music and production didn't overshadow the message. @ Tamarra - Thank you for reading it! No, it's not up to us to decide who has been called to minister. But it is up to us as Christians to discern what artists we should listen to. Remember, spirits will ride on a song right into your ear...but we only want the Holy Spirit! So, be careful!
First off, I must confess that I purchased Michelle Williams first gospel CD, ha, ha! Second, great job Mia! I look foward to reading future posts. l actually listened to the album and was REALLY pleasantly surprised. I wasn't expecting to like it, but I did!! Lovin' the feel good vibe on FInd A Reason, the layed back, chill feel on Friend of Mine and I could go on. Definitely a cd that I could pop in while in the car...and listen to the whole thing :0)
Interesting perspective...I can totally respect your outlook. I don't look for or really listen to "Gospel" music much, though I do have my favorites that I still hold on to. I'm a HUGE Classical/Symphony music buff and mostly listen to just it, all the time. I've often been touched by what many would consider "secular" (Lauryn Hill, India Arie, a few of Eric Bennet's new songs, etc.), music I call "uplifting", because particular songs/themes feed that idea of LOVE (agape-unfiltered, unconditional). I too am very selective with both "secular" AND "gospel/christian" music and what I play around my children. I look @, does it teach that basic theme & law of love, respect, responsibility, and kindness for God and fellow man AND does it teach love & respect to yourself and nature....
...Of course I still rock some E. Badu & Jill Scott, Mos Def, and some (take a deep breath) Rage Against the Machine. That's a bit much for some, lol, but I like the messages of truth about the world we live in, which they discuss in their music, that you typically won't hear in standard Christian & Gospel music. I try to balance it as best I can and at some point, I always pop in the best harmony/blends in the world; I go back to the basics with Take 6's first album (calm, meditative, comtemplative, good music). BTW, nice article.
P.S. There is a song by Debrah Killings called, The Message In the Music, that talks similarly about what we're discussing (well, depending on one's perspective that is). The song talks about her journey and how when she made her way back to church it was the music and it's message that stired her soul. I think that's about the size of it right there--what is the message in the music and does it speak to you. Sorry this is broken up, but since I'm not a member my comment space was limited. I'm done this time, lol.
Hey Mi, I absolutely love your article, shoot I definitely want 2 go buy his cd now just to see wat its all about, and Jason will forgive you girl u selling him records! Lol! Ya gurl Tee!
Please Listen to Witness Protection by Dave Hollister. That boy is annointed. By the way read his history (Both parents are pastors and he grew up with vocal training from the church). I am excited about God loving us and delievering us regardless of our past and showing us grace when we do not follow him. Thank you Jesus for allowing artist like Dave Hollister to help witness to people who would have never listen to gospel music before (I know some people in particular). Can we thank God for doing a new thing in his kingdom! God gives us discernment for a reason. Allow you spirit and heart to help you choose what and who you listen to. Love you all!