A couple of weeks ago, GospelPundit.com contributing writer Mia Paylor wrote her first editorial in her new series, Purchase Or Pass, regarding Jason Champion. You guys loved it so much (and so did I), that I figured we need to hear from Mia again, sooner than later.
So, without delay, here’s Mia’s… policy… on purchasing music. *giggling*
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Jesus said we should forgive 77 times. But at $10 each, I can’t afford to forgive $770 worth of disappointing CDs! Once I hit $20, you’re CUT from my “MUST BUY” list. My most common disappointment is unmet expectations…and my most recent encounter with it involves Byron Cage.
Byron Cage’s self-titled GospoCentric debut is a CLASSIC. With production headed by Kurt Carr, this CD impacted how Praise & Worship was done…PERIOD. What praise team didn’t sing “The Presence of the Lord is Here”…and beg to cut at least two modulations?! The power of God, a seamless flow from high praise to reverent worship, top-notch background vocals, and well-written, perfectly arranged…very church-friendly songs were all present on this CD. Surely, I’d get more releases like this from Byron. My expectations were sealed!
Already familiar with Isaiah Thomas’ “I Will Bless the Lord”, I didn’t rush out to buy Byron’s 2005 release, An Invitation to Worship (produced by PAJAM). After hearing “We Love You”, which sounds like Byron’s a featured guest on J. Moss’ song, I opted to pass on it altogether. Both songs were nice. I just couldn’t imagine how they fit together on the same CD.
But, I did purchase Byron’s 2007 release, Live at the Apollo (also produced by PAJAM), when I found out Kim Burrell was featured on it. It had its highlights…specifically, “Royalty”, “Anyhow” and “If You Never.” But, where did the seamless flow go? Where were the well-written, church-friendly Praise & Worship songs?
So, this time, my good friend, Cynthia Jones (make-up artist extraordinaire), had to convince me to give Bryon’s most recent release, Faithful to Believe (produced by Aaron Lindsey), a listen. She said that she shared my reservations initially, gave it a shot anyway and was pleased with the CD.
So, I downloaded it…and it’s definitely a step up from the last two releases. “I Give You Praise” is a nice Praise & Worship song. “Simply Yes” and “I Can’t Hold It” are soul-stirring choir selections. And “Lord, You are My Everything”, with Karen Clark-Sheard and Pastor Marvin Winans, is a churchy treat. But, WHERE, OH WHERE is the PLETHORA of songs that praise teams everywhere MUST learn? And why are the background vocals lacking precision?
If Byron hadn’t been marketed as “The PRINCE of Praise”, I’d be at peace with my post Byron Cage purchases. Instead, I’m longing to have my princely expectations met. If my expectations were set in error, tell me!
Artists should use the formula that catapulted their recording career while preparing to record subsequent projects. I think that would decrease the likelihood that CD-buying supporters will be disappointed with what an artist offers as it relates to their future CDs style, flow, lyrics, and overall production.
I’m willing to purchase Byron’s future projects. But, first, I have a question. What should I expect from a Byron Cage CD?! Depending on the answer, I’ll ignore my $20 cut-off limit, tweak my expectations accordingly and prepare to buy the next release.
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I hear you, Mia. I will say that I enjoy his most recent release more than his previous two… but there’s nothing like that first one on GospoCentric!
What do you folks think?
Hmmmm, I agree with you that the first Byron Cage cd with Kurt Carr production was and will always be in the "First Aid Kit for Praise & Worshippers." 2nd and 3rd cds were an attempt to break out into the newer urban praise and worship field, leaving quite a few praise teams behind. Mia, you can add a lot of artist to this list. I had Darwin Hobbs on that list until he and Sheri Jones had me talking in tongues while sitting in traffic last night. Will you be doing the review for that?
I have Byron's first CD as well and let's just say that that might be the only Byron CD I have. Also, you're better than me to give more than one chance. Thanks to Itunes and Amazon and YouTube, it's easier to preview tracks more than once to determine if I'm going to buy. So the only two I buy without question are Israel Houghton and Kim Burrell. Everybody else has to get tested and tried! LOL!
Hmm, I'm confused, I loved his cd, "Invitation to Worship". I still listen to that cd. That's a great worship cd. But of course that is just my opinion. ~JM~
Mia, I completely agree with you, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I am all for artistic growth and everything, but if your fans loved you when you came out, give them more of what made them love you to begin with. I personally have never purchased a Byron Cage CD and that has to do with my being picky and having limited finances (which tends to make me even more selective). I will automatically buy Kim Burrell (though her last project was a little too jazzy for me), Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribett projects without hearing a single note. A $20 cut off is entirely appropriate. I think I will adopt your policy, except when it comes to new artists. I won't buy just ANYTHING. I need a recommendation or something.
I just never gave it a chance, JM, lol. Stylistically (did I just make up a word?), "I Will Bless the Lord" and "We Love You" were like night and day to me. If I think a CD is stylistically confused (and not on purpose), I pass. So, I figured if I was wrong, someone would holla at me about it...like "Girrrrrrrrrl, you GOTTA go cop that hot new Byron joint", LOL...but the holla never came. I don't remember any hype about it at all, actually... What did you like about it? Maybe you'll convince me to make a purchase...then again, I am at my $20 limit, lol. But you can try! :-)
Hummm. I have to take a full listen to the cd. I do get your point. Where can praise and worship leaders go to find good soul stirring materials these days?
Ok. I just checked. I have two of Byron's CDs: "Dwell Among Us" (I think this is the Gospocentric one) and "Prince of Praise" which has the "Shabbach" medley and "Glory to Your Name" and "Thou Art a Shield for Me". I think for those other CDs, it sounds like everything is overdone: the vocals, the music. It sounds manufactured. (Sorry).
Israel Houghton! :-) or Terry MacAlmon....
Mia, I never heard anything about this cd when it first came out either. It was a while before I actually picked up the cd. I think I was cd browsing and came across it. I shared it with everyone I knew, and they loved it. I mean, songs like "I Will Bless the Lord, Majesty, Breathe, Rain on Me, Broken But I'm Healed, and Special Place are great songs. I'm suprised that , I Will Bless the Lord didn't make you go out and get the cd. That is still a great song! Now, I wasn't crazy about his latest cd, there was something 'special' missing from it. Can't quite put my finger on it, but none of the songs ever ushered me into the Presence of the LORD. I love great worship music, and I believe that Bryon Cage, Invitation to Worship is a great cd. ~JM~
I had to break out my mp3 player. On second listen, the medley that most worshippers would enjoy that would remind us of the first cd was Majesty (major WHOOSH factor), Praise the name of Jesus, Just In Case You've Forgotten (Thomas Whitfield memory) and Breathe (often done but nice on B. Cage cd). I am feeling a trip down Byron Cage Avenue today.
"Dwell Among Us" is not the Gospocentric release...what you called the "Prince of Praise" probably is (recorded live at New Birth). Hopefully, you're talking about something else cause that whole CD (with the gothic cross on the left) still ROCKS to me! :-)
Ooohhh... ok. The two CDs I listed are the ones I like, incl. Prince of Praise. The others didn't catch/hold my attention long enough to consider purchasing.
Oh, that song def rocks! I live in Baltimore...way too close to DC not to have already heard and been singing Isaiah Thomas' "I Will Bless the Lord" before Byron introduced the rest of the nation to it, lol. The MD/DC/VA area had been hip to it for a minute by then. Plus, I actually like Isaiah's simple version better. So, nope...that didn't make me go out and grab it at all. But I'll see if I can't snap up a friends copy and listen to it. If I like it, I'll buy my own copy (I pinky swear ;-) ) and give you your props on the suggestion.
Gotcha!
*high five* Now, my statement does not include concept/theme projects. They are different on purpose...and usually have less money behind it for production so you have to be a little forgiving. Kim's last CD was a concept project...maybe a bit too jazzy for some. But it was supposed to be that way. Once I got over the fact that I didn't want a concept CD from her to begin with (it's all about me, right?), I buckled, bought it, and I actually enjoy it! "What a Friend" is my personal fav from that CD. Tye's Life is CLASSIC to me...I wish it had been live. Everything afterwards has been nice...but I miss the urban flava. What can I say...
well, you're better than me because "Live at New Birth" is the ONLY one i have...and buying the others is not on my list of things to do. "Artists should use the formula that catapulted their recording career while preparing to record subsequent projects." <-----THIS!!! i don't know why people haven't figured this out yet.
Not sure. But I'm downloading it VERY soon! I can't wait to listen. I did listen to the clips. Darwin doesn't come with a bunch of head bangers...and I don't mind that about him. His slow worship material is so stellar to me that I don't usually care that I only got to do a soul clap 2 or 3 times, lol. Now, everybody can't get away with that. But Darwin gets a lifetime pass from me. ;-)
Actually, with the exception of "Live At The Apollo", I think Byron Cage has a pretty good track record...even the Apollo album wasn't awful...However, I agree that none of the projects released since the "Live at New Birth" project, have been able to reach that level...But his latest project, "Faithful To Believe", comes close....However, Byron better watch out, because after I heard Darwin Hobbs' live recording "Champion", I might start calling him the Prince of Praise! lol...
I was trying to wait till Friday (pay day, lol) but y'all gonna make me download Champion TONIGHT! LMBO. Why are y'all pressuring me like this?!?!
Hey Mia! I am really loving your style and I look forward to your influencing my future purchases!
After you listen to God Restores, you will have your own pentecost. Something is going to creep into your laptop and hit you like a mighty rushing wind. To the Lamb & He is God may make you do a baptist back bender by the end. We're not pressuring you, however, a Daniel Weatherspoon production plus awesome background vocals....it may cause you to BUY!
Byron's time has come and gone. He has ONE hit record and all others have been just ok. The Dewayne Woods, Earnest Pugh, and Ted Winn Era is here....accept it and move on folk
I am a lover of gospel music and especailly praise and worship. Must say, I am NOT feeling the Byron Cage albums since he did Full Gospel. Thank God for Kurt Carr because that is the one who gave him such a big hit in gospel but he has done nothing impressive since that. The few shows I saw him he seemed unhappy, hoarse and was unanointed. I agree with Ms. Thomas--his time has come and gone. Perhaps all he can do is Ebenezer church and mentor other singers who are up and coming.
Mia - I love your style of writing. Gal you had me in stitches of laughter. I aint a Byron Cage fan and as I live in London where CD's are £17 ie $26.35 I'm a bit more cautious as to what I'm buying . Lord knows the no of Cds neatly packed collecting dust....lol
Hello Mia!!! Once Again YOU ARE saying what I want to SAY but Some deem me rude or uncouth if I be" honest" concerning a artist(s). I own none of Byron's projects but I was bored enough to buy Faithful To Believe Dvd (more so of the fact Karen was on there singing) and as I figured disappointment was an understatement in regards to the "Prince of Praise" only thing that kept me captivated was those smoothie skittle suits he had on smh but other than that I rather stand on my head & fly backwards than spend 11.88,12.97 or whatever price the cd is from him & yet he's not the only one there are many artists that seem like once they get that sonic boom wave flowing in the church they slip on the dunce cap, record & release trash and then have the audacity to act like its a Water To Wine Session smh but anyways you're on it yet again from start to finish....KEEP SPEAKING THE TRUTH BECAUSE THE TRUTH SPEAKS VOLUMES!!!!
Mia, I think you hit the nail on the head. We all fell in love with the first CD and expected more Praise from the "Prince of Praise", but his subsequent project have been slightly disappointing. I was not hopeful for this latest project after his Sophomore CD, but it is a much better listening experience. Unfortunately, it's not quite the worship experience I was hoping for. I was expecting Byron Cage to follow in the footsteps of men of gospel like Hezekiah, or Marvin Sapp, and just stick to the program. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Yeah I agree...but I believe Byrons cd entitled "An Invitation to Worship" was good...songs like "Majesty", "Breathe" and definitely "Broken but I'm healed" really captivated me. I believe what Mia is saying is synonomous to Dorinda Clark's solo career...her 1st cd was I believe one of the best cds ever but then her second one didnt hit the spot for me at all...but as a defense for her...the latest album did recover her a little bit!!! I believe its hard because once artist do a cd that everyone likes its hard to surpass it!!!
What an admirable task- this proves that we cannot be the fanatics ( aka fans) of the person, but supporters of the music. Perhaps your the lack of support for the music caused Byron and his team to dig deeper this time around.
i love your piece. I just had this discussion with someone THIS WEEK. People are looking for praise and worship music and we dont have meaningful praise and worship music in the african american scene. We need to write more "VERTICAL" music. Music that speaks TO God and not only music that makes you feel good. We lift our hands in the sanctuary .... is a good example. Lord you are good and your mercies .... Not everyone can write songs like this, but if you are called the Prince of Praise (Though I am not sure where that title came from :)), you should be making albums like that ....
LMBO @matthew5and9! I'm gonna hold you to ALL of that!
Ouch, Teri, lol. I still have faith in him and the God who gave him the gift. I like that churchy, manly voice of his...
I love that you love it, kwartema! :-) Praise God! I do HIGHLY recommend the GospoCentric debut...that's worth $26.35.
"smoothie skittle suits", lol. You are a mess! Don't let me catch you out in the street with something crazy on...cause now I have the right to call you out! :-)
Mia, you're right on the money with this one. I loved "Prince of Praise," but, like you, I knew (and loved) the Isaiah Thomas version of "I Will Bless the Lord." He lost me on the project..."Live at the Apollo" slipped under my radar and although someone gave me his latest, I've seen him perform "Faithful" on TV more times than I've played the album all the wau through.
But you know what, Juan? I don't think an artist should even TRY to surpass it. Just do what you do! Work in your gift...your strength. Have folks arguing about which CD is the best, lol. I haven't bought a bad Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Nelson, Israel & New Breed, Cece Winans CD yet (and others...but you can't list them all). Why? Cause those artists know what their strengths are...they stick to their sound...and they always deliver. Do I like one or more CDs over others? Of course! But, all of their CDs were created around the artist's strengths. You may be able to nit pick about a few things here and there on their CDs but, for the most part, they give you nothing to complain about. You know what they offer...you get what you expect.
"your the lack of support for the music" That just sounds bad, lol. Let's call it my loving critique of the music...yeah. That's better. :-)
I think Mia nailed it. Thanks for pointing out the fact that Byron Cage covered "I Will Bless the Lord" because I had no idea. I found the Isaiah Thomas version on YouTube and I really like it.
I would suggest songs by Eddie James, Clint Brown, William McDowell and Trent Cory. There are many others, but those are the first few that I could think of right away.
Tell me how you really feel. LOL.
More funky, right?!
Mia I loved the "Invitation to Worship" cd.! Now I agree with you that the flow was all off but the background vocals and percision of everything was better. I believe that Byron is headed back in the right direction but because of the way these last couple of cd's have I haven't given the latest cd a chance. Now I might just do that. There are so many artist out there that I wouldn't give the time of day anymore. It seems as if they don't care about how they put an album together anymore. I'm my opinion an album is suppose to flow I shouldn't want to skip through your cd.
Actually, I questioned the flow on Invitation to Worship based on its first two singles and passed on purchasing it. I've never heard the CD in full. I believe artists do care (they wanna eat, lol). I just think some care too much about being relatable, hip, hot, etc. so that they CAN eat...thinking that will guarantee sales. And in the process, some forgo the very thing that made them special, unique, and relevant in the first place. They forgo the very thing that drew people to them. JMHO...
Truth is Byron Cage worked with Kurt Carr on his first project and since then has not used Kurt Carr to produce or write anything. Now if your first record was a classic, and your fanbase has been disappointed with the latter records, why not go back to working with Kurt Carr? It's comes down to $$$, egos, and etc..
Mia, I think you did a wonderful job critiquing the latest CD and you actually make me want to buy it. Keep up the great work. Sheena
Mathmatic recalculation (lol...inside joke between me, you, and Kia)...Here's a breakdown of the actual biblical equation: 70 x 7= 490 @ 10.00 each is $4,900.00 worth of dissappointing CD's. A far cry much MORE money than you originally calculated, making the dissappointment factor even worse than you thought the first time. Interestingly enough, "secular" artists do exactly what you said; they warn the public if the feel of their music has changed. They annouce it: "yeah, hey, I went a little different with this album than I did last time and hope the fans still love it...etc". People hear there is a change, then they chance the purchase with their eyes open from the beginning. Your formula is a good one, IMHO; its used already, and seems to work. Hmmm...
You are crazy, LOL...I went back and forth over the "equation". Depending on the version or study you're reading, you get the one you spoke of or 77. And with only 500 words to make a point...I went with the simple one, lol. And you are SO RIGHT about the "heads up"...
I'm not an avid music-buyer, but I did venture out and download "Faithful to Believe" for my Ipod. I haven't listened to the entire cd, because I can't stop repeating the title song! I listen to it while working out, driving, etc., it really moves me. There are a few others I've enjoyed, but I don't think the cd as a whole will be ranked as highly on my modest personal favorite list as his debut album which I still listen to on a regular basis. I hear you, Mia, on expectations and artists being faithful to the formula that got them success and faithful listeners, however I respect that artists try different things, mix it up and keep their craft fresh.
Mia, I may be musically challenged, but it seems to me you have a very good ear for music (from the technical aspects to the general feel), excellent observation and communication skills, a good feel for what listeners want from the music they purchase, etc. Rhetorical Question: Have you ever considered producing music or some work on the marketing side? It seems your talents would serve very well in "packaging" the product and advising on several aspects of a cd's production, a CD quality assurance supervisor (ok, I made that up, lol). Thanks for the good read :-D.
"Quality Assurance Supervisor" LMBO! I'd so love to be one of those! Actually, I prefer to write it...music, that is. So, I've never considered what you suggested. Not that I wouldn't if the right opportunity presented itself...especially as a CD Quality Assurance Supervisor! Love that! :-) I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I am SOOOOOOOO glad somebody said it. I was at the recording and wasn't very happy about it. I wondered what was happening with Byron. If he reads this, he should know that we are saying this because he really made his mark on praise and worship and he seemed to get away from that these last 3 cd's with the exception of Invitation to Worship with songs like Breathe, Majesty, etc... For other praise and worship, I've stuck to Martha Munizzi, Stephen Hurd, LOVING William McDowell, and Christ for the Nations or CFNI (that's another across the aisle one for you, EJ. Check it out if you haven't already. It's called GLORIOUS) Kevin LeVar and some others. Great and honest review Mia...