Israel Houghton returns to the scene today with his newest album, Love God. Love People. The project has been highly publicized, primarily because it was created in London’s famed Abbey Road Studios, the birthplace of much of the Beatles’ historic music.
Produced by Houghton, with Aaron Lindsey and Tommy Sims, the magic and wonder of the recording space can definitely be heard in this musical body of work. One might criticize it, though, as it likely showcases more musicality than the average consumer can appreciate or follow. Still, while Abbey Road may not carry as much significance for the gospel community as it does for Israel personally, there’s something quite cool about knowing that this project is unlike others in our genre.
The album opens with the title track, full of funk and a banging beat, before transitioning to another stand-out, “Yahweh.” This tune is energetic and full of vocal/instrumental nuances that make you wanna listen multiple times in a row, just to ensure that you’ve heard it all. Up next, is “Love Rev,” with a fun 60′s Motown/British invasion chorus (with a bit of a doo-wop vibe) that you’d expect to have been created at Abbey Road.
Other standout tracks are “That’s Why I Love You,” a mellow, jazzy groove that makes you wanna snap your fingers and fall in love with God all over again, and “You Hold My World,” a heart-wrenchingly performed ode to God’s faithfulness (the song’s build is captivating).
Israel’s also got some solid, but understated guest performances from his industry peers– the upbeat and dance-ready “Mercies,” features Kirk Franklin. With its Earth Wind & Fire kind of vibe, it’s just screaming for a skate party. The collabo is so seamless and natural that the song could easily have fit on an album by Kirk, too. Then there’s “Surprises,” with Fred Hammond giving a vocal that is higher and lighter than we’ve come to expect from him, along with a bass-heavy vamp that showcases Hammond’s musicianship in a way that we don’t always get to hear.
Perhaps one of the most powerful songs on the entire project is the one that ends it– ”Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher).” In various sections of the song, the tune is as pure and innocent as the children’s choir singing behind it, before becoming as intricate as the background vocals supplied by a cappella wonder-group Take 6. It’s the type of song that should/will be sung at an outdoor crusade by about 40,000 people at once. At over 8 minutes in length, “Hosanna” is over-the-top grand. And rightly so– it’s a cry of praise to an over-the-top grand God.
In sum, Love God. Love People. is certainly more experimental than any other project he’s done. If Houghton’s Real album bothered fans of the praise & worship New Breed sound, this one is gonna drive them crazy. There’s hardly anything that most churches will be adding to their Sunday morning repertoires, but Israel has never claimed to be a limited to what we define as “worship music.” In my estimation, he’s always explored the more creative side of himself in a way that is uninhibited and undefined.
The masterful production and simply “good music” found on this project is reason enough for any true music lover to grab it. The fact that we can have it, and know that it’s about an infinitely creative God (who expresses His creativity in innumerable ways)… that’s a bonus. Worth a purchase.
Click here to listen and/or download it now!
The song with Fred is hot.
This is great. It's hard to pick a favorite, but "Love God Love People" is going to be an masterpiece!
CAN'T WAIT TO DOWNLOAD IT TONIGHT!!!!!! Yup, I needed to use all caps. ;-)
Nice review. Fantastic album! I can't pick a favorite from it, it's all just brilliant music.
Great write up & review! Love the record!
"You Hold My World" has been stuck in my head all day. That and "Hosanna." Great songs, though I am definitely one that misses the New Breed sound
Y'all already know it's about to be ONNNNNNN as far as I'm concerned! :D Unfortunately I have to wait until Thursday but that's alright! I heard "You Won't Let Go" this past Sunday morning on the way to early morning prayer and it took me a few seconds to recognize my favorite gospel artist and when I finally figured it out, I was SO EXCITED! I appreciate Israel's music ministry because it's STILL so refreshing than the majority of gospel that's out here today. It's good music, real music, real instruments, real voices, without the trickery or barely-singing hype person or just tired copycats. Looking forward to the new CD!
Good review. Its definitely his most experimental album. Unlike his work with New Breed you won't hear any of this stuff in your Sunday worship. Up next for Israel, another live recording with New Breed :-)......
This is my first Israel purchase and I completely am blown away by it! Yeah I'd like his previous stuff as well, but this recording is more down my alley. The message being communicated in the lyrics is clear, timely and dire! I am encouraging all to check this out - a super blessing is in store!!
I love Surprises! I've always wanted to hear a song with Israel and Fred. Israel sang in RFC and played with Fred back in the 90's and early 2000's a little, but its been awhile. If Fred's name wasn't on this cd, I would of thought it was John P. Kee. Fred's voice is a little higher than usual on this song, but he killed the bass! I look forward to more from these two!
It's a really good CD. "Love Rev" is my jam!!! I love "Surprises" I love the whole CD! EJ is sooooooo right about "Hosanna"!
I just listened to the preview tracks. Anything by Israel or Aaron Lindsay is solid. Always original and always creative. Too bad I can't say the same for most of the gospel artists today. I will be buying this for sure.
I do like yaweh the lifter. But it's not as good as his last one or the one before that. So in my opinion it's just ok. Still a huge fan of his though. If it gets alot of radio play maybe it will grow on me. We'll see
I love Israel Houston, he always brings something fresh to the table.
I havent sampled the album tho I have listened to the tracks that have been out up on youtube.... thus far Hossana is my absolute favourite......I gotta say tho that I MISS Israel and New Breed and miss Israels another level days...... I'm struggling to get into his solo material.....IDK maybe it will grow on me
I'm with you @ cj3 - the two tracks you've mentioned are the ones that do it for me on the album.......definitely miss New Breed...but I guess you make more money as a solo artist..less people to pay.....aaaaaaaaaaaaah well...
@ The Bull - Up next for Israel, another live recording with New Breed :-)...... I hope and pray sooooooooooooooo
I bought this cd on tuesday but just listen it to on today (off day) AWESOME ALBUM....OMG, great job Israel. I am still playing the last cd....lol
Just checking in real quick to say that I can't get past tracks 4 ("Others") and 5 ("You Hold My World"). And I'm ok with that! :D And I can see "You Hold My World" being sang by worship teams, esp. in churches who appreciate lots of lyrical content.
I get to hear this stuff live at Church! If you think the CD is awesome, man join us at Lakewood for worship! I love this CD and I love that it's highlighting the greatest commandments! Matthew 22:36-40 ....Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.