Mia Paylor weighs-in on SMILE, the debut release from Tasha Cobbs…
Now, let’s call out the elephant in the room as it relates to independent releases. Regardless of how anointed, gifted, and sincere the artist might be, most independent projects will:
• lack the polish and clarity you hear on CDs backed by major label money and veteran producers
• have a few songs that are full of potential…falling just short of being stellar
• sound like a really good recording of a really great church service in some spots (if it’s a live recording)
But, in the case of Smile, the debut release of new artist Tasha Cobbs’, I say, “So what?! Buy it anyway!”
Here’s why…
I stumbled upon the single, “Happy,” on a day when I wasn’t feeling so happy. This simple, upbeat song with its base-heavy, churchy drive and awesome message (You make me happy/ You make me whole/You take my pain away/I’m so in love with You) turned my focus from my unhappy feelings to my capable and sufficient God! I made a mental note of Tasha’s name and pulled up Amazon.com to listen to the song clips from Smile, which was released by Tasha Cobbs Music Group on July 7th.
And, thanks to TashaCobbs.org, I also discovered that Tasha Cobbs is the Worship Pastor at dReam Center church of Atlanta, where William Murphy III and his wife, Danielle, are the Pastors. She has also performed background and lead vocalist duties for Pastor Murphy and other artists. Pastor Murphy even mentored Tasha…helping to cultivate her gifts.
After considering what I read, the impressive song clips, and the conviction by which she delivered “Happy”, I felt confident that her CD would bless me. And I was soo right!
Smile is a strong start to a long and prosperous future in music ministry. Tasha, an alto, works her range and builds each song with precision. Delivering every song with a conviction that defies her age, it’s also apparent that Tasha is a sincere worshipper and a gifted exhorter. Tasha filled Smile with moving, personally penned declarations that can help you along your journey with the Lord.
When you question what God is doing in your life, declare, “You are accountable/You are dependable/And I Trust You, Lord” with the song, “I Trust You”. And when you desire to pour your love on God, declare, “If You’re deep in the ocean/Or high on the mountain/Lord, my worship will chase You/My one desire is to never be to far away/Draw me close enough to touch You” with the song, “Heart of Worship”. Or, tell God, “Here’s my worship/Take joy in it/Make it your dwelling place/I wanna put a smile on your face” with the song that the Jonathan Nelson deemed worthy to be included on his latest project, “Smile”.
Yeah…some indie issues are present on Smile. However, none of those issues outweigh what Smile has to offer you, such as, great singing, heartfelt lyrics, and sincere worship. New artists must start somewhere. And Tasha’s start, Smile, has earned our attention and our support.
Well, I have not purchased this cd as I was iffy about giving out my cash for anything else. There have been ALOT of projects that have fallen short of my purchasing dollars and TIME. Jonathan Nelson cd sparked my interest to that song, Smile. I, too, needed something to make me smile. So after your Purchase or Pass, I will purchase anyway.
I did think she had a unique sound that wasn't your "average" female gospel singer. And I really did like "Happy". I was contemplating getting the cd but I may have to put this down on my list of cd's to grab. I was a little hesitant too because some cd's will fake you out, I kind of felt that way about the Vashawn Mitchell cd, but you said in your review the two songs that you liked and those were the two songs I liked too. I really like the fact that she has a unique sound and proves that young females can minister, write, and lead anointed P&W songs. I'm sure she will be someone that will be around for a long time.
Thanks for sharing... PURCHASE... It's definetly a hit. I will be teaching this to my praise team..
Thanks for the review! I am buy it now!
Well I am with Mia on the purchase. I bought the cd and i absolutely love it. You won't be disappointed she has some music that I think people will like such as All Day which is a song she does Williams Murphy.
Pure worship. Worth every penny.
PURCHASE! I stumbled across Tasha also and love her spirit and sound.
You should look into Shana Wilson if you love this CD. Her voice is amazing and although a young woman she praises like a woman far beyond her years.
That was an awesome review Mia!
sounds like a good cd..i will purchase this tonight...:)
She is the Lead singer on "Chasing After You" by bishop Morton
This is one of my favorite cd's this year!!!!!!! AWESOME PRAISE AND WORSHIP!!!!!! As a matter of fact I tought my P&W team 2 of her songs last night and we will be singing them soon. I have turned a lot of people on to her ministry in the last month. Best P&W cd this year HANDS DOWN!!!!
And she's also doing all those FABULOUS adlibs on Vashawn Mitchell's radio hit, "Nobody Greater"!
I like her spirit...and we cant forget how she sang "Im Chasing After You" on Bishop Paul Morton's last cd...I actually think shes more of a lower soprano rather than an alto due to her higher range...but thats just my opinion!!! hahahaahahah...theres a video of her singing "In Pursuit of Your Glory" originally led by Melinda Watts (my dear friend....lol) on Youtube! Tasha Cobbs is amazing...a true worshipper!
I had been waiting for some more reviews from you Mia!!! Where you been? I LOVE this cd! It is pure worship and her hearty chuckle continues to make me SMILE everytime i listen! Definitely purchase this one.
This is my first time ever posting a comment on here, but I had to chime in on this one! I just purchased the cd this past Sunday, I too LOVE IT! I've known of Tasha for many years and even have a copy of a project she did titled 'Season Premiere' many, many years ago. I've followed her on MySpace and FB, and it was good news to me when she released 'Smile.' I sampled it on ITunes, but waited on the purchase (old school, still like original cds for some projects). She ministered at an event I attended on Sunday, and I was able to get my copy. Yea!! It blessed me for the majority of my 2 hour drive home, and I've been listening to it throughout this week.____PURCHASE! PURCHASE! PURCHASE!
LOL! On summer break, lol...jk. I LOVE the chuckle too! So genuine...
Season Premiere, huh?! I'd probably have to live way further down south to get my hands on that, lol. Shoot! LOL... And I'm HORRIBLE with CDs. I miss the experience of cracking it open and reading the liner notes. But I don't miss putting in a CD only to hear, "You make me happy...Pee...Pee...Pee...", LOL. I don't miss that at all! Be sure to comment again!
Purchase!Her worship is so pure and heartfelt you literally close your eyes and just have an experience with God...Truely ministered to my spirit..I will be buying this first thing in the morning!So happy I stumbled upon her music.To God Be the Glory