Kirk Franklin, one of the most innovative and gifted trendsetters to ever enter gospel music, returns to the marketplace with his latest offering, Hello Fear. It’s theme? A bold, in-your-face, musical expression of stepping to our fears and, in essence, saying “so what?!”
The album opens with the beautiful title track, “Hello Fear.” Though love-song in its acoustic sound and style, its lyrics are that of an unwavering breakup letter to FEAR– “never again will I love you; my heart, it refuses to be your home; no longer your prisoner, today I remember– apart from you is where I belong.”
The project then moves into a spoken word piece, before launching the banger “Before I Die.” Many will remember loving it on BET’s Celebration of Gospel this year, but it’s even better when you can put it on repeat over and over and over… (and over).
The project seamlessly transitions to “I Am,” a great declaration of who we, as children of God bought by Christ’s blood, truly are. And more– what it means for life… real life. The simple piano accompaniment on “But the Blood” is perfectly placed, framing the simplicity of its message.
“Everyone Hurts” offers a mellow reminder of the reality of life, tagged by the promise that God will actually “heal the hurt,” before the hit single “I Smile,” encourages believers to… smile. And, listening to the playful tune, you kinda can’t help but to do just that.
Always an artist who presents varied musical stylings, Kirk doesn’t disappoint this go ’round either– the “Never Alone” interlude, which features just a children’s choir, is sandwiched between the urban pop track “Give Me” (featuring the stylized and popular Mali Music) and the oh-so-churchy “The Altar,” featuring Beverly Crawford and Marvin Sapp. Contrast those tracks with the electronica dance vibe on “Today,” and you’re reminded that Kirk really is an incredible musician, able to authentically master multiple styles of music, even if one or more of those styles don’t fit your fancy.
Fans of unbeatable male crooners will enjoy “Something About the Name Jesus Pt. 2,” which features the incomparable Marvin Winans, Rance Allen, Isaac Carree and John P Kee. I probably would have enjoyed more of an integration of the now-classic original with this new tune, aside from the “shoo doo doo doo’s” at the end. Still, you can’t beat the guest vocals on this one.
But lest you think that the guest artists make this project, “The Moment #1″ and “The Moment #2″ remind listeners that Kirk’s got some of the most gifted “backup singers” in the game. As the vocalists trade leads on multiple musical medleys, Kirk fades to virtually silent, showcasing the incredible talent, and worship, that his team brings to the table. The album closes with the playful and bouncy “A God Like You.” It’s a fun, lighthearted declaration that there is no one like the God that we serve.
I am intentionally avoiding the trite conclusion that Hello Fear is better than Album X, but falls short of Album Y. With a catalogue as vast as his, it’s becoming difficult to make such delineations. More than that, though, this album has a bit of something for everyone and I don’t want anyone thinking they can pass on it. At the most fundamental level, plainly– you’re going to be out of the loop if you don’t get this project.
See, with each album release, the gospel industry looks to see what Kirk Franklin will do. Maybe not to imitate it, but definitely to be informed. Kirk informs the gospel music genre, progressing it in a way that only a handful of artists can. Though younger than most “legends” in our industry, Kirk is certainly one of the gospel community’s teachers.
So, hurry to your seats… with Hello Fear, Kirk Franklin announces that class is once again in session.
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I'm only six tunes in.., and I just had to stop and say DOWNLOAD now.., TONIGHT, this release. EVERYONE HURTS.., my soul. BUT THE BLOOD, anointed... I've needed someone to truly put the LYRIC up front and center like this... and truly take us back to the power of the Word and these Simple Honest Truths. Bravo Kirk... I will never get to the end if I don't stop repeating these songs !!
Can't wait to get my copy in the mornin'!!!!!!
This album is a blessing! I'm glad Mr. Franklin is finally back! If you haven't heard "Hello Fear" yet... Get it on iTunes :) http://bit.ly/fp2Fvp
I purchased the CD yesterday and I also had to stand around at Walmart. I had to wait till the clerk to it out the box and this was after 5:30pm, lol. Love the CD! The songs are veeeery thought provoking. Once again this proves that Kirk is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to lyrical content. And the spoken word piece....simply AWSOME! However, I did not except for most of the songs to have a mellow feel. After hearing “Before I Die” on the Celebration of Gospel and then the release of “I Smile” I thought this project would be a better blend of upbeat and high voltage songs. I see where Kirk was going, I just had different expectations. BUT…..the CD is still AWSOME and every should go get it.
Kirk Franklin's new CD--ONE WORD-PHENOMALISTICALLYSUPERANOINTEDFUL! I love how this man pick up a pen and write the lyrics he does to the songs God gives him. He shared he had over 400 ideas before he finalized this project. The Altar song is just too anointed for me! Kirk knows how to deliver. He is by far the greatest gospel artist of our time. He is to gospel as Mj was to Pop! Love you Kirk...keep your head towards the sky and let the words flow from God into your hands....LET'S GO!
Love the CD. I feel Kirk was in a different place while putting this CD together. The words of the songs are simple but SOOO powerful. I really love the simplicity of the lyrics. I never really look at Kirk as one of the best songwriters in gospel but this project shows that he is in the top 2. Keep it up Kirk. The lyrics alone will sell this project. Does anyone notice that the vibe and message of the project is so needed for the time we are living in? Its like the CD couldnt come at a better time. Even Kirk's greatest critics can't down the CD
I'm listening to this cd right now...I love it. Great job!!!!
I'm must agree with everyone else, the cd is great. I love Hello Fear! Awesome job Kirk and the great bgv's.
I didn't buy the whole cd but the songs that I did buy are great and really helped me get through a stuff situation.
I cant wait to get this CD. Someone stole my last one and I kept that CS on Repeat! God has truly blessed Kirk!
sorry *powerful*
I purchased the CD at the Steve Harvey/Kirk Franklin concert in Atlanta, and have NOT put it down since! This is what I need RIGHT NOW!!!!! Nothing but GOD!!!!!
Brotha Percy’s 7 word reviews: KIRK FRANKLIN “Hello Fear” Fo Yo Soul Entertainment ...Release date: 03/22/2011 1. Cheerful 2. Typical 3. Conscious 4. Inspirational 5. Positive 6. Sincere 7. Contemporary