You don’t have Anita Wilson’s debut solo album, Worship Soul, yet? I have no idea what you’re waiting for, but to entice you further, here are 10 quick reasons to grab it now.

1. Worship + Soul = Win. I’m an old school R&B head for life. And I also adore Jesus. Combine the two in a way that is authentic, not cheesy, and I’m hooked. That’s what this is.

2. Don’t be fooled by the “soul” part. No, for real… Anita is a powerhouse vocalist. She’s not some dainty neo-soul lyrical dabbler (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Take a listen to tracks like “It’s Done” and “Jesus Will,” and you’ll see that she drives a vamp like the tried-and-true gospel gal she is. It may have a soulful flair, but don’t think that she isn’t bringin’ it!

3. “Perfect Love Song.” Three little words that mean so much to me. From my first listen to the album, this track melted my heart and had me hitting “repeat” more times than I can count. It’s a sultry love song to God, with chords and a melody that is just perfect. It’s my fave.

4. She’s a pro. When you’ve been at it for years, and you’ve received musical mentoring from the incomparable Donald Lawrence, you just kinda get this expert professional polish on your whole delivery and what not. It’s undeniable and it’s good.

5. New Generation Promise. Let’s face it– our favorite artists of the past twenty years may not be recording in another ten years. We MUST support the new generation of artists in sales, at radio, and on the road. Anita is a solid one to support.

Not convinced yet? Take a listen to the album’s snippets at Amazon.com by clicking here. And while you’re there, buy it!

When I first heard of forever JONES, the family band that has been affectionately referred to by some as a “gospel Partridge Family,” I thought “well, that’s a cool concept, but what’s it gonna sound like?”

After attending a showcase several months before their debut album hit stores, I was an immediate fan. The songs, the style, the unity– all were refreshing in our industry and I was desperate for people to hear them. I remember writing about the group here, never knowing how successful they would be with their #1 radio hit “He Wants It All,” or out-the-gate Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance.

Upon learning of the band’s new album, Musical Revival, many in the industry wondered if forever JONES could repeat the success it had seen on its first album. After just one listen, it was clear to me– they could, and they have.

Musical Revival is an excellent collection of simply solid music. The strength of the band’s songwriting has grown, their vocal choices have become even more seasoned and polished… and the result is a must-have project.

For me, the band shines brightest on the folk-soul style of songs that first made them famous with “He Wants It All.” forever JONES continues in that vein on stand-out tunes like ”Hold Me Still,” “You Are Welcome,” and “Just The Way.”

But the group is also authentic as it expands and experiments a bit on more programmed pieces like the album opener, “Hallelujah,” the closer “I Know Who I’m Living For,” and the title track, “Musical Revival.” The band reminds us that good songs are just good songs, regardless of whether strummed on an unplugged guitar or banging to beats based in computer effects.

I’m thrilled to report that Musical Revival is not some contrived collection of scraps intended for a commercial repeat performance at radio, or in our hearts. Each of the songs are legitimate extensions of the group members’ expressions, giving us a glimpse into why their family morning worship time (the birthing place for many of their songs over the years) is so potent and fruitful.

I’m just glad that we get to own it and listen to it, again and again… and again.

To listen to snippets and to buy it NOW, click here.

The industry continues to buzz about the debut solo album from gospel vocalist Anita Wilson. The soulful singer may be best known as a featured lead singer with Donald Lawrence’s ensemble, The Company (think “So Happy Being Me” and “Second Wind”).

Anita Wilson’s project, titled Worship Soul, hits stores on April 3, 2012.

I’m digging her album cover– it’s bright and happy, but the colors say “jazz” and “soul,” which are hallmarks of her voice and style.

Check it out–

Tomorrow, EMI Gospel will release VaShawn Mitchell’s highly acclaimed album, Triumphant, in deluxe edition.

The CD + DVD compilation offers the original release plus two bonus songs, the concept video for the runaway hit single “Nobody Greater,” video footage of 5 live performances and an interview with Mitchell.

Check it out and buy it right here!

The new compilation project from Jawn Murray and EMI Gospel, Jawn Murray Presents: Untapped, is in stores TODAY.

The project is the culmination of a major talent search launched by the label and Murray at the top of this year. From over 300 entrants, 10 winners were selected based on judging criteria and feedback from industry pros including Dr. Bobby Jones, Gerard Bonner (Bonnerfide Radio), VaShawn Mitchell, and Lexi.

The winners and track listing for the project are:

1. The Love Of God – Tasha Page-Lockhart
2. Awakening – Brian C. Reeves & Heart After God
3. Bless Your Name – Derrick Bull & Remnant
4. Your Love – Joy Lewis
5. You Can Live – Charles Butler & Trinity
6. I Am Free – Tobbi White-Darks
7. Rest On Me – Tonia Hughes
8. Cry Out – Lawrence Flowers & Intercession
9. How Great Is Our God – Madelyn Berry
10. 2nd Chance- F’lana Barton

One of the winners will also be signed to a national recording contract with EMI Gospel, to be announced next year.

This compilation promises to highlight some of gospel music’s best undiscovered/not-widely-known talent. Check it out!

Hey folks, make sure you check out, Integrity, the new album from Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale, which hit stores yesterday.

The Toronto-based group made a name for itrself in the States back in 1998, with their EMI Gospel release, Life Is.  I must have played “Get To Know Him” from that album at least 4 or 5 times a day when I was in college.

Well, they’re back with their new project, introduced well by the BANGIN’ new single– the title track, “Integrity.” I’ve just added it Pundit Player on the toolbar below.  Take a listen!

The album features guest artists Mali Music, Sean Simmonds and Candy West, too!  You can learn more about Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale at http://faithchorale.com.

And, do yourself a favor– check out the snippets from the full album, and buy it, right here–

This week, Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear, returns to Billboard’s #1 position after being moved out of it last week by Trin-i-tee 5:7′s Angel & Chanelle, the first time Franklin’s album was not #1 since its March release.

T57′s release doesn’t go far, though, hanging in at #2, followed by Mary Mary’s Something Big at #3.  Bishop Jakes’ Sacred Love Songs 2 project and WOW Gospel 2011 bring up the rear at #4 and #5, respectively.

The rest of the Gospel Albums top 10 is right here:

1 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
2 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
3 | Mary Mary – Something Big
4 | TD Jakes – Sacred Love Songs 2
5 | WOW Gospel 2011
6 | Tedashii – Blacklight
7 | Yolanda Adams – Becoming
8 | Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon
9 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of Marvin Sapp
10 | Various Artists (EMI Gospel) – Gospel’s Best Worship

I think Earnest Pugh’s upcoming release, Earnestly Yours, stands to make a fairly significant impact when it is released on June 28. It should land in the top 10, maybe even the top 5 if pre-sales are strong…

What albums are you most looking forward to???

If you’re half the Kierra Sheard fan that I am, you’ve probably already got these songs… but in case you don’t, this is a must-have compilation from EMI Gospel– My Kierra Sheard Playlist.

Here’s the track listing for you–

01. Teach Me
02. Snap
03. No, Never
04. This Is Me
05. You Don’t Know (Godson Rock Joint)
06. Church Nite
07. Hear This
08. Nearer My God To Thee
09. One
10. If It Had Not Been
11. Love Like Crazy
12. You Don’t Know

Kierra just finished her live recording in Chicago this past Monday, but before that project hits stores, you’re probably gonna wanna check this one out!  Pre-order by clicking right here.

EMI Gospel will release a special Smokie Norful project on March 29th, titled How I Got Over: Songs that Carried Us.

The album features guest performances from Joe Ligon, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Myron Butler and more!

The vocalists are backed by the 12th Episcopal District Mass Choir of the AME Church, recorded live during the District’s annual conference in Tulsa, OK.

Here’s a track listing:

01. Sunday Morning Medley (Smokie Norful & Myron Butler)
02. Solid Rock (Melvin Williams)
03. Jesus Medley (Keshia McFarland)
04. Trouble In My Way (Vanessa Bell Armstrong)
05. Hymn Medley (Pastor WR Norful Sr.)
06. The Lord Will Make A Way (Sheri Jones-Moffett)
07. The Blood Medley (Smokie Norful)
08. I Know It Was The Blood (Joe Ligon)

Again, it won’t hit stores until March 29th, it’s available for pre-order on Amazon.com right now!

GospelPundit.com continues its prayer series this week, adding a new name to The Prayer List– Jojo Pada.

Jojo Pada, CEO of Ignition PR, is one of the most highly-regarded and sought-after publicists in gospel music.  Having worked in-house at Motown Cafe, as the head of publicity at Verity Records and Light Records, and as an indie consultant for Light Records and EMI Gospel, her clients include practically every artist in gospel music– including Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Shirley Caesar, Commissioned, Richard Smallwood, the Clark Sisters, VaShawn Mitchell, and many others.  Let’s lift her up…

Father, thank You for the life of Jojo Pada. Thank You for being a Sustainer– a God who clearly had a plan for Jojo since before she was born, and a God who was committed to keeping Jojo, and using her despite anything that threatened to stop her.

Lord, I pray for continued success for Jojo– not only in the practical sense, but spiritually as well.  I pray that her spiritual “success” would look like a heart that is perpetually molded to resemble Yours. I pray that it would look like a heart that continues to hunger and thirst for righteousness, that stands for justice, that lives a life of boldness, for Your glory.

I pray that the decisions Jojo faces would be guided by Your Truth, Lord.

I ask that You allow the many gifts and skills that You’ve invested into her to be used to the utmost, for Your purposes. I pray that she would continue to be a trailblazer in this music industry, an example of excellence among her close peers and those who watch from afar.

God, I pray that You would assure Jojo that all of her prayers have been heard, that her heart’s desires have been considered, and that You have orchestrated Your very best life for her to live– and I pray that she would find unbelievable rest, comfort and joy in that, and in You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Okay, fam– please join me in lifting up our sister, Jojo Pada, in prayer.  Post your prayers in the comment section below.