The newest project from Vanessa Bell Armstrong is due in stores tomorrow and this time around, the formula seemed destined for success– take one of the cornerstone voices of contemporary gospel music and let one of the most gifted producers in the game work the record.  On The Experience, Armstrong reminds us why she’s a legend and Donald Lawrence again demonstrates that he has the midas touch in this industry.

Musically, this 13-track project moves well– from the jazz-laced traditional tunes to worshipful ballads with the rousing vamps that Armstrong is known for riffing and roaring through.  Lyrically, the songs encourage and reassure– something that the Body seems to need in this season.

For VBA fans, the purchase of this album is a no-brainer– it’s a salute to her signature style and you won’t be disappointed.  For folks who’ve merely heard of her (or perhaps, only know that they’re supposed to appreciate her), check out this project– it provides a nice snapshot of her abilities by way of relevant and timely songs with masterful production.

Stand-out tracks for me: a modernized version of her 1980′s hit, “You Bring Out The Best In Me,” featuring a staggering vocal duet with Rance Allen and background vocals so sweet that you don’t want them to end; “Greater,” an ever-building declaration about the power of God that rests in each of us; “Hand Of The Lord,” a grand track with Donald Lawrence’s signature sound all over it (think of swelling background vocals and a beautiful, yet simple, melody); and “The Greatest Power” an encouraging testament to God’s omnipotence and our the peace that comes from trusting in Him.  Of course, I’m also still enjoying her single, “Good News.”

A part of me wanted to see her venture out more, perhaps to be challenged (musically) by blending her signature style with some new styles of gospel music (maybe a track with a Caribbean twist or something).  At the same time, however, it means more to me that Armstrong has rendered an album that showcases her classic sound without musical missteps.  She stayed in her lane and the project is really good because of it.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong has successfully captured a more-than-impressive live set.  In sum, The Experience is just that… even more, it’s a musical journey worth a purchase.

For your convenience, you can pre-order the project now by clicking here.

Fred Hammond is back and the entire industry is buzzin’.  When it comes to new music from this pioneer of the Black praise & worship experience, we’re practically insatiable.  He is among a handful of gospel artists that the entire industry watches to receive instruction on how gospel music should now sound.

It’s been 3 years since his last release, but with this new offering, Love Unstoppable (due in stores on Tuesday, September 29th), Fred reminds us that he is still committed to making music that will enhance our praise and worship– both private and corporate.  And he does so with the unmistakable stamp of excellence that we’ve come to expect of him.

The 15-track project opens with an intro featuring his son, Darius, praying, and his daughter, BreeAnn, singing a worship chant (the full version of which is featured later on the album).  From there, the album jumps from zero to 60 with an instant praise team hit, “Awesome God.”  Losing no momentum, Fred transitions into “Nobody Like You Lord,” a song with a “classic gospel” sound strong enough to have been a single itself.

The album changes paces a bit, but only for a moment, with “Lost In You Again,” a rock-infused worship ballad with the melodic complexities that Fred does so well, and “Best Thing That Ever Happened,” before hitting listeners with “They That Wait,” the first radio single that turned heads months ago, featuring a driving vocal contribution from gospel favorite John P. Kee.

Listeners will also appreciate the fact that, on this project, Fred Hammond displays quite a bit of versatility– from “Find No Fault,” a Caribbean-influenced praise chant to “Thoughts Of Love,” a track with a melody and sound so authentically “jazz” that we can’t help be reminded of the depth of Fred’s musical ability.  Other notable tracks on the album include:  “Take My Hand,” a gritty and raw plea for God’s help set to an old skool R&B sound reminiscent of live sets with soulful crooners of the 1960′s; “I Know What He’s Done,” an impressive churchy praise song in the vein of his earlier hit “Jesus Be A Fence”; and “Thank You,” a simple, yet powerful worship chant sure to make the repertoires of praise teams across the nation.

Lyrically, the project’s theme is clear– there’s a pervasive and powerful love that Fred urges us to recognize (and rest in).  My only concern is that, musically, the project doesn’t feel instantly cohesive.  I definitely don’t mind the varied styles reflected in it, and it’s certainly not a deal-breaker by any means, but I’ll have to live with it a bit longer before it feels like “one album.”  It will, though.

As an aside, people have questioned whether Fred is making music like he used to.  If we consider his Inner Court or Pages Of Life: Chapters I and II albums, it would be hard to ignore the breadth of those albums’ significance in the landscape of contemporary gospel music at that time.  But perhaps we’ve set the bar higher than one could ever reach and, for good measure, unfairly tacked on a bit of nostalgia to his earlier works.  In light of that, could he ever top those projects?  Maybe.

Either way, I encourage you to take a moment to strip away some of your expectations and longings for “the old Fred.”  In doing so, you’ll see that, musically and lyrically, this project is one of the best we’ve seen in the 2009 calendar year.  In my opinion, it still goes without saying that anything from Fred Hammond needs to be added to your music collection.  And quickly.

Click here to purchase!

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise boldly return to the gospel scene with their fifth album, Resting On His Promise, due in stores this Tuesday, September 1st.  From this 12-track project, two things are abundantly clear to me– the choir is establishing itself as the contemporary choir standard, and it’s only getting better with time.

There’s plenty to love on this album– from the great songwriting to the talented band and excellent production.  What I appreciate most, however, is that JJ Hairston & YP are able to significantly contribute to the progression and development of the choral genre, while respecting the foundation upon which it is based.

It’s clear in the varied, but cohesive, styles of songs on the project.  YP easily navigates the rock-infused “Hear Me Lord,” the staggering worship ballad “Awesome Wonder,” and the jazz-laced “Still Mighty, Still Strong,” with vocals from powerhouse Dorinda Clark-Cole.  But they remind us that they’re more than capable of mastering the traditional “High Praise,” featuring the legendary Pastor Shirley Caesar, and the downright churchy “You Can Make It.”

Other stand-out tracks are “Great Expectation,” a timely single-worthy song of encouragement featuring Myron Butler, “Powerful God,” with jaw-dropping ad libs from YP’s own David McClure, “Lord You’re Beautiful,” with the boundless Lorraine Stancil leading the vamp, and the title track (and current single), “Resting On His Promise” featuring Bishop Eric McDaniel.

More than catchy songs, the album’s message of trusting in God is timely, encouraging and full of life.  I urge readers to not regard this project as “just another choir album.”  Resting On His Promise is definitely worth a listen (and probably a purchase) from any lover of gospel music.

The project is available everywhere on September 1st, but you can pre-order it NOW by clicking on the image to your right. >>>

J Moss returns to the scene with Just James, an intimate and honest masterpiece.  Musically, it’s as brilliant as we’ve come to expect from him.  Lyrically, it’s hard-hitting and transparent in a way that is both refreshing and inspiring.

From beginning to end, J Moss offers a cohesive 10-track project with a message of redemption and restoration.  There’s NOT ONE song that I’d skip past, and several tracks, I constantly throw on repeat.  And I can’t recall an album in this calendar year about which I’ve been able to say that.

The album opens with a typical dance-worthy J Moss track, the single “I Gave It Up,” before transitioning into “So Into You,” a simple worship chant that evolves into a more complex, unexpected driving vamp.  Next comes the powerful worship single, “Restored,” which has become an instant favorite among fans.

“Anointing” follows, literally and figuratively.  It’s a jazzy tune that could’ve been a Clark Sisters gem, but is JUST fine as done by J Moss.  The project transitions seamlessly into “Sweet Jesus,” another worship chant that is perfectly fit for praise teams everywhere.  J’s quick, robotic vibrato ad libs across the vamp like you wouldn’t believe.

The album continues to bless and astound, from “No More” to “God Happens” (one of my absolute faves on the album), to “Holy One” and the earnest prayer set to music in “Rebuild.”  The project ends with the autobiographical testimony, and title track, “Just James.”

At the risk of sounding redundant, I have to reiterate that this album is incredible.  Just James does precisely what it was intended– it sets to music the message of God’s grace and redeeming power in the life of one broken, but perpetually healed vessel.  Make sure you check it out.

It’s clear that God is prepping a new wave of artists to bridge the gap and unite people from all races, ethnicities and denominations in worship as He builds His Kingdom– Ken Reynolds is one of those artists.

On his newest album, One World | One God (released on Integrity Music this past Tuesday), Ken Reynolds presents a melting pot of musical and cultural influences in his attempt to see his greatest passion come to pass: ”unity through diversity.”

On this project, Reynolds succeeds in creating a barrier-breaking musical offering.  Song styles range from gospel to rock, from worship to funk, but they all fit well into one work.

Stand-out tracks for me: the gospel-laced single, “Persuaded”; “Your Will,” a beautiful worship track; ”Not Ashamed,” a declarative song fit for praise teams; “Lord, You Are,” a rousing choir-backed anthem; and “Your Faithfulness,” a CCM-styled ode to God’s loving faithfulness to us.

I have only two qualms with this project.  First, I do not, at all times, see a significant distinction between Reynolds and his cross-cultural comrades in ministry (i.e., Israel Houghton, Freddy Rodriguez, Trent Cory, etc.).  I suppose that might make sense, though, given the similarities of their apparent callings.

Second, there are a few moments on the album that were obviously powerful in a live worship setting, where the Spirit of God was present and working.  That feeling does not always translate well to an album, though, and in a few of those instances, I feel a bit of a disconnect.

Those issues aside, I have a feeling that this album is going to bless many lives.  There are thousands upon thousands of people yearning for more cross-cultural, cross-denominational worship music.  Church music departments are being revamped to incorporate it in weekly services.  For those reasons, plus the sheer presence of several musical triumphs on this project, One World | One God is a great addition to the worship music genre.

Okay, folks… here’s the first fruits of GospelPundit’s collabo with DaSouth.com.  If you recall from my earlier post, we’ve partnered to bring you some of the hottest news and reviews in Christian rap.

The first feature is an album review of Christian rap artist, Blaze, and her latest project, He Reigns.  I think you’ll like it!

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 Brought to you by DaSouth.com…

Let Blaze be a lesson to anyone who thinks “new” Christians can’t be highly effective for the Lord: Though she reports being saved in 2007, this Virginia-born MC has a clear grasp of scripture, doled out to check wayward Christian entertainers, warn the unchurched about the perils of life without Christ, and provide encouraging reminders for those who need them. Like her moniker, Blaze raps with a bright burning fire for the Lord, and is sure to spark spiritual interest with her release, He Reigns.

Did I mention that Blaze, who now resides in Washington State, is only 18 years old? This fact also makes her release impressive, as she knows her Gospel inside out and delivers her rhymes in a hard-hitting way that one would expect from a seasoned veteran–someone like MC Lyte, to whom she has been compared, according to her Myspace page.

Clearly God has blessed Blaze, as in the same year of her salvation, her bio states she won the 2007 Gospel Extravaganza Favorite Gospel Hip-Hop Artist of the Great Northwest award, based on votes from a contest coordinated by Seattle‘s “The Gospel Show” (C-89 FM). Since then, Blaze has been giving back. She was able to get the message out on the Lord in 2008, with an opportunity to host a gospel television show, on which she speaks with local and national artists. Early this year, Blaze blogged about successfully introducing Christ to a group being held in a youth prison–out of 40 present for her concert, 36 members of the audience–ranging in age from 9 to 18–dedicated their lives to the Lord.

When it comes to her first love, rapping, Blaze holds no punches. Her courage and spirit comes from Romans 1:16, which she name-drops out on the album. “You might not like this song because it speaks the truth/but don’t get mad at me, it’s just God’s Word,” she says on “Tell the Truth,” which shames hypocritical Christians who show a superiority complex in church but can be seen on the regular with Patron in hand at the club. On the song she also encourages her fellow young men and women to avoid idolizing Myspace, music or money and tells Christian rappers not to get caught up. “Get praise, humbled and Word-ed up before you touch the mike/and just so you know, the flow’s never yours/God’s the main event, you just walk the stage for him,” she declares.

Softer moments also have valuable lessons. “Reflections” features Blaze’s reaction to the book It’s Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy,  by Max Lucado. She discusses having read in the book Lucado’s comments on the moon having no light or power without the sun, and how, similarly, Christians should strive to be like the moon, acting in ways that always allow God to shine. “Show me I have no greatness without you,” Blaze pleads over the gentle R&B track. The title track, with a live rock soundtrack embellished by singing from Nitasha Johnson, is a soul-stirring love letter to the Lord. Also on the easygoing tip, “Do Yo Piece” is all about having fun and shaking a leg for the Lord, a la David.

The sound on the album is varied, from rock and R&B, on the aforementioned “He Reigns” and “Reflections,“ respectively, to Asian strings on “Blood of Christ” and a more Southern sound on “Are You Rolling With Christ“ (which also appears as a remix, with Young Joshua rhyming alongside Blaze). Blaze resurrects the sound of vintage West Coast hip-hop on “What Should I Do,” another standout, detailing how the sins of the old life still call from time to time, and how seeking God can help one to overcome the temptation. AutoTune lovers and haters take note: Blaze uses the technology to create a voice for the Holy Spirit on this one. Used here, the effect adds interest to the song.

Though there are many shining moments on “He Reigns,” there are some missteps–gratuitous use of AutoTune on “Tell the Truth,” minor tempo issues with the rhymes here and there, and production on “Conversation” and “Time Is Up” that doesn’t live up to the standards set by the other songs. However, I don’t expect those things to take away from the value that this artist has for those hungry to hear the Word, or for those who need reminders of Christ that they can rock on their car stereos or in their iPod headphones. If Blaze keeps it up like this during her whole career, her words will be burning in our ears for quite some time.

Written by Danielle Campbell-Angah for DaSouth.com.

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Awesome.  Blaze is someone I DEFINITELY would not have checked out on my own (kinda didn’t know anything about her)… but now, I’ma go take a listen.  Check her out at www.myspace.com/blazemusic5.

Anybody already heard of her?  Lemme know what you think!

The long-awaited debut solo project from Sheri Jones-Moffett, Renewed, hits stores on Tuesday, August 11th.  Known for her memorable leads with Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers (“Encourage Yourself”) and as one-half of the gospel duo, Ted & Sheri, she finally ventures out as a solo artist and stakes her claim as a versatile artist with great promise.

The album opens with the hit single and title track, “Renewed,” a great song with an old skool, 70′s vibe to it (think disco meets gospel).  Sheri wastes no time reminding us why we fell in love with her powerful soprano tone as she masterfully soars over the track.

The project continues with another dance-worthy track (and probably my favorite on the album)– “Free Indeed,” which has a pop/sock-hop kinda feel to it.  It’s hard to describe, but I’ll try: it’s HOT!  Renewed then transitions into some encouraging ballads–  ”Not Too Late To Dream” and “Grace Of God”– before arriving at the CLUB BANGIN’ joint “Wonder” (that can be a Holy Ghost club, if it makes you feel better).

Other noteworthy tracks are ”I Feel Your Spirit,” a Sunday-morning-devotional type of song infused with a New Orleans flavor, and ”Affirmation,” a beautiful piano-driven worship ballad that brilliantly caps off the project.

The only readily-apparent challenge that Sheri might face with this project is that I perceive her fanbase to be comprised of consumers who love to hear her on traditional-sounding songs like “Encourage Yourself” (which is, by the way, an added bonus track on this project).  Sheri is not wed to that sound here, though– as noted above, she experiments with lots of different musical influences and styles to express herself.

That said, the album is still cohesive.  The songs are well-written and Sheri’s performances are MUCH more than commendable.  If you consider yourself a fan of hers, appreciate that she’s able to successfully branch out to other gospel styles.  And if you’re not already a supporter– take a listen.  I think you will be.

I’ve been a supporter of Melinda Watts since she won Gospel Dream last summer on Gospel Music Channel.  From that time, I anxiously awaited her debut album, People Get Ready.  The wait is over– I’ve got it and it’s a great album.

This ten-track project (available this coming Tuesday, the 28th) is a solid blend of music that will appeal to both gospel and CCM audiences alike.  She covers all bases with a range of production styles– from Freddy Washington, Jr. to Aaron Lindsey, from PAJAM to Bernie Herms.  At all times, though, it’s clear that she understands her calling to bridge gaps in the Christian music marketplace.  And she does that well.

The danger of creating an album like this– one intended to reach all Believers– is that by aiming at both markets, artists often hit neither of ‘em.  Melinda avoids this problem well, but there are a couple of tracks on the project that may be hard to place in gospel radio or CCM radio because they don’t have a clear market sound.  That said, I’m not bound by my “market” (neither are many of you), so listen to what you wanna!

Standout tracks for me include:  the single, “So Good,” which has been gaining radio airplay and already has a video spot on Gospel Music Channel; “Available To You” her duet with J Moss, which re-works the classic Milton Brunson choir song; “Come Boldly,” an R&B-styled song of restoration; “Happy,” a cross-cultural song that simply expresses the joy of knowing God, with co-writing from Evin Martin of 21:03; “Faith That Conquers,” a classic Vanessa Bell-Armstrong track re-made with a simple piano accompaniment before heading to a worshipful vamp; and one of my faves, “Purpose Driven Life,” a moving ballad at the end of the album, written by Smokie Norful and Myron Butler.

In sum, People Get Ready is a summertime staple.  It’s a worthy collection of heartfelt music, from an incredibly gifted vocalist.  You’ll want to add it to your list of must-have music this month.

I wanna start this review by saying that I’ve not been a big fan of Christian hip-hop.  Actually, I’ve tended to pass on it more times than not.  And that had nothing to do with whether it’s “legit” hip-hop or anything like that… I’ve just never been bananas for hip-hop– Christian or secular.  I’ve had about 5 good jams and I was done.

But, when I took a listen to The Big Picture, the newest album from Da’ T.R.U.T.H. (in stores on July 21st), I was ASTOUNDED (and a little annoyed cuz I’ll now have to go back and listen to every holy hip-hop album in the market, just to make sure I ain’t missing something!).   Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is a masterful lyricist.  His words aren’t just fun and clever– they challenge your understanding of God, while encouraging you to consider Him in different ways.  That’s something that no amount of squallin’ and riffin’ has been able to do for me.

But just in case you want some good singin’, he also does an excellent job of featuring great vocalists, who sing some very catchy hooks.  It’s GOOD MUSIC.  Guest artists on the project include Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, J.R., and Tia Pittman.

Stand-out tracks for me: “I AM Legend,” a dramatic reminder of who God is; “Lost,” the album’s first single and an acknowledgement of where we’d be without Him (with an infectious hook); “Fantasy,” a challenge to us to value Jesus above all else; and my personal favorite, “Can I Talk To You,” an electronic track with an evangelistic message.  I’m also LOVING “Worship,” “Wall,” “How Long,” and a remixed version of his hit single, “Reward.”

THIS WEEK ONLY: You can listen to the full album at www.newreleasetuesday.com and post your comments about the record!

Folks, I STRONGLY urge you to buy this album (and I cannot stress it enough).  At the very least, make sure you listen to it at the link above, or catch snippets at his official MySpace page.  You won’t be disappointed by this instant classic.  I’m a full supporter.

There’s been a lot of buzz about Coko’s sophomore gospel effort, The Winner In Me, for several months now.  And lemme tell ya– the wait was worth it.

This project, in stores this coming Tuesday, is a great follow-up to her debut from a few years back– it demonstrates artistic growth while providing fans with the classic sound that we fell in love with on the first gospel album… actually, no… we fell in love with it back in the SWV days, didn’t we?!

Diverse tracks with memorable hooks and great production are hallmarks of this 12-track project, which features guest spots from Canton Jones, Israel Houghton, Kelly Price and Coko’s mother, Lady Tibba.  Among the producers are Coko’s husband (and industry drummer extraordinaire) Mike “Big Mike” Clemons and relative newcomer Jamiene “J Skills” Thompson (who produced half of George Huff’s latest project).  And I think I peeped some songwriting credits for David Caton and his wife Timiney. [Editor's Note: Timiney Caton's maiden name is Timiney Figueroa, as in... the lead soloist on the classic Hezekiah Walker cut "Calling My Name"... as in... current member of the Kurt Carr Singers... as in... the older sister of Anaysha Figueroa... need I go on?]

I digress.  Coko’s soaring soprano transitions well across a wide range of musical styles on this project– she moves from tracks with hip-hop beats, to modern churchy joints, to CCM-styled ballads.  But she remains at all times AUTHENTIC.  If I’m being honest (and I always try to be), I have to admit that I was looking forward to the Coko & Kelly Price duet because I wanted to hear them demolish a really churchy track.  Instead, they demolished a more urban track.  But “demolished” is the operative word, so how mad could I be?

Favorite cuts: “May Be The Last Time,” a single-worthy anthem that is sure to be added to repertoires of MANY praise teams; “Make A Way,” a rock-infused track laced with verses by Canton Jones (it’s hot); “The Joy Of The Lord,” an urban duet with Israel; “I Surrender,” an all-out song of… well, surrender; and “Renew My Mind,” a classic song of supplication for renewal, featuring Coko’s mother (who, if you recall, appeared on Coko’s debut project, on the “Mighty God” track).  That song, too, could be a fave on Sunday morning.  And, of course, I’m still enjoying the project’s first single, “Wait.”

The short and sweet of it: fans of Coko will absolutely not be disappointed, people on the fence will appreciate the great music on this project, and skeptics of the whole “R&B-turned-gospel-artist” phenomenon will have one more reason to pipe down.  Coko appears to have poured all of her energy into her passion– making music that glorifies God and edifies the Body of Christ.  With The Winner In Me, I think she succeeds at both.