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!

This week, I wanted to give you a Sunday Best double-recap of sorts… I have a little somethin’ to say about the show, and will do so later, but first, Troy Lilly is back with another great recap of last night’s episode…

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We’re now very close to crowning a winner for season three of BET’s Sunday Best, and last night there was more impressive singing and even a little dancing.  But not without a couple surprises.  More on that later, though.

If you’ve been watching this season you know how the show works– Kirk Franklin introduces the guest musical artist for the week, they perform, and then the contestants hit the stage, right?  Well not when the guest artist is Israel Houghton.  The man behind the success of Israel and New Breed ushered the audience into worship with his version of “Moving Forward.”  For a moment it looked like we wouldn’t be able to move forward but, after a short reprise, we returned to the regularly scheduled programming, for a while.

The two-part show was graced with another great performance by Brian Courtney Wilson, who stopped by to sing “All I Need” from his breakthrough debut album Just Love.  As Kirk said, if you haven’t heard of him you’ll certainly be blessed by his music.

For last night’s episode the theme was “crossover,” blending traditional gospel songs with secular songs that feature inspirational messages.  Each of the three contestants were to sing a “secular” song during the first half and a “gospel” song in the second half.  I was quite curious to see how this week’s theme would play out as I believed it would further distinguish each singer’s versatility – or lack thereof.  But hey, what do I know?

Tina Campbell, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin held it down as judges once more.  Kirk also mentioned there would be “hard judging.” I’m not so sure that’s what we got. But this is how it went down:

Durward Davis – “Change the World” and “I Need You Now”
Earlier this year, EJ explained in a post on Sunday Best rules that contestants have little say in what songs they sing.  Durward was given an Eric Clapton song from a movie soundtrack to sing first.  I am certain he would have chosen a different song.  That being said, he made the most of an unusual song choice.  For the limited amount of time he had, Durward really brought “Change the World” to a climax and embraced the melody.  He was clearly uneasy after the performance, though he maintained a smile while singing.  For round two, he took on Smokie Norful’s gospel ballad which is no easy task, but he nailed that, too (in my opinion).  Even after his voice was about to give out, he kept giving his all until the very end.

LeAndria Johnson – “Heaven Help Us All” and “I Love the Lord”
I’m guessing a lot of folks are happy the judges don’t kick people off the show when they forget words, because if that were true LeAndria would’ve gone home tonight.  During “Heaven Help Us All – a song made famous by Stevie Wonder – the normally unflappable LeAndria stumbled through the lyrics of both verses.  But her voice remained intact (for the most part), and if I wasn’t such a huge Stevie fan I may not have realized she shuffled and omitted words. It surely never showed on her face.  LeAndria’s second performance was a victory lap – figuratively and literally. This time her words and vocals were in sync. The surprise wasn’t the judges’ reactions but hers.  After her stirring rendition of “I Love the Lord” she dropped her microphone and danced across the stage for about 30 seconds.  Yolanda and Donnie cut a step, too.

Elder Goldwire McLendon – “Falling in Love with Jesus” and “Oh, Happy Day”
Elder knew he had to rise to the competition a bit after a less-than-stellar performance last week.  I’m happy to report that that he didn’t forget the words last night!  However, I’m not sure how his first song qualified as secular since it’s a love song about Jesus.  I still have a big question mark in my mind here– “Change the World” vs. “Falling in Love with Jesus”?  Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t get it.  Aside from my gripes with the song, Elder McLendon certainly conveyed his love for God when he sang.  His tone and approach mirrored what we’ve seen from him every week, and of course, the anointing was on him.  Wrapping up the performance portion of the night, he sang the Edwin Hawkins song that introduced gospel music to the mainstream.  Again, I was amazed at how tight and consistent Elder’s delivery was in relation to other weeks on the show.  He continued to wow judges.  Donnie was reduced to tears.

At the end of the night only LeAndria Johnson and Elder Goldwire McLendon advanced to become the final two.

While I wish both LeAndria and Elder Goldwire the best going into this season’s final round, I strongly disagree with Durward Davis being eliminated.  The best way I can defend my opinion is with the judges’ own words.  From the start of this competition the judges have repeatedly praised Durward’s ability to paint pictures and take people on a journey with his songs.  He especially rose to the challenge last night by tackling a vague secular song.  He might as well have sung “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper…he may have even been better off singing that.  I believe his performances are always complete while other performers give me 1:30 that feels exactly like 1:30 into a song.  I’m sad to see him go, but I’m confident he’ll be successful.  Again, I’m so thrilled for LeAndria and Elder Goldwire.

Furthermore, the judging has lacked tangible content to me. I’d love to hear more advice for improvement that is applicable for the folks who go home as well as the folks who stay.  Everyone is in a position to improve.  We all love gospel music and we want singers to be balanced – trained and anointed so the anointing doesn’t have to do ALL the work.

It’s very exciting to see this season drawing to a close.  So, between LeAndria and Elder McLendon, who’s it gonna be?

I KNOW you guys have a lot to say.  And we want to hear you!

Is it just me, or is gospel the only genre that allows (maybe expects, and even demands) artists’ names to follow the format of “So-And-So” & “Such-And-Such”?

Think about it… Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, Myron Butler & Levi, DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet…

But it didn’t just start happening… there was Israel & New Breed, Kirk Franklin & The Family, Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ…

And before them, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Walter Hawkins & The Hawkins Family, Andraé Crouch & The Disciples…

And let’s not forget the choirs– Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Ricky Dillard & New G, John P Kee & New Life, Milton Brunson & The Tommies, O’landa Draper & The Associates…

Understand this– my absolute ALL-TIME FAVORITE gospel artists are mentioned above, so I’m not mad at their names at all.  Love you guys and you KNOW it!

I definitely think the the name choices make sense– ours is the only genre with the artist format of frontmen backed by an ensemble or a choir.

But I’d be lying if I said it isn’t refreshing when I hear creative names like Mary Mary, Excelsior, 21:03 and Mali Music.

In short, it’s not a good or bad thing, just… a thing.  A gospel thing.

Anyone noticed???

The holidays are upon us and I’m in a giving mood!

Today, I feel like giving away passcodes for some FREE digital downloads on iTunes!  Specifically, I’ve got the green light to give away tracks from an Integrity Music sampler, with Christmas music from various artists including Israel & New Breed, Hillsong, Kari Jobe, and more.

To win, just email me at ej@gospelpundit.com by TONIGHT, December 8th, at 11:59pm CST with the subject line “iTUNES Gift Card.”  In the email, tell me your name and city.

I’ll pick 10 folks at random, and I’ll email them back with the free download code.  Plus, I’ll name the winners on the site tomorrow.

I’ve got a BUNCH of these codes to giveaway, so it won’t be the last time I do this before Christmas. ‘Tis the season!

Tomorrow, GospelPundit.com turns ONE YEAR OLD!

It’s humbling to see how much growth my blog has experienced in just one year.  From hard-hitting interviews to exclusive premieres of highly anticipated singles, God has blessed me to play a pivotal role in the industry.  I’m blown away by that because I DO NOT deserve to fulfill all that He’s called me to do and be.

Moreover, I’m grateful to each of you for visiting the site on a regular basis, for telling folks about it, and for every encouraging comment or email I’ve received about it.  Daily readership continues to skyrocket and I promise that I’ll continue to give you my absolute best, for the glory of God alone.

I’ve got some major things planned for the coming year.  But, first, we’re gonna celebrate the past year!!!

Beginning MONDAY, I’m giving away a bundle of recent releases EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Each day next week, I’ll pose a question about SOMETHING I’ve said on the site in the past year.  Your task will be to find the answer and email it to me.  From among those emails, I’ll randomly select a winner to receive my hand-picked bundle pack of new music, which will include the new releases from BeBe & CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Byron Cage, Israel & New Breed, Ted Winn, Kierra Sheard, J Moss, Rizen, Shirley Caesar, Coko, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise AND MORE… even an autographed copy of the newest album from Smokie Norful!  For real, guys… it’s big.  Kinda like the “new release JACKPOT.”

Do you hear what I’m saying?  Every day, ONE person will win about 20 new CDs.    Just my little way of sayin’ “thanks.”

Okay, so spread the word and get ready to celebrate all week long.  Sound good?

Love you guys.

I dunno how many of you knew about it, or how many of you have already bought it, but the new album from New Breed, Generation: Love, is pretttttty good.

As you’re probably aware, New Breed is the group that sings with Israel Houghton on most of his album releases.  On the 15-track project, member Daniel Johnson seems to step up as frontman, taking a big role in production and providing lead vocals on most of the tracks.  I haven’t listened enough yet to do a full review, but there are several songs that I really like.

Check ‘em out at www.newbreed.me for more info.

Anybody have it already???

The Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) is gearing up for its 102nd Annual Holy Convocation, perhaps the last go ’round in Memphis, TN, where it’s been held since Jesus ascended to Glory.

Most folks get EXTRA excited for the musical component– it’s always star-studded and full of great performances.  This year should be no different.

From Vickie Winans, Melonie Daniels and Sheri Jones-Moffett to Israel & New Breed, God’s Image (G.I.) and Kevin LeVar, this year’s celebration has a little something for everyone.

Dates for the week-long event are November 2-9, 2009.  Visit http://www.cogic.com for more detailed info about who’s singing when and what not.

Anyone already planning to go?  I KNOW I’ve tons of COGIC folks here…

Some good new music came out yesterday.  I think you guys should check it out…

1. The newest album from gospel favorite Lisa Page Brooks, entitled Stronger;

2. The debut gospel project, Thankful, from legendary R&B group The Whispers;

2. The newest compilation in the Gotta Have Gospel series– Gotta Have Gospel Christmas;

3. The 6-track EP from former New Breed vocalist Leah Smith, Beautifully Made.

Which of ‘em are YOU buying?  Which have you already bought?

Hollerrrr at me.

Israel’s latest album is in stores (you got it yet???) and the results of our most recent poll are in…

Of the albums listed below, which is your FAVORITE from Israel & New Breed?

Live From Another Level- 28 votes (29%)

New Season - 23 votes (24%)

Alive In South Africa- 21 votes (21%)

A Deeper Level - 14 votes (14%)

Real - 12 votes (12%)

I hear that, I guess.  I think Live From Another Level was phenomenal, but my heart is always for New Season– it’s when I first learned of Israel… where his passion and his artistry first gripped me.  It’s nostalgic for me, so it got my vote.

What do y’all think of the results???

Thanks for voting.  Head over to the sidebar NOW to voice your opinion in the new poll… it’s not as deep, kinda just for fun:  When you hear “Best Dressed Female Gospel Artist,” you immediately think of…

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The short and sweet:  Really incredible.

The detailed version:  To me, this album sounds like happiness and freedom in worship.  I kinda wanna put it on and go on a road trip to some outdoor Christian festival.  Y’know?

The latest album from Israel Houghton, The Power of One, isn’t due in stores until March 24th, but rumblings about it have been around for months.  In fact, I wrote this review at the end of January and have been chompin’ at the bit to post it– all in due time!

It’s a solo album, so the vibe is a bit different from his other stuff, but it’s still got a tinge of that “New Breed” sound to keep it familiar for us.  I don’t think praise and worship teams will have much new music to copy, though, which is prolly a good thing.  Y’all need to settle down.  But I digress…

In addition to giving us more great music, this album succeeds in reminding us that Israel is a great songwriter, not a formulaic one-hit wonder, and an awesome vocalist (dude is SINGING on this album).  And with production from Tommy Sims and Aaron Lindsey, and guest appearances from Mary Mary and tobyMac, there’s a little something for everybody.

Standout tracks for me are “Just Wanna Say,” the single that I’ve already raved about in an earlier post, “Everywhere That I Go,” a feel-good, rockin’-out kinda deal, and “Saved By Grace,” a clap and dance-worthy anthem that made me knock into a couple folks on the subway a while back.  Sorry, lady!  I also groove HARD to “U R Loved,” a funky track that could’ve been a hit by Earth, Wind & Fire.  Oh, and “Every Prayer,” featuring Mary Mary… the folks are saaangin!

So, yeah, for the record, you’ve gotta get it when it comes out!

STAY TUNED for a stupendous CD Giveaway RIGHT HERE… coming sooner than you think.  In the meantime, check out Israel talking about the song concept for his hit single, “Just Wanna Say”: