Mia Paylor weighs in on whether you should Purchase or Pass on the new album from Wess Morgan…
Armed with a powerful testimony (he’s a former addict), the gift to preach, an awesome backing choir (The Celebration of Life Choir), fresh material, and a soulful (cough…black…cough) delivery…even a penchant for bow ties, Wess Morgan is ready to usher you out of your flesh and into the spirit realm!
Released on October 19th, Wess Morgan’s Under an Open Heaven is a must-have for Praise & Worship music lovers who enjoy singing songs full of soul and substance.
“Oh, Great One” opens the project. The music has a big, full sound fitting for an opening number. You hear horns, strings, hits…all of that. The joyful lyrics make it very clear who the “Great One” is (Oh, Great One/Messiah/We bless You). Wess leads the song with skill and vigor, switching seamlessly from singing to speaking. And, the drive at the end makes you want to leap!
“I Will Sing of Your Great Love” is another big song that could’ve also served as the CD opener. The song includes surprising twists with the melody that I really love. I was a little disappointed in the ending. The words, “I don’t know what you’ve come to do/But I’ve come to praise the Lord”, detracted from the songs originality. In fact, let’s all agree to retire that statement right now!
“I Choose to Worship” is the worship ballad posted here at GospelPundit.com. Many agreed that this song was full of power and passion. It’s a testimony, a declaration, and a directive all in one moving song. The build of the song evokes emotion. This is definitely one of my favorites from this collection.
Wess teaches folks how to shine up an old standard with the inclusion of “Welcome Into This Place.” This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VERSION OF THIS SONG! Who knew this song had verses?! It’s so perfect that I don’t know how to describe it other than to say…it’s perfect!
Simple and elegant, “More of You”, with its pleading string arrangement, effectively brings the lyrics, “Lord, I want more/More of You/Less of me/Increase”, to life. Wess leads this song with an artist who sounds like Lakewood’s Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff. Both provide all the adlibs and exhortations one can stand. I do wish the song didn’t end so rapidly.
The title track, “Under an Open Heaven”, is a fresh spin on self-encouraging songs. It explains that we have to do a bit more than believe in order to receive. “The favor of God is reigning on me” after “I’ve prayed” and “I’ve fasted.” Now, “I’m in my season of blessing!” Hallelujah! Somebody gets it! Thanks, Wess, lol.
Wess also includes a few surprising styles on this release: Latin Jazz (“Sing Unto the Lord”), Jazz (“I Cannot Fail the Lord”), and R&B (“You Gave Me Hope”). And, if anyone questions whether or not Wess can really squall, take one listen to the “Something About that Name Medley” or the “Praise Medley (We Enter In)” to get your answer. *snickering*
Woo… I love this project! Purchase!
By now, you MUST have heard “I Choose To Worship” by Wess Morgan. The tune has been climbing the radio charts and he’s been seen a bit of everywhere performing it.
Sorrrrry…
