Kirk Franklin - Hero

By Rene Williams

Fo Yo Soul Entertainment

Kirk Franklin is the best-selling gospel artist in the history of black gospel music. Selling over 13 million units since the release of his first project in 1993, he has been a large part of the new sound, style and look of gospel music. He’s also played an important part in the acceptance of gospel music by mainstream audiences.

Now coming back after a 3 ½ year hiatus after the trendsetting, award-winning Rebirth Of Kirk Franklin, Franklin delivers a brand new project entitled Hero. Stepping away from the church style of Rebirth, this project finds Franklin providing the uncompromising message of Christ with songs of an urban nature and a soulful vibe.

Franklin opens this eclectic collection of music with a moving rendition of America The Beautiful. Sung by African children, all of whom have lost their parents because of war, famine or AIDS; it’s a poignant opening. Quickly the CD moves into the up-tempo urban groove of Looking For You. Franklin samples old-school pianist/songwriter Patrice Rushen’s Haven’t You Heard on this song. Getting 'beaucoup' airplay already, the song is high-energy all the way.

Including a slew of gospel’s best, Franklin brings in Clark Sister Dorinda Clark-Cole on the title cut, Hero. Penned by Franklin, as are practically all the songs on this project, it begins with testimonies of God’s deliverance and hones in on the struggles we go through in this life. But through it all, the song declares, “Jesus, You are my hero, You came and You saved the day”. Percussionist virtuoso Sheila E. and famed guitarist Doc Powell join in as musicians on this cut and throughout the project. Clark-Cole, who steps to the mic near the end of the song, improvises with her jazzy signature style.

Fred Hammond, another major voice in gospel, lends his vocals to a breathtaking acapella interlude. Franklin flies solo on Let It Go. Rapping over an urban, beat-driven track, Let It Go uses a sample of 80s duo Tears For Fears’ hit, Shout. He speaks about his personal experiences - including his tragic beginnings, his struggle with pornography and his spiritual transformation. Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. and tobyMac step in, providing additional vocals on the track. The 20-track album includes some wonderful nuggets including the inspiring Imagine Me, the beckoning First Love, the touching The Appeal and the catchy composition, Sunshine.

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