Sound of The New Breed - Kingdom

By Peggy Oliver

It seems like yesterday that The New Breed, a collective that normally accompanies Israel Houghton, stepped into the solo spotlight for the first time with Freedom.  Released within several months of each other, Kingdom is the second in a series Sound of The New Breed.  On the heels of Fred Hammond and PAJAM adaptations involving established contemporary worship pieces, the six-piece vocal band aims to stamp their R&B/Rock/World prowess on Integrity Music’s songbook.  

The group, comprising of various worship leaders, was birthed from New Breed Ministries, formed by Israel and his wife Meleasa.  Their purpose is to meet needs all around the world, whether hungry souls or addressing issues, such as AIDS.  One such trip evolved into an energetic and impassioned recording, Alive in South Africa.  Both on and off stage, this collective desires a deep relationship with Christ, including periods of fasting for forty days from food and TV.  Israel & The New Breed’s music has also developed a solid reputation crossing genres and cultures.

The first call to worship comes via the majestic, Ancient of Days, co-written by Gary Sadler, declaring the durability of God’s kingdom: “For none can compare to Your matchless worth.”  Many moods accent this piece including a funky backbeat, an African chant breakdown slowly leading into guitar feedback, then finishing up the funk.

Several of Houghton’s compositions are on tap, including an update of a major New Breed hit, You Are Good, celebrating “people from every nation and tongue” lifting up His name.  Neville Diedericks, 2002 South African Music Award nominee, adorns the piece with an expressive lead vocal.  Cranking up the house music vibes, Sing For Joy encourages intimacy with God on every level. 

A long acoustic piano intro sets up Jesus Is; teeter-tottering between an R&B slow jam and anathematic choruses.  During the climax, co-lead Daniel Johnson welcomes the King, as deliverance, healing, and the like abound.

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