WOW Gospel 2008

By Peggy Oliver

Has it already been a decade years since the inception of the WOW Gospel Series? There was plenty of gospel music before 1998, but the landscape has grown both in traditional and contemporary aspects since. Now launching another decade, WOW Gospel 2008 offers everything from a classic quartet to a youth choir to even an R&B legend. One attribute remains with this series; thirty songs (really thirty-three) make the grade for this two disc set. A majority comes from the major label umbrellas, yet thanks to the growth of the independents, we hear the gifts of Dr. Juanita Bynum, Youthful Praise, and Potter’s House Mass Choir. Disc one lets loose songs of encouragement and edification, while deeper worship territory is on tap for disc number two.

Several songs should receive worthy mention. Starting with disc one, Kirk Franklin and company unleash Looking For You, a danceable jam riding on Patrice Rushen’s, Haven’t You Heard? sample. Smooth R&B and a mass choir stir sweetness as former Blackstreet member, Dave Hollister, Hezekiah Walker, and Love Fellowship Choir team for the remix of Grateful. In a surprising yet refreshing vein, Complete by Lashun Pace shows a calm demeanor, though there’s Pace’s power-packed pipes towards the climax. Big band blues accompany Mary Mary on the gut-wrenching Yesterday, and the duo also joins Patti LaBelle for a non-stop fever pitch throughout Anything. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, marking a career that spans over fifty years, handles Movin’ with quartet ease. The voice who brought you the impacting Let Go, DeWayne Woods, leads The Tri-City Singers on God Is.

Now for the vertical praise disc. The classic, This Is The Day features a refreshing Afro-Cuban arrangement as Fred Hammond’s energetic leadership keeps the pace moving and the content interesting. Even through a recording absence, Tramaine Hawkins returns with increased purpose after being healed of cancer, as captured on the transparent, I Never Lost My Praise. Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music offer complimentary support. Known for their supercharged presentations, Tye Tribbett & G.A. maneuver some tempo and vocal twists and turns for Sinking, a convicting message that proves even the anointed sink deep in sin. Israel & New Breed explore Reggaeton rhythms while balancing the praise zone on With Long Life, alongside mostly subtle vocal brushings by rapper T-Bone. The waltz-like, Incredible God, Incredible Praise from James Hairston & Youthful Praise adds another dimension in the contemporary scene. Richard Smallwood & Vision always radiates elegance, in this case on I’ll Trust You. The final track, Grace, finds Bishop T.D. Jakes’ strong communication skills attuned with the versatile Potter’s House Mass Choir.

For the complete track listing and to check out snippets, visit www.wowgospelonline.com or www.amazon.com.