Voices: The Ultimate Gospel Choir Collection

By Em Fergusson

Time-Life and BET J have collaborated in presenting a dynamic CD collection. Voices: The Ultimate Gospel Choir Collection includes some of gospel's most beloved and timeless classics. The album brings together a rich variety of energetic choirs and chart-topping, dedicated gospel artists. From beginning to end, Voices offers songs of praise, worship and encouragement to listeners.

The collection includes the refreshing, breakout #1 hit by Kirk Franklin and The Family, Why We Sing; Ricky Dillard and The New Generation Chorale 's harmonious ballad, There Is No Other Way; and songstress Aretha Franklin 's impressive rendition of Precious Lord (Take My Hand)/You've Got A Friend. Each track takes us back to those worship-filled days when these awe-inspiring, uplifting songs carried us through our special moments.

The year was 2000 and everyone was talking about the new millennium and the threat of Y2K. This did not stop recording artists from delivering the best music. Gospel music was taken to new levels by some of the most influential, creative and innovative recording artists. Kurt Carr and his 2000 Awesome Wonder album won multiple awards, including a Stellar Award. Featured on Voices Carr’s soulful ballad, I Almost Let Go, speaks of how God's mercy and grace is ever-present and wonderful. The lyrics are a testament to what God can do for you when you put your faith on the line: I almost let go.
I felt like I just couldn't take life any more,
My problems had me bound,
depression weighed me down,
God held me close
So I wouldn't let go.
God's mercy kept me,
so I wouldn't let go.

Songs were compiled by Time-Life Music vice-president Mitchell Peyser and gospel music historian Jacquie Gales Webb (top-rated gospel DJ at Washington D.C.'s WHUR 96.3FM). The collection also features one of Oprah Winfrey 's favorite gospel tracks, Hezekiah Walker 's touching I Need You to Survive. The album, released shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, spurred a deep emotional response during the taping of Family Affair 2, which was recorded live in New York's Radio City Music Hall.