"The Good Life is being
rich in Christ, with all the things He gives us, like peace, and
healing, and joy."
Mission Statement: Natalie Wilson: "I
believe the Lord is leading me to help motivate, and enlighten,
and empower people in both talking to our audiences and in the
music we offer.I want people to see that with the Lord they
really can achieve their dreams and goals. I'm committed to
showing, especially to young people, a working, living faith
in Christ."
Group Mission: "One mission is to
revolutionize our generation spiritually, musically and psychologically.
I just really want to change the way most of us think in terms
of our generation; what we think and what we perceive God to
be. I hope that's what this project is able to accomplish."
Our secular society defines "The
Good Life" as enjoying the perks and pleasures of a high
standard of life because of large monetary resources, which
elevates people because of the prestige wealth brings them.
In stark contrast, this album, THE GOOD LIFE, has the main theme
that true peace, happiness and joy can be found in a relationship
with Jesus Christ. The songs are a"stirring testament to
and joyful celebration of all those possessions of the Spirit
that no amount of money could ever acquire."
These well-composed, skillfully lyricized
musical offerings, combined with the soul-stirring vocal deliveries
of three-time Stellar Award nominee Natalie Wilson and the 19
voice S.O.P Chorale, provide to the open listener, an opprtunity
for healing and wholeness. Natalie comments, "That's very
much in the forefront - and the thread of continuity--on healing
and wholeness on THE GOOD LIFE. It's about people and their
lives and everyday experiences. Each of the songs embraces one
aspect or another of what, as Christians, we live and know as
the "good life."
About Natalie Wilson and S.O.P. (Sounds
of Praise) Chorale
Natalie and her siblings grew up as children
of a Pastor, Bishop Nathaniel Simmons and learned about the
Lord in a Christian home and supportive church family. The musical
talents of Natalie and her brothers were helped in their development
by participating in the church choir.
As a young adult, Natalie Wilson received
formal training at Church of Christ Bible School. She then made
plans to begin a profession in cosmetology, treating her musical
ability as a sideline for church performances, etc. Little did
she know at the time what the Lord had planned for her life.
The 19 member S.O.P. Chorale was formed
at the St. Paul Church in South Orange, New Jersey, which was
pastored by Natalie's late father, Bishop Nathaniel Simmons,
under the direction of Natalie's brother, Glenn. In 1992, Glenn
died in an accident, leaving the S.O.P. Chorale without a director.
Natalie, who had been preparing for a career in cosmetology,
found the very course of her life changed when her father asked
her to take over as the S.O.P Chorale director.
While she had never thought of becoming
a choir director, and had a lot of doubt about her ability,
she agreed to take over this new responsibility to keep the
choir together as a group, until a "real" director
could be found to take over. Natalie
shares how she felt at the time. "I didn't know how to
direct. The only skill I knowingly brought to the job was how
to teach three-part harmony!"
However, the Lord had other plans for
her musical and spiritual gifts, and led her to develop her
skills in singing, arranging music and directing that He knew
she had, to direct the S.O.P. Chorale, for His purpose and glory..
When the Lord calls human beings into a ministry, He is right
there to help and enable them to grow in His ministry.
Natalie comments, "God filled in
the blanks, which gave me confirmation that it was meant to
be. From the first day, the anointing was there, as if my brother's
mantle had just fallen on me. Everyone was amazed, no one more
so than me! The Holy Spirit just gave it to me, and still is
helping me."
With her doubts and reservations laid
quickly to rest, Natalie stepped out in faith and took on her
new role with "unrestrained joy and enthusiasm." She
went back to school and became an ordained minister in the national
Sounds of Praise ministry, while leading the S.O.P. Chorale,
putting what she was learning to good use as she progressed
in her studies.
Natalie Wilson has had personal experience
in receiving the Lord's peace, and healing, and joy during some
rough trials of the heart, where she found herself in a mighty
personal battle, on and off throughout the 1990s. During
this challenging time in her life, when she was called into
a music ministry with S.O.P, Natalie Wilson also had her own
personal struggles as well with grief and turmoil. Within a
few short years of each other, not only did her brother Glenn
die, but also both her parents. On top of all this, her marriage
fell apart, which pushed her into a battle with depression which
she came through holding onto the Lord. Natalie reached a place
in her being where she can truly say her pain and suffering
has only made her stronger in her faith and her walk with Christ,
inspiring many of the lyrics found in her songs which are so
inspiring and uplifting to the listener.
Natalie shares about her struggles. "I
know the Lord has done far more than simply orchestrate my pain.
These trials have all been monumental events in my life. They've
been final tests before promotion from God. And He has brought
me out in a big and amazing way!"
Natalie shares her future goals in ministry:
"No matter where my life goes from here, I would hope that
people would always be able to say that I had been encouraging
and uplifting to everyone I met and encountered, and that they
felt the genuineness and sincerity of my spirit and heart."
The Lord's Promotional Plan for
Natalie Wilson & S.O.P...........
Natalie Wilson & S.O.P's first CD
effort, GIRL DIRECTOR, a collection of Urban Gospel, with a
street, edgy urban beat - Hip Hop style, touched many people,
especially two songs, CALVARY and ACT LIKE YOU KNOW, which are
called by some knowlegeable sources as being "modern Gospel
staples."
Interestingly, the independent record
label which produced GIRL DIRECTOR went out of business in 1998
before the CD could be released by this company, but this didn't
stop this group's music ministry for the Lord, because Natalie
Wilson and S.O.P found their reputation growing and that their
fan base kept getting bigger and bigger, encouraging them in
their music ministry.
Another phenomenon occurred, which had
the Lord's hand on it. Dispite having no marketing or promotion
whatso ever for their debut CD, Deejays on local area Gospel
music stations began to seek the CD out and bought it themselves.
The single from GIRL DIRECTOR, "Your Heart," became
a great regional success, and enjoyed a #1 spot for three months
in Baltimore, Maryland.
Natalie Wilson and S.O.P. again stepped
out in faith and entered the touring circuit, performing in
a steady stream of gigs around the United States and Canada.
Their big break happened when they performed on a high profile,
nationally syndicated show, "Bobby Jones Gospel Hour,"
and when they took part and performed with a full heart for
the Lord during the yearly convention of Rev. James Cleveland's
Gospel Music Workshop of America.
When Natalie Wilson and S.O.P joined
the Gospo Centric Records family, their debut CD was finally
released in a full scale way, to the joy of their clamoring
fans and admirers.
As the Lord continued to guide them,
as they depended on Him, it is not surprising then that Natalie
and S.O.P. both grew and transformed together into a Gospel
music entity with its own unique style and sound, which reflects
the Lord's molding of their hearts and character, through His
encouragement and leadership, and empowerment through the Holy
Spirit.
Because of this personal growth of both
Natalie and the members of the S.O.P. Chorale, the music and
lyrics on THE GOOD LIFE reflect a "deeper level of Praise
and Worship and a ministering of healing and wholeness."
Natalie shares how she has changed inside.
"I've gone through several major transitional changes in
my life in the last few years. It's as if another whole world
has been opened up inside of me-- knowing who I am, being more
confident in what God has called me to do, and just getting
more comfortable in the skin that I'm in."
Natalie also comments on the musical
and character growth of the group, since their first Cd release,
GIRL DIRECTOR. "I can see the Lord giving the group more
discipline and focus, and a very clear direction since the first
album of who we are, where we're going, and what we are to do.
He has definitely refined us in that time, and we've become
more polished in the sharing of the gifts He's given us."
Besides having a large loving fan base,
Natalie Wilson and S.O.P. Chorale have also been noticed and
greatly appreciated by the Gospel music community as well. For
their first CD release, GIRL DIERCTOR, the group received three
2002 Stellar Award nominations.
Recently, Natalie Wilson joined the lineup
of Gospo Centric artists slated to perform on “The Tonight Show
with Jay Leno” on December 23rd, 2003. The show featured Kirk
Franklin and friends, including Byron Cage, Dorinda Clark-Cole
and Percy Bady as well as new B-Rite Music recording artist
and “American Idol” Wild Card RJ Helton.
At the 2004 Stellar Awards in Houston,
Texas, in honor of Kirk Franklin's induction into Stellar's
Hall of Fame, Natalie Wilson and S.O.P. Chorale performed their
song, "Free"and an ensemble group of 6 S.O.P. members
sang "The Reason Why We Sing."
About their 2nd Album, THE GOOD LIFE
- Released in 2004
As a reviewer, I fully agree with the
description of the music of Natalie Wilson & SOP found on
this CD as being "A stirring testament to and joyful celebration
of all those possessions of the Spirit that no amount of money
could ever acquire."
While many of the elements of the musical
sound and feeling found on their debut CD, GIRL DIRECTOR are
still present in THE GOOD LIFE, one can notice this spiritual
and musical transition described above in the vocals, which
are described as being tighter than they've ever been, and the
interesting, moving compositions and the messages in the songs.
The listener is treated to a unique variety of Urban - Contemporary
Gospel, with not only songs with a Hip Hop style, but also more
mid-tempo and ballads, spiced with elements of traditional Gospel
presented in fresh ways, which results in a "distinctive
yet classic sound, that is fresh, vibrant and innovative,"
and most enjoyable on both a spiritual and musical level.
Song compositions bring new definitions
to choral gospel, which are a big part of the brightness, freshness
and joy that is created in these songs for the glory of the
Lord, as they explore what having the GOOD LIFE means to believers
and followers of Jesus Christ, inviting seekers to join in,
in living the good life by belonging to Jesus and following
the Lord's will for their lives.
Natalie comments, "There's a gentler
flow to this album, and I think that comes from growth and change
in the content of our hearts and our character, and it's very
much reflected in the lyrics of the songs. We've moved to a
deeper level of Praise and Worship, and a ministering of healing
and wholeness. That's very much in the forefront - and the thread
of continuity--on healing and wholeness on THE GOOD LIFE. It's
about people and their lives and everyday experiences. Each
of the songs embraces one aspect or another of what, as Christians,
we live and know as the "good life."
Many of the themes of the songs found
on this CD, which all point to Jesus Christ as the answer, have
their roots in Romans 8: 35-38, verses that have helped many
people through difficult circumstances in their lives.
"Who shall separate us from the
love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or
famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things
we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us. For I
am convinced that neither death or life, neither angels or demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able
to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesuse Christ
our Lord."
For, it is through the good life that
we receive through our walk with Jesus Christ that human beings
experience a lasting peace, inner and outer joy, a healing of
hurts and a sense of being loved unconditionally, being protected
and uplifted if we depend on and turn to Him. The songs explore
every day human experiences, such as the problem of hatred,
being tormented by issues, trials of every day life, depression,
dealing with critical people, being alone to deal with problems
and being in a tormented state of loss and confusion because
of our earthly relationships. Concerning all these unpleasant
realities found in our human existance, the messages of the
songs make clear that the solutions are tied into having a relationship
with Jesus Christ, which results in our healing and wholeness,
and being able to find the strength and inner peace and joy
to endure anything, as well as to accomplish our dreams and
goals through the Lord's will for our lives.
This CD is a true blessing to the listener,
a source of comfort and encouragement for us all to walk with
the Lord and experience the good life through Jesus Christ.
I highly recommend this entertaining, uplifting, encouraging
CD that brightens the spirit and encourages our faith in many
ways, through praise and worship and prayer and making the listener
aware of the wonderful character of our Lord Jesus, which encourages
our walk with Him.
CD Dedication:
"The Good Life is being rich in
Christ, with all the things He gives us, like peace, and healing,
and joy."
THE GOOD LIFE CD Songs:
* * * GOOD LIFE - Words and Music by
Natalie Wilson / Rodney Jerkins
Perky, spirit-lifting Urban Gospel Hip
Hop; upbeat praise song, a love letter to the Lord, with catchy
rhythm and melody. Great support from SOP Chorale, modern full
harmony and ensemble singing. Vocals carried sweetly by Natalie,
and the rap performed by darkchild Jerkins was well done and
clearly understood.
Natalie Comments, "It was written
at one of the lowest places in my life. In spite of my current
surroundings, I believed that I was afforded the opportunity
to live the good life, which was a life in Christ where His
love and protection superseded all material wealth and fortune.
Rodney Jerkins also raps about the benefit of being rich in
Christ.
Related Scriptural References: (1 John
4:19, Psalm 136, 2 Thess.3:3-5, John 3:16-18, Psalm 103:1-3,
Romans 8:35-39, Proverbs 3:5-6)
Sample of Lyrics:
Chorus: I'm living the good life, the
good life, yeah. Said I got something to sing about and something
to dance about, Something to talk about, something to laugh
about. There is no doubt about the good life, The good life
yeah (Repeat)
1) When, I think of, all the things You
brought me through I gotta ask why You've been so good to me
can I ask a question? What? What did I do? To deserve you. How
did I pray? What did I say? You give good life to me. Chorus
2) Now that I'm with You, I can be me,
let my hair down, I feel so free. Now I know the answer, life,
life is too short, to walk around with my head down, If You
agree, come have good life with me! Chorus
Bridge: Everyday You're blessing me,
and protecting me, from all danger seen and unseen. Uh a whatcha
got? There's no other love like this, no other life I'd rather
live, for the joy you bring to me! Chorus
Counter Chorus - Good, good life good,
good life.
* * * FREE - Words and Music by Natalie
Wilson and Joe Wilson
A favorite of this reviewer. Mostly written
in a minor key, but ends in a major key, built on syncopated
rhythm, which creates a catchy melody and counter melody, in
the Hip Hop style, but also has contemporary gospel influences,
creating a unique combination of genres. This is another great
spirit-lifter, guaranteed to get the listener out of any blue
funk or bad mood, as it re-adjusts one's attitude, as one gives
praise to the Lord for being made free in Jesus Christ. Definitely
a modern-contemporary praise / worship Gospel song, that uses
dynamics and building melodic harmonies, and an irresistable
dance beat, supported by a crisp horn section, expressive, joyous
lead vocals and a strong choir to bring the joyous message of
the song, that believers are free from sin and condemnation
in Jesus Christ.
As in traditional Gospel, Natalie leads
the choir in the verses in her own unique, natural style.
Features again great choir harmonies
that build nicely from simple to full choir sound, supported
by organ, nice full horn section support, light percussion and
synthesized beat, with a healthy dose of traditional Gospel
added at the end.
Natalie comments: "This song is
primarily to the church, because there are too many critical
opinions of just what praise should and shouldn't be, and I
wanted to break that barrier down. We all have our own definitions
and expressions of how we want to serve and praise God, and
we should respect that in each individual."
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:1-2,
Romans 5:8, 1 Thess. 5:16-18, Philppians 4:4)
Sample of Lyrics of Songs:
First Chorus: No condemnation, I'm free...
I dance and sing in liberty... Don't care what they think about
me... Cause I have a right to be free!
Second Chorus: My praise may be different
than yours, I might clap fast you might clap slow... But just
in case you didn't know...Praise don't have rules it's a flow!
Bridge: Praise is the key that unlocks
every door, so get on the floor. What you're waiting for? The
windows of Heaven are open. The fire is falling tonight! And
it's alright!
Chorus
Drive: I'm free, you're free, won't you
just let go, let the praises flow. You're free and I'm free...don't
let what they say, take away your praise!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.......
Come on, a come on........................................
* * + CONQUERORS - Words and Music by
Natalie Wilson and Joe Wilson
Described as a "joyous irresistible
reggae/dancehall jam," featuring international reggae star,
Papa San who sings the third verse, in his Jamaican verbal style,
along with Natalie and S.O.P, who handle the other verses and
chorus, in this type of Gospel known as reggae/ Jamaican dancehall,
made popular in many circles by Papa San.
Scriptural References: (2 Thess. 3: 3-5,
Romans 8:37, Ephesians 6:13-18, Phil. 4:11, 13, Rev. 21: 3-4,
Psalm 27:1, John 15:1-2, 5)
Song Lyrics:
Chorus: Conquerors, conquerors, we are
more than conquerors! Victorious, warriors, we are more than
conquerors.
1) We are mighty soldiers, and we're
out on the battlefield, it's time to kill! Everything that would
come up against us. Gotta back down cause we got the advantage.
He's the True Vine and we are the branches. Shout it out loud
no weapons formed against us!
Chorus 2: Conquerors, conquerors, we
are more than conquerors! Victorious, warriors, we are more
than conquerors. For Christ we live, for Christ we die, He will
give us strength to fight, Stand with us, believe and trust,
we are more than Conquerors!
2) Everyday there's a war going on tween
right and wrong, who side you're on? The enemy's gone try to
prevent us, That we're gonna lose when it's already proven.
We're the ones who's gonna win in the end, We're the ones who's
gonna win in the end!
Chorus + Counter Chorus: Get the enemy
confused, Ain't no way we're gonna lose!
* * * THERE'S NO HATRED -Words and Music
by Andre Crouch, arranged for a choral piece by Natalie Wilson.
"The only answer to a dying world
is Jesus Christ." In conclusion, we should love each other
as Christ loved us.
Another favorite of this reviewer. A
Contempory Gospel worship song that would fit into any worship
service, in any denomination. Described as a deeply moving ballad,
originally written by Gospel legend, Andre Crouch, over 20 years
ago, whose message is timeless and very relevant to us today.
The star of this song is the strong harmonic full voices of
the choral which the heartfelt lead vocals by James Moore Jr.,
which carry the melody and message of the song in a moving manner.
Soft musical support from keyboards / organ / very simple, soft
brush percussion, just to keep the beat.
Natalie comments: "I've always loved
that song and I wanted to resurrect it and transform it into
a choral piece. Especially in the time of war and terror around
the world that we're in now, I really wanted everyone to embrace
the fact that there's no hatred or jealousy in Christ. There's
only love.
Scriptural References: (1 John 3:14-16,
Galations 5: 19-26, John 15:17, 2nd Cor. 5:14)
Sample of Lyrics:
First Chorus: Don't
let, hatred be among you....Hatred always will divide you. There's
no hatred in Christ. Don't let, hatred be among you....Hatred
always will divide you. There's no hatred in Christ.
2nd Chorus:
Don't let, jealousy be among you. IT will always, will divide
you. There's no jealousy in Christ
Oh no! There's not hatred in Christ!
Oh no! There's not hatred in Christ!
* * * WHEN YOU NEED A FRIEND - (Suffering
from Loneliness, betrayal, confusion, being off track and alone
to face problems)
Words and Music by Carlton Pope
Another beautiful ballad, with great
dynamics that build throughout the song in both the musical
composition and choral vocals and lead vocals (Tina Marshall),
catching the soul and emotion of this Gospel worship song while
delivering a message of hope, comfort and encouragement that
we have in Jesus Christ; our constant friend who is with us
always.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8 :38,
Hebrews 13: 5-6, Psalm 27, Isaiah 49: 15-16)
Sample of Lyrics:
1) You're tossed, and driven, can't seem
to find your way. No where to turn, it seems like you've gone
astray, But there is someone, someone you can turn to. When
you're in doubt, Jesus will see you through....When you need
a Friend.
Chorus: When you need a friend, right
to the very end...God is on your side.
2) When so-called friends betray you,
and always leave you with no help. Troubles all around you,
but you're only fooling yourself. Cause there is someone, someone
you can turn to. When you're in doubt, Jesus will see you through...When
you're all alone, with no where to go... God is on your side!
Chorus.
Drive: He's on your side, He's on your
side...God is on your side.......
* * * 3:16 INTERLUDE: Words, based on
John 3:16, and Music by Stephanie Austin and Joe Wilson
A really nice R & B Gospel worship
song that flows with a memorable melody, easy R & B beat,
and sweet vocals by Stephanie Fisher and the usual great SOP
Choral vocals, creating a great melody / sound for the meaningful
lyrics.
Based on John 3:16, the lyrics tell the
listener about a major principle in the Christian faith. Out
of His divine love for mankind, Jesus Christ willingly made
himself to be the ultimate sin sacrifice once and for all so
we can be free of sin and have eternal life with Him through
our belief in Him.
Scriptural References: (John 3:16, Hebrews
9:11-15, 28, & 12:13, 1 Peter
2:24)
Song Lyrics:
Intro: Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
For God so loved the world, He gave His
only Son, That whosoever believe in Him shall have everlasting
life, Oh what a perfect scarifice through Jesus Christ, He gave
His life for me, at Calvary.
For God so loved the world, He gave His
only Son, That whosoever believe in Him shall have everlasting
life, Oh what a perfect scarifice through Jesus Christ.
He shed His blood for me, at Calvary.
He died to set me free, at Calvary. He died to set me free.
* * + PEOPLE - (Critical of your faith)
- Words and Music by Natalie Wilson & Joe Wilson
Lead vocals by Lakeesha Stillwell &
Suquilah Stillwell
An enjoyable laid back R & B, Hip
Hop Gospel song that has a catchy beat and melody, a perfect
vehicle for lead vocals and the always harmonic S.O.P. to bring
the message of what attitude to have and who to go to for strength
in handling the criticism of unbelievers and believers who have
attitude problems about your faith.
Natalie Comments:"This song was
written out of experiences in dealing with how other people
have criticized my faith and beliefs. It further denotes the
importance of not allowing the opinions and scrutiny of others
to distract us from our focus on God, when it is ultimately
Him that controls our purpose and destiny."
Scriptural References: (Romans 12:2, 2nd Cor. 1: 24b, Romans
5:1-5, John 15: 18-22, 2nd Cor.12: 9-10, Matt. 6:33)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: People don't understand why,
I praise Him the way that I do. And, they really can't comprehend
how, I smile when I'm going through well, I ain't gonna try
and pretend that, my life has been peachy keen, But He's given
me plenty of blessings, Who cares about the chatter, it really
doesn't matter, what people think.
Who cares about what people say, they're
gonna talk about ya anyway. Just long as you serve the King,
you're gonna be a threat to the enemy. Don't change the way
you praise Him, to please them, that's not a reason, Just live
you life pleasing in His sight, continue doing right, cause
Chorus
Get used to the ridicule, they're gonna
throw, what you used to do. Back in your face but tell em, you
love them, and you're praying but ya, Can't live your life worrying
about what, what people sayin' Just make sure you're living
what you sing, who cares what they think ...Chorus
Bridge: All I wanna do is live my life
to please Christ, everyday! I'm thnakful for the brand new mercies
when I wake. But every time I turn around there's someone trying
to criticize my faith. Chorus
Drive: He understands, where I am. My
purpose and my destiny, is in His plan. He understands, where
I am. My purpose and my destiny, is in His plan. I'm glad He
understands, where I am. No matter what you're going through.
It's in His hands.
* * * + PUT BACK JOY - (For trials in
our daily lives & sudden, unexpected tragedies) Words and
Music by Melvin Smith
Arranged by Natalie Wilson. Lead Vocals:
Natalie Wilson, Racheal Wilson, Tayla Wilson, Ahmed Wallace.
Another great favorite of this reviewer
- Contemporary Urban Gospel at its best. Fell in love with the
infectious melody, interesting composition key segues, sweet
lead vocals, great harmonic choral vocals, effective dynamics
and the great group ensemble effort, which brings this song
roaringly to life, making it a great tool in lifting the spirits,
reminding the listener to depend on the Lord to give comfort,
inner joy nad strength to endure, no matter what the circumstances.
Natalie comments: "This is a song
of comfort and soothing. Particularly after the devastating
losses of 9/11, PUT BACK JOY was written to give back hope and
inspiration to people."
Scriptural References: (Romans 15:13
& 14:17, Phil. 4:4-7 and Ephesians 3:16-19, 1 Thess. 5:16-18)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Put back Joy in your life, really
doesn't matter who you are. Together let's say no more pain.
There is trouble all over the land, but I know there is a man,
Put back Joy in your life.
1) Sometimes you don't have the words
to say, All you can do is moan a little to get you through the
day um hum, And there are times when life gets kinda hard, But
it's just for a little while so Chorus:
2) We should think about the children,
They are we, and we should never let them fall, Where there
is joy there is strength, and I know that we can be strong,
Hold on....
Bridge: Sorry if your loved one is gone.
Don't be the first to say, Where is my God? In time you'll see,
if you believe, you'll overcome anyway, so.. Chorus
Drive: Joy in your life, peace in your
life, a little bit of Love in your life...
SOP PARTY - Words and Music by Natalie
Wilson and Joe Wilson
A full blown Gospel Hip Hop Praise song
that really cooks with a lively melody, catchy beat, interesting
harmonies and lots of enthusiasm from all involved! Definitely
guarranteed to pump up the spirit and get the listener dancing
around the room in celebration for what the Lord has done! A
joyous song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord which invites
all to join in their S.O.P. Praise Party.
Scriptural References: (1 Thess. 5:16 -18, Hebrews 13:15, James 3:9 & 5:13, Psalm
69:30 & 101:1 & 105:2)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Haven't ya heard bout a state
of alert this is issued to you? Betta get up and move! It's
about to get real live....it's a praise party tonight! So get
on your feet, cause a S.O.P. party's comin your way and if you
ain't ashamed. Keep ya hands raised real high...Represent Jesus
tonight
1) Come on everyone time to get up, need
to throw away the drama, We had about enough. We came to tell
you that the mission has begun, we're sending up the praise,
put the devil on the run. We came to party, came to sing and
dance, gonna lose our minds tonight. Like there ain't no second
chance. So what you're waiting for the party has begun, get
it up and get it poppin' Every body, Everyone. Chorus
Bridge: It's okay, keep the faith, He
will be, all that you need.... So raise those hands and strike
the band.... Cause He's comin' after all the one's ready to
make a stand....
Counter Chorus: If you're down with us
than throw your hands, in the air, like you care! Get on up
and come party with me, you're family with S.O.P.
* * * PEACE & TRANQUILITY - (For
broken hearts caused by failed relationships) - Words and Music
by Natalie Wilson and Joe Wilson
Another favorite of this reviewer. This
contemporary, easy flowing gospel personal worship song with
touches of R & B is described as a "soothing ballad"
which was written specifically for those who are suffering emotionally
from "misunderstandings and challenges in our earthly relationships."
The lyrics clearly describe how the Lord cared for this person
during a emotionally painful time. The well done, heartfelt
lead vocals and the great harmonies of the S.O.P. Chorale intermingle
in turn to express the song's uplifting message, and lovely,
memorable melody which carries the listener to a new level of
awareness of what a comfort and support our Lord can be in our
lives if we let Him, when things get rough in our lives.
Natalie comments: "It talks about
the healing power of God, when we are at our most tormented
state of loss and confusion. He give us peace that surpasses
all of our understanding."
Scriptural References: (Ephesians 3:18,
Philip. 4:6-8, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:38)
* * * + HEALING REST - (For trials and
problems) - Words and Music by Natalie Wilson and Joe Wilson
This reviewer's favorite ballad on CD.
It truly is a moving worship Gospel ballad whose lyrical content
/ Natalie's spoken word offers words of comfort about the Lord's
character and promises to us to always be there for us through
our prayer and worship time with Him. The 3/4 meter gives the
piece a comforting, moving swirling feel to the song, fully
supported by fine piano and strings, and the wonderful full
harmonic choral sound one can expect from S.O.P., All which
gives fine support to Natalie's sweet, heartfelt vocals, as
she expresses lyrically how the Lord delivered her from her
depression.
Natalie comments: "This song is
drawn from Matthew 9:20 where Jesus heals a woman who has suffered
for years with bleeding. It's modern day analogy would be simply
our becoming healed and whole from whatever issues have been
tormenting us."
Scriptural References: (Matt: 9:20 &
11:28-30, John 14 1-2, Jeremiah 29:11,13 and Psalm 46:1)
Lyrical Samples:
Words spoken by Natalie: "There
is a woman that had an issue of blood for many long years. She
spent all she had on doctors and physicians. Til one day, she
heard Jesus was in town. And she pressed her way through the
crowd to touch the hem of His garment, and she was made whole.
You need to know that in worship. There is healing and rest."
Each time I hear You, I long to feel
You. I want to touch Your hem. The hem of Your garment is where
I can worship. Is where I find healing and rest.
I need to praise You. Lose myself in
You. Hide in that secret place. For You there is shelter. And
warmth from the winter. Is where I find healing and rest. For
You there is shelter and warmth from the winter, Is where I
find healing and rest.
Hook: Oh worship, oh worship, Oh worship,
oh worship, Oh worship, oh worship.
The hem of Your garment, Is where I can
worship. Is where I find healing and rest.
* * * + LIQUID PRAYER - (Musical healing
For deep emotional pain) - Words and Music by Natalie Wilson
and Joe Wilson
A strong favorite of this reviewer. Described
as an infectious, dazzling mid-tempo pop/ R& B Gospel song
- one that was inspired by Natalie's personal struggles, which
is why the lyrics minister so well to those in emotional distress,
suffering from a broken heart, or in the depths of depression
and loss.
Natalie shares, "The term 'Liquid
Prayer' describes my bout with depression when I would lie awake
at night and just cry and cry. There aren't any words to describe
it, and I couldn't even find words to put into prayers. But
God didn't need words. HE knew what was in my heart, and what
I was going through, and He delivered me. Those tears were my
liquid prayers."
Scriptural References: (Philip. 4:6-8,
Romans 8:26-27 & 37-38, Matt. 6:33,
Psalm 91)
Lyrical Samples:
I thought of you the other day and I
prayed, You've been acting as if you're okay, But you're hurting
inside with no one to confide, So God give me these words to
say
Chorus:
When your words can't convey what your
heart needs to say, When you cry God hears you through your
tears. And your stories are spoken God hears and He cares, For
He understand your liquid prayers.
I can see that your spirit is, it's broken
and torn, Cause I've been where you are once before. And I know
how it feels when you, ya can't say a word. When you're weary
from the pain and hurt, so when... Chorus
Bridge: Know that weeping may endure
for a night. But joy cometh in the morning light. So be not
dismayed for my God will take care. Keep the faith help is on
the way! So stand still my sister, my brother be strong. Cause
you're breakthrough is waiting today. You've been crying and
my God has bottled your tears. And He's answering your liquid
prayers. What you need to do is just hold on.
Drive: Hold, on Every time, every time
you cry (that He's healing you inside). Be strong, God understands
(trust and believe) your tears. He's working it out for you,
yes. He's doing it now for you, yes.
Julie Carr - Music Reviewer for ChristianMusic.com
Information about Natalie Wilson &
SOP was provided by:
Lynn McCain / McCain & Company //
lynn@mccainpr.com
