Sounds of Blackness
Review / Unity CD Review - ChristianMusic.com
Kings & Queens Review * UNITY CD Video * Sounds of Blackness Bio * KINGS & QUEENS CD Video
REVIEW OF UNITY CD - WOW! What an album!!!
It is no wonder why it earned Sounds of Blackness a 2005 Stellar Award!
It is hard to know where to start in sharing all the album's stellar characteristics, which make it a MUST for anyone's Christian music collection, as the quality performances, wonderful compositions and the messages of healing, reconciliation, inspiration, and restoration found in the themes of the songs come together to create a total musical package which offers something for everyone who is a member of the human race.
The group's talented music vocal director, Gary Hines, Sounds of Blackness vocalists and band musicians, Producer LaSalle Gabriel and a host of talented songwriters have come together to create a truly glorious blend of Urban / Traditional Black Gospel / African American music in this album, UNITY; a labor of love, showcasing the wealth of talent and gifts very much evident in this very special collection of songs.
The musical compositions of songs offers the listener a wonderful blend of Black Gospel, which encompasses Spirituals, roof-raising to hymn-like traditional / contemporary anthems; with soul, blues, R& B, jazz hip hop and contemporary ballads also represented in a variety of creative musical blends.
The creative, well-done mix of musical cuts truly offer something sure to please a wide audience of music lovers, making this album a sparkling gem which speaks to the soul and uplifts the spirit, washing a wave of encouragement over the listener in a most enjoyable way; through the language of African American music which truly has universal appeal to the human family.
The vocals heard in these songs testify to the enormous talent of not only the individual lead vocals and ensemble choir, but also of the musical talents of their experienced and gifted vocal director, Gary Hines, who has been leading this vocal ensemble choir since 1971, when he took over the reins by becoming the choral director. Gary Hines also knows how to arrange music for his ensemble choir, co-wrote and gave his creative input as co-producer on the songs found on this album, resulting in the professional and uplifting vocal results in both the choral sound, and the inspirational, moving to energetic lead vocals which together express the mood, style and message of each song so brilliantly.
Both past and present members of the Sounds of Blackness give memorable contributions and performances.
Ann Nesby - Ann Nesby began her professional singing career with Sounds of Blackness in the early 1990s, as a lead vocalist. Her powerful vocal gifts add so much to the title song, UNITY; a stirring anthem and the second cut, HEAVEN; a fine mix of urban / contemporary Gospel anthem, offering two songs which begin this album with a strong musical introduction to two of this fine album's central themes; Having a unity in spirit with each other and with the Lord, in order to seek justice and freedom and to look at life's blessings as a source of comfort and encouragement and not dwelling on what we don't have, but to be thankful for what the Lord has provided in our lives. (James 1:17)
Producer LaSalle Gabriel - Who began his musical career with Sounds of Blackness, playing guitar and keyboards, has come back to this group as not only the Executive Producer of this album, having the group record at his SRL Studios, but also contributes his considerable skills by playing his guitar and helping to write some of the songs.
LaSalle's guitar work was most enjoyable in just about all of the songs, including UNITY, HEAVEN, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN and * TROUBLE (terrific blues riff), which he also co-wrote.
Levi Seacer, Jr. - Levi Seacer was the band director throughout the 1990's, and co-wrote three the songs with Billy Steele, the listed official keyboardist - A SECOND CHANCE * I'M MOVIN' * BE ENCOURAGED. Levi Seacer also contributed to title song, UNITY and ALL GOD'S CHILDREN.
Gary Hines and LaSalle Gabriel have a wealth of vocal talent to work with in the Sounds of Blackness Choir. All vocal parts, courtesy of the groups' Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Base vocalists, have a professional sound, and the group's up and coming lead vocalists provide performances which express the lyrical messages so well, lifting the spirits and feeding the soul of the listener.
* Terrence T-Bone Frierson,Yulanda, Billy Steele (also can sing!), Amy Peterson and Cynthia Johnson are vocalists which this reviewer found most enjoyable in their efforts. Also loved the lead vocals ( rich alto voice) performed in OVER MY HEAD, but the name of the vocalist wasn't listed in the CD cover.
* The choral ensemble work by Andrea Tribitt, Terrence T-Bone Frierson, with Carrie Harrington, Robert Edwards, Billy Steele, D. Demps is exceptional in the songs, THEY THAT WAIT * OVER MY HEAD.
The musicians of the Sounds of Blackness 10 piece band, also excel at providing a strong, lively musical foundation which supports but not overwhelms the vocals and message of each song, giving professional support to the rhythm, melody and offering interesting counter melody as well. They not only play a variety of musical styles, but can express so well musically their individual gifts and feelings, adding so much to the compositions.
UNITY is the perfect choice for both seasoned connoisseurs of all genres found in Black Gospel / African American music and for novices as well. UNITY also appeals to other Christian denominations and communities outside of Christianity; For the messages of the songs have universal appeal, on both the spiritual and community level, a long-standing tradition of this ensemble choir, Sounds of Blackness.
SPIRITUAL TRUTHS AND THEMES IN SONGS
Messages found in these songs express the struggles often encountered in everyday life, as they are part of the human condition. The lyrical messages explore everyday human struggles with personal behavior, attitudes, obstacle, prejudice, injustice, lack of freedom, adversity, trials and consequences resulting from disunity. Remedies and solutions given in these songs offer healing, reconciliation, inspiration, and restoration to the listener, by offering and exploring various categories of unity.
* Unifying Individual faith and effort: Change begins with a positive attitude, the courage to try and a persevering spirit; empowered by faith in the Lord and faith in one's own gifts.
TRY * TROUBLE * I'M MOVIN'
* Unity with the Lord through faith and depending on Him:
THEY THAT WAIT * HEAVEN * LIFE
* Unity with each other, standing as a human family to promote change and give support to each other to handle the bumps in life, and to stand up against injustice, hate, self-centeredness, greed and plain evil.
Unity for freedom and justice - UNITY
Enjoying life's blessings - Unity in Fellowship with family, others and the Lord
A SECOND CHANCE * LIFE
Unity in the face of trials and adversity, depending on the Lord's promises
I'M MOVIN' * BE ENCOURAGED * INTERLUDE
* Consequences of disunity with others and not seeing own faults, blaming others.
ALL GOD'S CHILDREN * PUT THE FINGER ON ME
This collection of songs, a labor of love and faith, rise to the quality of musical product which is stated in the group's mission statement above; Not only do these songs "Glorify God by unifying and inspiring all people through African-American Music," but they truly do "take message of healing, reconciliation, inspiration, and restoration through the power of music to the global community."
As stated above, UNITY is a MUST for anyone's Christian music collection!
REVIEW OF INDIVIDUAL SONGS AND THEIR LYRICS
* * * + + UNITY - Words and Music by LaSalle Gabriel, Gary Hines and J. Anderson
Lead vocals - Guest Ann Nesby
Main Theme: A stirring anthem to encourage both personal faith and courage and as a group in a unity to step out in faith to achieve justice and equality for all, as the Lord intended.
Favorite song of this reviewer. This CD gets off to a powerful start with this title song. Well written composition composed in a minor key, with a memorable melody. A memorable, dynamic composition which makes great use of strings, orchestra and some pretty spunky counter melody carried by keys, guitar and piano with a touch of synths. Sound builds throughout the song. Steady, peppy rhythm with a counter rhythm provided by bongos in parts keeps the song moving along.
Ann Nesby begins strongly, setting the tone and mood of powerful message of the song vocally with her wonderful, soulful introduction done a capella. WOW, what a vocal talent!!!! This dynamic composition combines soulfully the spiritual sound with the beat of urban Gospel, creating a powerful musical experience, propelled by the vocals of Ann Nesby throughout the song. She is well supported by the harmonious backup ensemble of SOB women.
Love the melody and dynamic expression in both the vocals and composition. Love the dynamic buildup in the bridge which climaxes in the chorus. Minor key sound gives the song a sense of yearning for a better society / better world where the inner character and personal being is held most important, not outward appearances, or color of skin. (1 Samuel 16:7)
Scriptural References:(Micah 6:8, Ephesians 4:2b-3, Romans 8:31 & 12:2, 1 Cor.1:8-9, Ps.133:1)
Lyrics to UNITY
I heard it said, there was a dream, there was a dream for unity. OHHH We need unity, everywhere we go, unity!
CHORUS Unity --- Unity is what we need! Unity - Unity oh Unity
Back in the day, Brothas and sistas / Marched hand in hand For equality / When times got rough / They turned to each other (Oh yes they did) / For strength and love, And unity / We must stay strong Encourage our brother (Encourage each other) / In times like these We need one another/
Bridge:We can't forget / Where we've been / Fighting for / Togetherness / Mothers prayed / Fathers stayed / Fighting for Togetherness
CHORUS Unity --- Unity is what we need! Unity - Unity oh Unity
Blessings abide If we life up the people / Lift 'em high So they can be free (They can be free) / If God be for us / Who can be against us / Just keep the faith, Believe in the dream / We can be strong / If we are together / Building a nation For unity /
Bridge: We can't forget / Where we've been / Fighting for / Togetherness / Mothers prayed / Fathers stayed / Striving for Righteousness
CHORUS Unity --- Unity is what we need! Unity - Unity oh Unity
HEY, Unity....Unity... Everybody wants a little unity! Unity is what we need, what we need!
From Martin Luther King's I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH: "I have a dream today that my four young children will one day grow up in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the strength of their character....."I have a dream today that America will become a great nation; this must be true. Let Freedom ring....
Unity , Unity, let me hear you say it, Unity!
* * * ++ HEAVEN - Words and Music by LaSalle Gabriel, Levite Seacer Jr, Gary Hines, A. Tribbit
Lead vocals - Guest Ann Nesby
Another strong favorite of this reviewer. An upbeat contemporary urban anthem, which blends R&B, soul, Gospel and jazz in an encouraging song, with an uplifting melody and lots of instrument inner voices; inspiring musicianship provided by guitars, piano, synths & organ, adding sparkle and umph, as well as supporting the main melody carried by the vocals. Especially love the jazz influences in the composition, which begin in the intro and continue throughout the song. Add an easy, but peppy R & B beat, heartfelt, bright, expressive vocals by the talented Ann Nesby, expressing a hopeful message, the usual strong choral backup, and the total musical package results in music which blesses the listener. Great song to absorb when stressing over annoyances / disappointments in one's life.
Lead vocals - Guest Ann Nesby
Main Theme- Reviewer's thoughts: The Lord doesn't promise us a life of no trouble or stress, but is willing to give us blessings in our lives. He can give us inner peace, joy, blessings, people to love us, despite what is happening around us, giving us a slice of heaven in our lives.
Scriptural References: (James 1:17, Joshua 1:9, 1 Cor. 7-9, John 15:16, Psalm 103:5)
Lyrics:
Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, Heaven! Everybody's talking 'bout / Tomorrow will come, but tomorrow's not promised to Anyone / Take a good look around / Tell me what you see / Who would've thought / We'd be afraid to be free//
Chorus: Now my mamma said, It ain't as bad as it seems / Just hold on to faith/ You've got to hold on to dreams / you've got your life, health and strength / That is your heaven within / So don't wait forever for your life to begin / If you've got love, then you've got heaven on earth / If you've got peace, then you've got (heaven on earth) / If you've got joy, then you've got heaven / If you've got hope, then you've got heaven /
You 'gon have struggles, You 'gon have strife / But you can win / With love in your life / Love is more precious than silver or gold / It has the power to soothe the soul.
Chorus: 2 times
Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, Heaven, Heaven!
* * * + + PUT THE FINGER ON ME - Words and Music by LaSalle Gabriel, Alex Al
Second favorite song of this reviewer. Terrific blend of soul, blues, hip hop and urban Gospel, written in a minor key, using a sythns. and a piano / strings in various places. Song begins with a solemn, simple introduction with a piano in first stanzas. Segues nicely into a sythns / hip hop beat. Synthesizer work is creative adding a great counter melody and some support to the main tune.
Vocals by David Hughes are most enjoyable, carrying the melody and expressing the feelings of the lyrics perfectly. Love the Choral style in Chorus is short and crisp fitting perfectly into the quick, dotted note rhythm of the song. Usual solid choral ensemble adds color and sparkle.
Love the lyrics!!!! Fit so nicely with the musical style of the song, and express so well the message in such a clever way!
Lead Vocals by David Hughes
Main Theme - Reviewer's thoughts: Lack of unity with the Lord on a personal level and with the community of faith, who can support the needy / hurting in action and prayer, can lead to the wrong road to sin and pain. A sobering song about the hopelessness of a person, convicted of killing, sitting in jail alone, not even able to see his/her own responsibility as they blame others. Hitting rock bottom because of poor choices, this person, with a hard heart and bad attitude is in need of the Lord - In a state of mind that only the Lord can change.
Scriptural References:(John 14:8, 2 Cor. 5:17, Ephes. 4:23, Romans 10:8-10, Ezekiel 26:26, Romans 8:5)
Lyrics:
You've been a victim of circumstance, live by chance / On the run / And now you need someone so bad / It's so sad / 'Cause no one knows you /
Bridge: Jack and Jill went up a Hill / To fetch a pail of water / Jack got down / And Jill came round / And now they have a daughter / Destiny won't let it be / They had a little fun / Jack and Jill / Shoot and Kill / And now they have to run /
Chorus: Put the finger on me, put the finger on me, OH NO, The finger on / The finger on me.
Now look at what You've done / Years in jail / A living Hell / All alone / And you'll never be in doubt / That's what it's all about / The kind of person that you really are now //
(Choral ensemble) Bridge: Jack and Jill went up a Hill / To fetch a pail of water / Jack got down / And Jill came round / And now they have a daughter / Destiny won't let it be / They had a little fun / Jack and Jill / Shoot and Kill / And now they have to run /
Chorus
Musical Blues interlude - Most enjoyable
Chorus
Tag: You put the finger on me, yes you did,You put the finger on me, yes you did,
* * * + TROUBLE INTERLUDE -
Part of a traditional Gospel spiritual arranged very nicely by Gary Hines, used to introduce the following songs. Vocals are sung all a cappella. Lead vocals sung by a glorious base voice. Choral back up is solid harmony whole notes, held as musical support for the lead vocals.
Related Scriptures:(2nd Cor. 5:1-5, Romans 8:18-21)
Lyrics:
Lead: Sooner we'll be done with the troubles of the world, troubles of the world, troubles of this old world. Sooner we'll be done with the troubles of the world, going home to live with God.
Choral backup: Humming and OU's on major chord changes in song.
* * * + + TROUBLE - Words and Music by Levite Seacer Jr, J. Robert Ashmun, Produced by LaSalle Gabriel
Strong favorite of this reviewer. A great 3/4 meter blues composition, written in a minor key, with great melody and great dynamics and an inspired, well played musical composition which cooks along in the blues tradition at a steady pace. LaSalle Gabriel's poignant guitar riffs, piano organ and horns offer main melody support and inner voices - The perfect support for the wonderful bluesy vocals by Terrence T-Bone who does a wonderful job expressing the message of the lyrics.
Vocals by: Terrence T-Bone Frierson
Lead Guitar: LaSalle Gabriel
Main Theme - Reviewer's thoughts: Explores the feelings of someone in the midst of a series of painful troubles and trials, in need of the Lord to sustain and strengthen them in a unity with the Lord. Searching for a support system, in need of the fellowship of others to support this person in a unity that uplifts.
Scriptural References:(Psalm 34:19 & Psalm 37:34 & Psalm 54:4, John 16:33)
Lyrics:
Trouble is my home, Trouble is my home, Somethin' ain't right, Somethin' is wrong
Seems like everywhere I go, Trouble is my home / I'm losin' my way, yeah / Can't someone tell me why? / Sometimes I just wanna breakdown / But a man ain't supposed to cry /
Chorus: Maybe I should just walk away / And pretend it's all gone / But where can you run to / When trouble is your home?//
Trouble is my home, Trouble is my home
Was it something I said?(something I said?) / Was it something I did?(Trouble, trouble) / I just can't seem to figure out / Why this way I live / My whole world is fallin' / And I feel, so all alone (Trouble, trouble/ And even though/ I've done all I can do / Trouble is still my home /
Bridge: Maybe I should just walk away / And pretend it's all gone / But where can you run to / When trouble is your home?//
Trouble is my home, Trouble is my home
Musical Interlude:
Well sometimes it's funny / How life can be so cruel / And sometimes when I done, All I can do / I'm still feeling blue / 'Cause trouble is my home/ And sometimes when / I've done all I can do / I'm still feelin' blue / Cause trouble is still my home /
Maybe I should just walk away / And pretend it's all gone / But where can you run to / When trouble is your home?//
* * * + TRY - Words and Music by Jeff Taylor, Gary Hines, Stevie Wonder
Lead Vocals by Yulanda
A peppy, well done, bright urban / hip hop / soulful anthem mixed with elements of Gospel, offering encouragement, an answer to the preceding song of woe and discouragement.
Composition features enthusiastic, well done vocals, modern harmonies, an infectious melody, irresistible catchy dance beat, thanks to the joyful, well played syncopation and dotted note rhythms. Musical efforts of all create a driving musical composition, proclaiming an encouraging message, and offering a total package which will wipe out discouraging attitudes and will compel the listener to again dance around the room!
Scriptural References:(Phil. 4:13, John 15:16, 1 Cor. 12:4-6, Luke 18:1)
Lyrics:
How many times have you told yourself / And now many times have you been told by someone else that / You don't have what it takes / Deep down within / You're just not good enough and you'll never win //
You've heard those words for so long / That you believe it even though you know it's wrong / Cause you're the one that's holding you back / Even if you've been mistreated you won't be defeated when you try /
Chorus: TRY / There ain't nothing you can't do / JUST TRY / The world belongs to you / TRY / I know that it's true / You will make it when you try //
Now is the time / Life's too short to wait / So make up your mind / Tomorrow might be too late / To do the things you know you wanna do / I'm not trying to run your life / the choice is up to you //
You can have the desires of your heart / Just believe it and you can make a brand new start / You can be anything you wanna be / Give it everything you've got / And don't stop / 'Till you reach the top //
Chorus:
If at first you don't succeed, Try and try again / You've got everything you need / To make it in the end / So don't be afraid / Once you start / You've got it made / People let me tell ya / Nothing beats failure but a try //
Chorus:
* * * + + A SECOND CHANCE - Words and Music by Billy Steele and Levite Seacer Jr.
An excellent urban R & B ballad with a catchy melody, easy R & B feel, smooth, melodic vocals, nice full harmony sound of backup ensemble, with great dynamics. Balanced, interesting musical composition provided by rhythm guitar, and keyboards, which provides some creative sounds which add sparkle as well as solid melody support.
Love the lyrics which express a positive attitude about family life and togetherness, looking at the whole experience and little incidents in between as blessings to be enjoyed and appreciated even when conscientious Uncle Jim, bless his heart, is burning half the food on the grill!
Lead Vocals and Keyboards - Billy Steele
Scriptural References:(Psalm 103:5 & 118:24, Luke 18:1, Phil.4:6-8)
Lyrics:
Chorus: Another day, a second chance / To start all over again / Another way to live my life / As long as I try / I know it's gonna be all right ///
Its ten o'clock in the mornin' / And I slept a little too late / But I ain't worried / About it too much y'all / Cause I'm off today / Hear the sweet laughter of my children / As they watch cartoons / Hear my girl, callin' somebody / In the living room / Sayin', 'Mama, I'll be comin' right through / About 2 o'clock / See you real soon / Don't forget to make your baby boy's favorite dish / You know what he likes /
Bridge:(MM HM) Gonna have some fun / (MM HM) With my loved ones / Wanna see my friends and family / What a day / What a day / What a day it's gonna be //
Chorus:
It's three in the afternoon / The sun's on my face / Y'all know that I don't need no tan / But it feels good just the same / Uncle Jimmy's on the grill / And he's burnin' half the food / But we're all havin' a good time / So everything is cool / We got Roger on the radio singin'/ 'Do wa Diddy' here we go / Grandma's comin' down the Soul train line / Doctor said her health is funny / But she's doin' fine //
Chorus:
Hook: It feel so good to share this time / Oh I wish this day would never end / I wanna be with You again / Tomorrow brings another chance / So I wanna start all over again //
Grandma's comin' down the Soul train line, Grandma's comin' down the Soul train line
Chorus: (2x)
Tag:Another day, another day / gotta pray
* * * + + THEY THAT WAIT - Words & Music by Rev. James Cleveland ( 1932-1991)
Produced by Gary. Hines & LaSalle GabrielAnother strong favorite of this reviewer. A beautiful praise and worship song of encouragement which would be welcome in any denominational service, or on any person's computer / CD player, as it is both a comfort and uplifting! Traditional rendition nicely supported by string plunking and string ensemble work / organ / horns / piano. Dynamics are impressive, as both the composition and vocals build in volume and intricacy to the very end of the performance.
Dynamics begin softly with just string plunking, organ chordal support and 4 part harmony sound of chorus, which then begins to build. 2nd time through the refrain, the lead vocals by one of the group's sopranos skillfully and artistically leads the chorus through to the end of the song.
Scriptural References:( Isaiah 40:31)
Partial Lyrics:
Refrain: They that wait....on the Lord ...Shall be renewed... they shall renew their strength / they shall fly up with wings, like an eagle. They shall run and not get weary...They shall walk and not faint.
Lead & Chorus: They that wait....on the Lord ...Shall be renewed... they shall renew their strength / they shall fly up with wings, like an eagle. They shall run and not get weary...They shall walk and not faint.
* * * + + OVER MY HEAD - Traditional Gospel praise hymn - Arranged by Gary Hines
Produced by Gary Hines & LaSalle GabrielFourth favorite song of this reviewer. Begins solemnly, with solo alto vocalist with great breath control, and backup choir coming in after first stanzas - all a capella. It segues into a roof-raising, quick 2 beat, joyous testimony to the reality of God. Yes indeed! It is a full blown house a blazin' Gospel praise and worship effort, full of umph and energy and drive in both the musical composition and wonderful alto vocalist who didn't get name credit in the CD listing found on the CD cover. Vocals and choral backup are energizing and full of the spirit, adding excitement and enthusiasm to the testimony of the lyrics.
Smoke must of been rising out of the band as they played - One is treated to the full vigor /musical gifts of this talented band - horns, sax guitars, keys, organ and drums, making the composition jump with joy and excitement! The Holy Spirit is present and roaring through this song, which means the listener had better have their dancing shoes close by!
Scriptural References:(Is. 40:21-31, Ps. 40:3 & 96:1 &100:2, Eph. 4:23 , James 5:13, John 14:8)
Partial Lyrics:
Lead Alto Vocalist: A slow, a capella introduction: Over my head, I hear music in the air. There must, There must be a God, somewhere! Joined by choir: There must be a God, somewhere!
Segues into quick 2 beat:
Over my head (I hear music), I hear music (I hear music) I hear music (I hear music) in the air..(Music in the air.) I hear music (I hear music) in the air..(Music in the air.) There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere! Repeat
Bridge: Why don't you (think about it) You Got to(think about it) Follow Jesus (think about it) Everyday! (think about it)
Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it,
There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere!
Repeat
Bridge 2: There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere!
Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere!
Repeat
VAMP There must be a God, somewhere! (There must be a God, somewhere!) There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere! (There must be a God, somewhere!) There must be a God, somewhere! Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it, Why - don't -you think about it. Repeat
There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere! There must be a God, somewhere!
Repeat
* * * + + ALL GOD'S CHILDREN - Words and Music by L. Seacer, Gary Hines & LaSalle Gabriel
Third favorite song of this reviewer. An easy beat, yet pumped up urban R & B funky anthem which cooks along with an infectious melody and rhythm sure to get the listener dancing around the room yet again. Message is serious though, calling for an end to the fighting, destruction in our personal relationships as well as in the world today.
The musical composition is a syncopated delight, precisely played, featuring a tight knit sound thanks to the horns, saxophones, drums and the guitars played by the talented LaSalle Gabriel, who gets things rolling with an easy feel dotted quarter bluesy guitar introduction, which segues into the the main composition of energized urban music at its best.
Cynthia Johnson's vocals are wonderful, as her performance reflects the style and spirit of both the composition and message of this lively song!
Lead Vocals: Cynthia Johnson /// Lead and Rhythm Guitar: LaSalle Gabriel
Related Scriptures:(2nd Peter 3:9, John 3:16, Galations 5:16-26, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-16, Ephes. 4:1-5, James 3)
Lyrics:
Storm clouds are gatherin' / While Hypocrites pray in vain / Tears fall from heaven / But all I see is rain / Angels cryin' hearts are broken / By this world's insanity / Love has just become a token / And hate is the reality //
Chorus: We are all children of God / So what are we fighting for? / We got no one to blame / He made us all the same //
Brother verses brother / Nations full of strife / Why do we destroy one another / I don't know / Instead of living life / Catholic, Protestant and Jew / Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu / Time to open up your eyes / Time to realize we all are
Chorus
Bridge: We say we love God / Who we've never seen / But we hate our neighbors / And treat them so mean / We are all liars / No truth in us at all / Gonna feel the fire / Gonna stumble and fall.
Chorus
* * * + + I'M MOVIN' - Words and Music by Doriel Demps, Gary Hines and Levite Seacer
Wonderful mix of soul, jazz and R&B, with a touch of hip hop, creating a song which should appeal to a wider musical audience. It is interesting what can be created musically using keyboards, a Moog Base and live drums, when talented musicians are at the helm. Vocals are sung in a soul jazz style creating not only a professional sound, well understood and melodious, but also most enjoyable, even to those who aren't wild about the genre.
Lead Vocals: Terrence T-Bone Frierson
Scriptural References:(Ps. 37:5, Heb. 6:10-12, Phil. 3:12-14, Is. 41:10-11)
Lyrics:
Baby, I'm movin' on / Baby, I'm movin' on / Baby, I'm movin' on / Baby, I'm movin' on /
Every day humiliation / Poverty / Discrimination / Police Brutality / Unemployment on the rise / Tears in my baby's eyes / I been here too many times before / And I'm movin' / Just can't take it no more /
Gonna change my situation / No more procrastination / Gonna spread my wings / And fly to keep my head in the sky / Too many have cried for me / Died for me / And its my responsibility / To break the chains / Change the game / I'm movin' on //
Chorus: (Twice)
There ain't no turnin' back / Keep the faith / Stay on the right track / There's no stopping me now /
Keep on-a-pushing someway, somehow / We're a winner / Our time has come / A brand new day has begun / Just walk into the light / Everything is gonna be all right / Yeah Yeah Yeah! /
Chorus
Hook: No more procrastination / Gonna spread my wings / No more blaming anyone else / Goin' to do it all myself / Goin' to make it happen / Movin' on
* * * + BE ENCOURAGED - Words and Music by Billy Steele, Levite Seacer Jr, F.Darnell Davis
An inspired contemporary anthem of encouragement with elements of Gospel, R& B with a bright melody, strong vocals and choral ensemble which carry a hopeful message which is sure to brighten up the sourest mood. Perfect for any contemporary service. Melody and chorus stick in one's mind with its hopeful message.
Lead Vocals: Andrea Tribitt, Terrence T-Bone Frierson, with Carrie Harrington, Robert Edwards, Billy Steele, Doriel Demps
Scriptural References:(Romans 8:28, 2nd Cor. 5:16-18, Isaiah 40:29-31)
Lyrics:
You go to church on Sunday morning / And pray that everything will be ok / But trouble comes / Your work is done / And you don't know what to do //
Daily life seems so demanding, yeah / There's no time for understanding / The why and how / The here and now / And the pressure seems so hard to bear //
Chorus: Dry your eyes and be strong / Just remember trouble never lasts that long / Be encouraged, there is a brighter day ahead //
You fall in love with someone special / But all you found was someone else's love / What God has joined / Had fallen apart / And you don't know what to do //
Searching for the simple answers / To the questions that Have troubled your mind / You wanna give up / You wanna break down and cry / but not before you say you're through / Here's what you ought to do //
Chorus: You're gonna make it through /
* * * + + LIFE - Words and Music by C. Armato & R. Clemmons
Produced by Gary Hines and LaSalle GabrielLead Vocals: Billy Steele & Amy Peterson
Another strong favorite of this reviewer. The perfect song to end this CD - A lovely piano-based modern worship Gospel ballad of thanksgiving and gratitude to our loving, merciful Lord, which would find a home in both traditional and contemporary services. A great song to listen to to encourage a grateful heart for what the Lord has done in a person's life.
Love the memorable melody, dynamic, heartfelt vocals and the inspiring duet, courtesy of Billy Steele and Amy Peterson, who have great breath control and delivery, presenting the lyrical message in a moving manner, which chokes up this reviewer every time.
Scriptural References:( Heb. 12:1-3, Ephes. 3:16-20, Matt.11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:35-38)
Lyrics:
I was a wounded bird / With a broken wing / Who could fly and could not sing / You watched my gentle tears / Trickle down my cheek / You knew my fragile mind was oh so very weak / I was living in a world of pain and doubt / But you were there to sort things out //
Chorus: For all that I've been through / For all that I've been through /My life has meaning because of You / Without your love, What would I do? / My life has meaning because of You //
You gave me hope, when I couldn't think / You gave me life when I began to sink / When I was drowning, You saw me through / My life has meaning because of You / You gently mended my broken wing / And you showed me I could do anything //
Chorus:
You helped me through my pain and sorrow / Always showing me A brighter tomorrow / You touched my life and I felt alive / With Your love, I knew that I would survive
Chorus:
Reviewed by Julie Carr for ChristianMusic.com
UNITY CD Song Video * KINGS & QUEENS Video
