Virtue - Testimony

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Along with Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and Anointed, Virtue were one of those R&B groups of the '90s that had a fresh sound, tight harmonies but unlike their contemporaries, they never translated talent into sales. Leaving their label and singing to the new DarkChild Gospel label, the three sisters are being re-launched and with 'Testimony', perhaps now is the time for the group to really explode. Their new sound, confident vocals and strong songs make this sound fresh and exciting and with production from the renowned Fred Jerkins III, if this album doesn't hit, it won't be through lack of talent on board. Rapper extraordinaire T-Bone helps out on the infectious "123 Praise!" and elsewhere blue eyed soul sister Martha Munizzi makes a guest appearance, though listening to the white label I'm reviewing from I'd be hard pressed to tell you where she makes her contribution! Standouts? There are loads but I keep pressing the repeat button for the title track's powerful message, the groovy clubby "Follow Me" and the old time yet thoroughly modern gospel groove of "Get Up" which sounds like an uncredited Tonex track. The results here are fine and this is R&B gospel the way it's meant to be!