Reviewed by Tim Holden

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Calvin has a long and illustrious career as an early member of the Parliament-Funkadelic collective and that news alone will prick the interest of all ageing funksters still connecting with arch eccentric George Clinton, now often regarded as a founding father of funk. After a break from the music industry Calvin has come back with his own record label and a desire to include his faith in his music. 'I Believe' brings 11 songs written or co-written by Calvin and there is a lot of musical ground covered here, from the intimate, smooth and soulful title track - either the gospel-styled single that opens the album or the album version included later on - through to the chilled R&B of "Holy" to the full-on funk of "Dis Be Da Place" and "He's Coming Back". The songs are well written and arranged, are musically interesting, very well produced and the result is a top notch album which deserves to climb the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.

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