Israel & New Breed - Alive In South Africa

Published Saturday 2nd June 2007
Israel & New Breed - Alive In South Africa
Israel & New Breed - Alive In South Africa

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 14883-14929
LABEL: Integrity 000768364727
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 2
RRP: £14.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

One of the advantages of reviewing an album months (in this case nearly 24 months) after it's released is that the reviewer has plenty of info about its popularity or indifference with The CD Buying Public. And, as all self-respecting gospel fans will know, 'Alive In South Africa' has been a massive hit clocking up a variety of awards for Israel Houghton and co. But sometimes knowing that hundreds of thousands of punters have shelled out the readies for an album just heaps more pressure on the hapless reviewer as he realises he's out-of-step with public taste. And in this case I have to say I find bits of this album utterly unlistenable. Maybe I should quickly add here that I'm a big admirer of what the Latin singer/composer and his soulful ensemble have done in expanding the market for contemporary gospel while at the same time breaking down the confusing division between "gospel music" and "praise and worship". I also like Israel's voice which can be soulfully expressive while the singers and powerhouse band are top quality and as tight as a backstreet church's publicity budget. If that's not enough I also rate Israel's composing ability while I even go for the multi-ethnic, global village thing of taking the whole ensemble off to Cape Town and beginning the album with African drumming. And while I'm handing out the plaudits special guest Jonathan Butler is in fine form too. So what do I have to gripe about? Well, two things, one musical and one theological. Arrangement-wise Israel has clearly decided that the more key changes and false endings he can cram into each song arrangement the better. The effect soon becomes wearisome and though no doubt there are many who felt all the musical embellishments added to the drama, for me it seemed a 2CD exercise in overblown histrionics. The theological problem I had when listening is that some of Israel's songs seem little more than humanistic positive thinking rather than expressions of faithful devotion to the resurrected Christ. But then such subtle theological shifts are one of the ways that a lot of mega churches become mega. As I mentioned earlier, Israel can pen a great song and "Not Forgotten" with its deceptive Crouch-like simplicity is a classic which will minister to all who feel neglected by God. But other songs here, for me at least, are more to do with flashy TV preacher sloganeering than songs that will encourage us to take up our cross and follow Christ. So there we have it. A hard review to write. But a hard album to listen to.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description
This ground-breaking new recording was captured over two nights of awesome encounters with God in worship in Cape Town.
As the anointing flowed in South Africa, this album will minister deeply to your heart and spirit. Enjoy worshipful songs like 'It's Raining' and the liberating song of healing and deliverance, 'Favour Of The Lord'.

Reader Comments

Posted by Joel in Southampton @ 15:52 on Jul 13 2007

I have to admitt someof the songs do annoy. Most songs on the first cd I don't like but there are some awsome songs here. Alpha And Omega is a powerful song.



Posted by Schnook in Adelaide, South Australia @ 17:05 on Jun 11 2007

I quite agree with Tony, in that at times the theology expressed is somewhat lacking, which significantly detracts from the overall product. However, there are also some wonderful songs on here that lift the soul - and the feet!



Posted by George @ 18:51 on Jun 2 2007

Er, Jackline - there's no need to shout, and I think you'll find that "I Am Not Forgotten" is more Middle Eastern rather than African. And Tony, this is the second time you've described Israel as being Latin! He isn't!!



Posted by JACKLINE INGADO in WEST VIRGINIA @ 22:48 on Sep 1 2006

ISRAEL I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOUR MUSIC IT CHANGED MY LIFE AND THE MINISTRY IS AWESOME THERE IS NO DAY I DONT FEEL GO'DS PRESENCE IN AEL AND NEW BREED'S MUSIC ITS ALWAYS A NEW EXPERIENCE . I ESPECIALLY LIKE NEW SEASON MAYBE BE BECAUSE I GOT THAT CD FIRST. I GOT TO HEAR ABOUT ISRAEL AND NEW BREED THROUGH ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS LLOYD , WHEN HE CAME TO KENYA FOR A MISSION'S TRIP. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED HIM TO COME TO KENYA. I AM LOOKING FOWARD TO THE NEXT CD I LOVE THE SOUTHAFRICAN TOO I AM NOT FORGOTEN IS MY FOVORITE FROM THAT CD COZ OF THE PERCUSSION ITS REALYY AFRICAN!



Posted by michelle in ct @ 22:57 on Jun 6 2006

this albulm is so hott i love this!!!!!




Posted by Richard in United Kingdom @ 15:49 on Apr 6 2006

A challenge: listen to Israel and New Breed on the bus and try to refrain from dancing! It is impossible I tell you!



Posted by tracey in london @ 20:27 on Jan 12 2006

this cd is absolutely brillant!!!!!
if you want to go to the next level with God, this is the cd for you. or maybe you want to experience the sounds of africa, don't hold back, the cd is packed with live worship, cool rhythms and some smooth jazz, what more can anybody ask for?



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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