Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A milestone recording both for America's gospel superstar and for the continuing story of mainstream companies throwing big bucks at Christian music the latest being the Zomba Corporation who have bought up John P Kee's Tribute company and now launch into the religious market place with the Verity label). Wisely, Zomba have resisted any 'crossover' tinkering with the product, these are songs full of the 'J' word and John Kee's productions are full of funk while still retaining an authentic gospel feel. The throbbing opener "Watching You" is superb, while the ballad title track with choir is effective too. If truth be told John isn't the greatest composer in Christendom but he is a truly magnificent vocalist who wheezes, hollers and rasps in a veritable explosion of soulful power, in every way the historic successor to the 'hard' lead singers of those 50s quartets. There are some hot guest vocalists - Rev Ranee Allen and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Don't suppose this will crossover pop but with traditional-cum-R&B gospel of the Kirk Franklin variety now selling record numbers of quantities to US church goers that may not be essential to Verity/Zomba's sales plan.

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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