Reviewed by Donna Marshall

This is the York, Pennsylvania-based gospel worship man's second album, following 2008's successful 'Right Now Praise'. Like its predecessor 'Better Days' is a live CD, this time recorded at The Faith Center Florida with the help of the choir Purpose. The title track opens the album with plenty of atmosphere and energy with Nelson's powerful vocals complimenting the angelic voices. Israel Houghton and Donnie McClurkin have both recorded gospel tracks with a Caribbean theme and Jonathan includes his own take on the sound with the lively, reggae-tinged "Cry Holy". The majority of the 10 songs found on this album are upbeat but "Smile/Better Is One Day" starts out slow and intimate gaining pace as it progresses. The vocals are strong and the lyrics are elevating. The twist in the song is when Nelson and the choir unexpectedly move into Matt Redman's "Better Is One Day" which is truly affective. As on his debut album Jonathan's twin brother Jason lends his exceptional vocals to this CD while another guest is Keirra 'Kiki' Sheard who performs on the closing track "Performance", Kierra's voice adding a youthful edge to a song buzzing with praise.

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His debut album brought him an impressive eight Stellar Awards nominations. Now on his second release, Better Days, Jonathan Nelson brings Gospel Worship to the masses.

Jonathan is a songwriting phenomenon, writing his own anthem My Name Is Victory as well as hit songs for gospel luminaries such as Donald Lawrence (Healed), Bishop T D Jakes (My Praise Is My Weapon), Maurette Brown Clark (My Heart Has Been Restored), Youth For Christ (The Struggle Is Over) and others.

Recorded live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the Faith Center, these new songs of faith and inspiration will lead the listener to better days.