JOY97.com Gospel Music in Revue Blog: Dzyne...Pop Feel with Christ Sensibility

JOY97.com Gospel Music in Revue Blog: Dzyne...Pop Feel with Christ Sensibility: Imagine if Chris Brown was a Christian artist. This is what he would sound like. Dzyne has a sound that is cutting edge and on the ...

Dzyne...Pop Feel with Christ Sensibility

Imagine if Chris Brown was a Christian artist. This is what he would sound like. Dzyne has a sound that is cutting edge and on the pulse of what the young (and young at heart ) wanna pump in their ipods and cars. The message is clear concise and HOT!!

Get It! Love it! Live it!

Hear Dzyne and other great artists on www.joy97.com

Joy97.com Revues Lexi...Phenomenally Unique

Her beauty and poise are equally matched by her humor and love for people. Lexi Allen morphs into one role after another from single mom to television host to radio host. However being a psalmist is the foundation that positioned her to be the celebrity she has become. Lexi returns to recording her debut CD for Malaco Records "Phenomenal" (her first in almost 5 years) Being the trendsetter she is, "Phenomenal" refuses to fit in a  specific box or category. The 10 song set goes from praise and worship to urban inspirational to rhythm and praise. Yet the project doesn't come off sounding like a mishmash. It stands as an eclectic mix of styles that define a very uniquely talented lady who simply can do it all.

"Phenomenal" opens up with the R&B tinged "Abide"  Lexi is in the zone vocally with her delivery.  It is my favorite on the project. (I have a sneaking suspicion this could be a single)

Coming off a smooth jam like "Abide"; Lexi switches lanes with the pulsating dance track "Breakthrough" It definitely had my head bouncing. The kids will love this one. (wink)

The title track, "Phenomenal", is urban inspiration with a pop sensibility. Great hook (another single perhaps?)

Lexi hits it out of the park with her "retake" of the Level 42 80's hit "Something About You" Her vocals along with the arrangement give this classic new life.

Finally, Lexi picks up the pace turning the popular praise and worship song, "You Are Holy" into a danceable track.

Lexi's latest is a phenomenally unique project worthy of the purchase and the listen.
Get it! Love it! Live it!

             
Here Lexi and other great artists on www.joy97.com

Deon Kipping...You Need to hear him

One of the most anticipated debut releases of 2012 is from Bridgeport, Connecticut's own Deon Kipping. While it may be his debut with Verity records; Kipping has been the man on and behind the scenes working with R&B artists Mary J. Blige, Mario, and Angie Stone. Closer to his heart, he has penned music for JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise Incredible God, Incredible Praise to which he lends lead vocals to and later he lead Lord You’re Mighty with JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise.
While honing his craft along with other musical artists, Deon Kipping was able to produce, write and perform on his independently released solo project Real Life, Real Worship. This project spawned the song Praise Him In Advance later re-recorded by Marvin Sapp. All these divinely ordered steps lead the prolific project I Just Want To Hear You.  On I Just... Deon Kipping's voice is an eloquent and finely tuned instrument that delivers the lyrics of his heart with precision and passion. Deon Kipping's debut is a 15 track journey of praise with a contemporary palette poised to be an iconic project for years to come.

Highlights to hear on I Just Want To Hear You

Never Cease is a moving praise and worship song that vibes with complete reverence and sincerity 

Heal Again an uptempo song that moves shakes and pulses with positivity

What's Coming is Better  the current single is a declaration that speaks to the heart of the believer

I Just Want To Hear You  a contemporary groove that shows Kipping is a tune-smith extraordinaire

I Don't Look Like (What I've Been Through) a "retake" of the song from his independent release

Let Your Power Fall Pt. 2 a standout cut that puts you in the midst of a worship experience

Deon Kipping delivers the goods worth listening to over and over again. 

Get it! Love it! Live it!

Hear Deon Kipping and other great artists on joy97.com

Joy97.com Reviews John P. Kee and New Life...Favorably Fresh

  The prince of gospel is back with the first release on his own label Kee Music Group with distribution via Central South Distribution.  The release of  Life & Favor is marked by the release of the title track of the same name (featuring James Fortune, Isaac Carree, Lejeune Thompson and Kee himself) John P. Kee & New Life are backed by a whose who list of star vocalists:  
Kim Burrell, Leandria Johnson, Kirk Franklin, Rance Allen, Fred Hammond, Lowell Pye, 
PJ Morton, Patrick Dopson, Lalah Hathaway, Frank McComb, Zacardi Cortez, Glenn Jones and more. Every note and arrangement is pure John P. Kee and while it's notably his signature sound; it is wrapped up in a  youthful energy that adds a freshness to his "seasoned" years of musicianship.

Life & Favor sets the tone for what  recording choirs should aspire to achieve.  

Some of the favorable tracks on Life and Favor:

I Win (prelude)-- features Kim Burrell giving her inimitable vocal flavor to the hook

I Win-- is an exuberantly contagious inspirational song that features Leandria Johnson sinking her teeth deep into the meat of this anthem of praise and victory. (put this one on repeat)
Made To Worship-- features Kirk Franklin adding his "church boy isms" to this uptempo contemporary church jam
Bless Your Name-- John P. Kee and Rance Allen pair up on this infectious number that amps up the praise 10 decibels.
He's Working Out-- Zacardi Cortez is featured along side John P. Kee on this song that slows it down and takes it to church!!!!

Life & Favor is a phenomenal project you are sure to turn to every time you need inspiration.
Get it! Love it! Live it!
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Joy97.com Reviews Vashawn Mitchell... He's created 4 this

 On the heels of the widely successful release Triumphant, VaShawn Mitchell is back with his highly anticipated follow up project Created 4 This Recorded live in his hometown of Harvey, IL  features Mitchell at his best in both writing and leading this "next level" worship experience. Created 4 This supplies songs that are strong and designed to impact the lives of worshipers of various backgrounds. The playlist ebbs and flows with melodies that truly exemplify why VaShawn Mitchell is created to lead the masses in an organic musical encounter that ushers in the essence of God and may even surpass the success of Triumphant Created 4 This features several videos from the recording as well as a behind the scenes interview.


Stand out cuts (and there are many) from Created 4 This

Created 4 This features VaShawn declaring with bold confidence that he is created to do what he does. He does it well on this cut.

Psalm 150 this phenomenal praise anthem opens up the project with a celebratory sound that will surely be heard in churches around the world

Faithful follows the tone set by Psalm 150  A song constructed to move the masses and does not disappoint

His Record Part testimony and part straight church features Vashawn Mitchell and Clifton Ross III on lead vocals.

Turning Around For Me the lead  inspirational single for the project is currently in the top 10 on the Billboard Gospel charts and sets the atmosphere ablaze.

The Potter's House is the Pièce de résistance.  The "retake" of the Hawkins' classic features Fantasia and Diane Barrino.  Definitely one of the highlights of the entire set.

Created 4 This is one fans new and old will too.
Get it ! Love it! Live it!
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Vashawn Mitchell minsters Faithful

 

Joy97.com Revues Anthony Brown & Group Therapy...Now in Session

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy (Tyscot Records)  may be a new group to many by name. But the group's leader can count VaShawn Mitchell as a fan and  has penned some amazing songs for other artists (Maurette Brown Clark's "It Ain't Over" for starters) long before the monster hit "Testimony" took to the airwaves. Anthony Brown & Group Therapy is not just another group where the leader calls out the lyrics and the background vocalists sing in response (not to take away from those who follow that template) but Brown is heard singing on many of the dynamic songs on this project. Brown's rich tenor voice is reminiscent of Donnie McClurkin (who is also a fan) To add the impact of this project, Brown's keen musical sensibility  shines as he makes good use of the Group Therapy members by give them charge to lead and add vocal flavor to several of the songs.

Here is a run down of the stand out cuts from the project from Anthony Brown &Group Therapy

"Harvest"  Maurette Brown Clark joins AB & Group Therapy as guest vocalist on this song that resounds with a clear message of expectation. Clark and Brown voices go well together. (I hear this as the next single)

"Group Therapy"  Approaches the listener with the sound of lushly produced songs of the 1950's (Nat King Cole,etc)  Anthony is front and center on vocals and his delivery is spot on, smooth and captivating. Group Therapy has the stuff that BGV's are made of on this.welcome departure from what a gospel listener would expect.

"Better Days" An upswing tune that rocks with jubilation and takes it back to the choir days. Brown once again delivers the meat and potatoes on the vocals and Group Therapy is not lacking in their tight harmonies as they modulate the hook.

"Testimony" This is my jam!!!! Brown rocks the lead with the stutter "Can't Can't Can't Can't Can't nobody..." on the vamp. Individual vocals can be heard from Group Therapy as they literally tear it up on the end.

I can't tell it all but I can say you can't miss with this one.
Get it! Love it! Live it!
  
To purchase the project click here

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Joy 97.com Revues Chrystal Rucker...Deserves a listen

Chrystal Rucker has a voice  that has been inspiring and thrilling audiences around the country for quite some time. As the first artist out of the gate for the newly founded label EPM Music Group (founded by Stellar Nominated artist Earnest Pugh) Chrystal Rucker's debut project, "You Derserve", is an amazing tour de force that captures the mezzo soprano in some of her finest moments.  The entire project is chock-full of moving songs that will bring forth praises.

Stand out cuts on "You Deserve" are:

"Come Bless His Name" opens the project in uptempo Praise and Worship. Chrystal is nothing short of awesome as she ushers in the spirit of praise on this one

"Changed" a dynamic "retake" of the Hawkins' classic. Chrystal soprano voice soars as she renders a breathtaking performance that remains true to the original composition while Rucker puts her indelible vocal stamp on it.
"You Deserve" The title track of the project finds Rucker ministering and reaching for the rafters vocally in a stellar performance. The sound is organic and truly an amazing song. (This has got win some awards)

"The Hymn Medley" Chrystal combines two traditional songs. Chrystal starts off in her lower register and by the song's end; she is once again in the stratosphere with notes that can only be under the anointing.

"You Deserve" is a project that has none of the "forward to next track" options like a lot of releases do.
Get it! Love it! Live it!
 Click here to purchse this project

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Joy97.com Revues Leandria Johnson... the story continues

Among touring engagements and preparing for the birth of a new baby,(She gave birth only a week before this release) Le'Andria Johnson found time to get in the studio and pound a soon to be released project. On the heels of her highly successful debut project (three if you count the re-release of the debut project and a holiday EP project released at the same time) "The Experience"( allows fans of the gospel phenom to experience Johnson through live interpretations of favorites and several studio recordings.  The project is preceded by the release of two radio singles:

"My Story Continues" a mid tempo song that allows Leandria to belt out strong to the naysayers while encouraging anyone who has been counted out of the race.

"Complicated" slow on the stride and reminiscent of the old school jams in the vein of Aretha Franklin or Natalie Cole.  Johnson laments about love that has burned, scorned and broken a heart with a passion that sounds and feels deeply personal.

While Miss Johnson shows off her chops to sing about issues of the heart; she delves even deeper to sing about issues that affect the soul.

Leandria keeps it real with the rocking "I'm Living"  The lyrics go "...I like to tell you a little bit about me. before we go any further in this CD.  Now I like my trash and I like blues, Hip Hop and R&B just to name a few. But it don't mean nothing if it can't carry you through. Only the Word of God for me will do."   She sets it off like that!!

Renditions of  classics, "God Will Take Care of You",  "Joy" , the Caravan's "Lord Keep Me Day By Day" and the Clark Sisters' "Endow Me" are given a refreshing take and shows why Le'Andria Johnson is Sunday Best!!!

The 14 track project is a can't miss, all win, all day long from beginning to end
Get It! Love It! Live it!

Click here to listen to both singles and pre order the project 

Watch Leandria Johnson Minister "God Will Take Care of You"

Hear these and other great songs on joy97.com

Joy97.com Revues Bishop "Mr Clean" White...Get Ready To Get Glad

Bishop  Richard "Mr Clean" White is one of the stalwart champions of traditional gospel music.  His latest single "I'm Glad I Don t Look Like What I Been Through" (produced by Myron Williams) finds him in rare form.  A mixture of a little of the new school with heaping helping of the traditional; Bishop White serves up some sho nuff church. If your hands aren't clapping by 2:44 into the song;there must be a hole in your soul. Get it! Love it! Live it!
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Hear this and other great songs on www.joy97.com

Joy97.com Revues Russell Delegation...Feels Good To The Soul

Russell Delegation assembles some of the best in the biz to render an amazing "retake" on this Al B. Sure classic. Smooth and laid back with a sound that can be best described as neo soul meets hip hop meets inspirational rhythm and praise. Trust me this is one for the iPod. Set it on repeat take it on an afternoon drive. Get it! Love it! Live it!
Click here to download this song

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Joy97.com Revues Tamela Mann...Best Days

Tamela Mann is a power house vocalist who has captured gospel fans since her appearances with Kirk Franklin and the Family to her later solo projects and appearances in Tyler Perry plays and movies. "Take Me To The King" (produced by Kirk Franklin) is the lead single for her project, "Best Days".  The song finds Tamela in her vocal "sweet spot"; right on the cusp of  exploding forth with unbridled praise and passion while maintaining a composure that holds the audience in awe.  New listeners and fans alike will be pleased with the title track,"Best Days" with its uptempo style as Tamela shines. Favorites on "Best Days" are:

1.  "This Place" The layered choir sound in the background drives the song's hook and Tamela doesn't hold back making this one for the repeat list.   
2. "Rain" is a sweet plea that tugs at the heart strings
3. "The Blood Medley" a medley of hymns that focuses on Tamela with only an organ for accompaniment is nothing short of stirring. Listeners will get a couple of Shon-doughs in!
4. "Guest Of Honor" is a great praise and worship song that lilts and lifts with an exuberance          

"Best Days" is quite simply a must have.                                                                                                          Get it! Love it! Live it!                                                                    

Hear music from Tamela Mann and many more artists on www.joy97.com              

 click here to purchase Best-Days                                

Joy97.com Revues Trey Mclaughlin and Sounds of Zamar...A Worship Experience

 I love when I hear the ministry and power shine through the gifting of "unsung" psalmists. Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar are truly destined and deserve to have a platform to show that their music can transform and change lives. The premiere single, "I Will Praise" pulled me in from the first few strains of the familiar chords of the Stevie Wonder classic "Overjoyed" but just as suddenly as you incline your ears the song transforms into a pure and uncontrived worship experience that is hard to find even from artists of note. Get it! Love it! Live it!


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Joy97.com Revues Monica Lisa Stevenson...Powerful and Moving

You can only sing a song with this much strength and conviction if you have lived,loved and bared all for Christ. Monica Lisa Stevenson has a handle on who she is vocally and she is in the pocket with "Right There", the latest single from her forthcoming project recorded live in Atlanta. Monica doesn't over sing or give histrionics that many over use in today's music. Her delivery is straightforward and from the heart and you hear and feel it. "Right There" bares the mark of just good gospel music.
 Get it and love it.

Click here to purchase this song 

Joy97.com Revues new music from AppleJaxx ...It's good til the last beat stops

Applejaxx is good for your soul! These kats have been on the grind for a hot minute. On this Ep, they a serve up a heaping dose of healthy, fortifying, Hip Hop that strengthens your soul and loosens your neck. Check the track CREAM that takes the Wu Tang Klan's classic (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) and flips it on its head to (Christ Rules Everything Around Me) Start with that joint as an appetizer and then pour on the others. 
Get it! Love it! Live it! 

Click here to purchase this song  

Joy97.com Revues music on a mission from Baliva

Remember those summers growing up and the jams that now fill the soundtrack of your life? "On A Mission" is one of those cuts reminiscent of the old school songs that you just vibe to. This brother from the UK is putting down some great lyrics. Juliyaa brings a freshness to her delivery on the hook. Really an all around fresh one. 
Get it! Love it! Live it!

 Click to purchase the song on amazon.com

Joy97.com Revue on Lawrence Flowers & Intercession

 

I admit the cover art of this single may be avant-garde in its presentation of the artist. The old adage, "don't judge a book by the cover" holds true. I first came to hear this song and group of young people at a church service in Atlanta, Georgia. I was impressed with the precision and power by which they ministered. On "More", the group's leader, Lawrence Flowers, renders a dynamic vocal presentation that really is a powerful promise to give God More in word, deed, and action. Listen and you will hear it in every verse and note. Get it! Love it! Live it!

VaShawn Mitchell Triumphant...once agai

 Joy97.com Revues the new single from VaShawn Mitchell 

On the heels on the gargantuan hit ,"Nobody Greater", VaShawn Mitchell brings us the first single from his latest project, "Turning Around For Me". The slow anthem resounds with resolute positivity and power. The chorus repeats "Sooner or later turn in my favor. It's turning around for me" An anthem for the masses. Get it! Love it! Live it!

Joy97.com Revues new music...An Excellent Praise

Review on Brandon Camphor & One Way "You are God"

After winning a nation wide contest; this group has proven themselves as masters of their craft with the debut release "Regenearation" (listed under Brandon Camphor and One Way) Now Brandon Camphor leads this amazing song of sincere praise and worship, "You are God" is well written and produced and Camphor's tenor voice embraces every note and line with a silky smooth tenderness. The backing vocals add an impact that is spot on. I predict it will be THE hot song of 2012. Get it! Live it! Love it!