And we’re baaaaaack. No long preliminaries. Just going to get started. If you missed Part 1, go read it here. Let’s get going shall we?

Yes

Live – Kevin Terry & Predestined

Now, I have to put this disclaimer out there. This kind of singing is an acquired taste and it ain’t for everybody. If you’re not into extreme and rather DRAMATIC squall, then this choir will NOT be for you. Fortunately for me, I have an affinity for this kind of vocal chords to the wall gospel vocal styling and Predestined are doing their good hollering. Not only are they group of  strong belters but Live is a collection of solid choir tunes, killer vocal arrangements (seriously, this is their huge strength), and super impressive leads. To see what I mean listen to “Believe,” “Revealed,” and “So Much.” Your ears will thank you.

Promises – Richard Smallwood & Vision

No one is more consistent that Richard Smallwood and his latest project with Vision didn’t disappointment. I’ll be honest, I’ve heard some folks say they wanted something “different” from him on this project and I just didn’t understand that line of reasoning or request. When I think Richard Smallwood, I think of a very specific collection of chords, sounds, and embellishment that although familiar, make his music what it is. “Trust Me” was clearly the stand out track but if you listen again, there are a few gems here including “Sow In Tears,” “Facts Are, Truth Is,” and “Mender.”

From Now On – Dawkins & Dawkins

We’d been waiting for over 10 years for this moment and when it came, it came good! Eric and Anson Dawkins are arguably (ok, not really) the architects of the urban gospel style we here so many people trying to recreate in gospel AND R&B/Soul music so with their return CD, the bar and expectations were high. Well, in my opinion they killed it and found the delicate balance of maintaining their sound from years past while at the same time made music that was relevant for today. I had to give this CD a yes if for no other reason then the fact that the title track makes me want to buy a car (that I don’t know how to drive) just so I can bump it with the windows down (or top, depending on if it’s a convertible) in the summertime!

YRM (Your Righteous Mind) – Donald Lawrence & Co.

What I’m noticing as I write this second installment was that 2011 was the year of “can they do it?” or “can they do it again?” Although The Law Of Confession wasn’t Donald’s first CD without Tri-City, it did mark a new beginning in the kind of albums we had heard from him. Although always a “conceptual” artist, that CD may have been the first time we had heard him be so deliberate and intentional as it pertained to “theology in song.” And as I mentioned that year, it was one of my favorite CD’s from him to date, so when it came time for YRM to be released, many of us wondered if he could do it again. Well, he did and did it well. YRM touted heavy spiritual and biblical concepts in a way that sounded so good, you almost didn’t realize you were getting full fledged sermons in each track. BRAVO!

Uncommon Me – Isaac Carree

As the year of “can they do it” progressed on, we found ourselves asking the question again when Isaac Carree’s debut CD Uncommon Me dropped. Did we know if Isaac Carree could sing? Absolutely! From recording with John P. Kee and Kirk Franklin to successful albums with his group Men Of Standard, there was no questions as to whether Isaac could blow. But even after all these years in the industry could he stand alone? Uncommon Me proved that he could and even as I write this, the CD is still resting pretty high on the gospel charts. When a good singer meets good songs and good production, this is what you get. The CD’s strongest asset is it’s versatility. It’s a CD with a mix of a few gospel styles that Isaac does well so no matter who listens to it, they’ve got a little something they’ll like. And for the record, “Shout” is my favorite track… Go figure! (I did that because everyone thinks the church boy in me liked this CD for one particular song and that simply isn’t true, hehehehe!)

I Survived – Dorinda Clark-Cole

Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect from this CD since the single was so ummm “unexpected.” Although “Back to You” was a good song I think it might have done the CD a disservice because it would have led you to believe that Dorinda had gone into an oddly contemporary direction on her new project which just wasn’t the case. This CD was really good and for the most part played well which most CD’s don’t do these days. So for those of you who don’t have it, get past the single and dig into this CD, you will LOSE IT! Especially on “We Believe.” As a matter of fact, may just have to take a break and run that one again. BRB….

*gets up off the floor*

Evolved…From Boys To Men – 21:03

Not going to lie, i struggled between “yes” and “maybe” with this one because I did not love every song. It’s one of those things where the songs I didn’t like, I really didn’t like but the ones I did like, I LOVED!!!!!!!!! And I realized that the songs I loved outweighed the ones I didn’t care for by A LOT! So I’m going to list each one so you know what made me love this CD. What I also loved about this CD was that although it was clear PAJAM was still at the forefront of production, they allowed Torrence (no relation, lol), Evan and Jorel to actually sing the songs, BACKGROUND VOCALS INCLUDED!! Sometimes J. Moss’ signature bgv’s (although great) can overshadow the artist and make you kind of mentally check out from a song when it’s not his. Well on this CD, these dudes are singing and I’m frankly upset more of you didn’t pick this up but you still have time. (I sound like a preacher… ha!) Of course listen to the whole CD and come to your own conclusions but definitely listen out for “Cold World,” “STILL HERE,” “In Your Presence,” “Incredible,” “All You Need,” and “Loving You.” Sidebar, I do also take issue with this album cover. It’s clear, these young men have evolved from boys to men so to not show that is a little wrong to me, but maybe it’s just me. Perhaps I’m just traditional but you got to show me who I’m buying. Took me back to that “couch album cover” that burned me up a few years ago. Ok, I’ve spent to much time on this…

The Journey – Andrae Crouch

The best CD of the year, period… Shame on you if you don’t own it. I actually have a bit of an attitude about this one. The sales on this to date have been really disappointing and I just don’t understand why. Generally, an artist of this age and stature usually see their best years behind them. Although they can still do a little something something, generally their ability to make hits is way in the past. Not so with this Andrae Crouch CD, this music is good for today and just like all of his other work, I think some of these songs will be classic in their own right years from now. So again, shame on you if you don’t have it. Yes, I’m judging you. Ha!

Free - Kierra Sheard featuring Bold, Right Life

I struggled with this one. Because I knew that this CD was recorded live and featured Bold, Right Life (Kierra’s “choir); I had prepared myself for jaw dropping, head back squalling til times get better singing. Once I realized that no, they’re still young and are going to express themselves a little differently, I had to listen again and readjust my expectations. After that, I must say I dug it. It’s a nice little mix of contemporary gospel and praise and worship/rock elements. Also, it’s really good to hear Kierra live although she’s amazing in the studio, there’s a maturity that you here on this project that’s really refreshing. My favorite track is “You Are.”

The Sound Of Victory – Maurette Brown-Clark

Just like I’ve described her voice for years, this CD will sneak up on you. It’s a live praise and worship experience  with good songs and some of the best bgv’s you could ask for. Maurette does her good singing without too much fancy stuff. She’s more of a communicator than just a singer and I like that. She’s got this thing I can’t describe. Whether she’s hoarse, high or low she just got it and I like it.

Thank You – Amber Bullock

Amber’s debut EP showed a maturity and “readiness” that we don’t see often from new artists. Although it’s clear the recording process was a quick production, overall she really pulled it out and delivered. On Sunday Best, Amber made a name for herself because of her ability to style a song and make it her own, even if it were a classic. She does that on her EP as she travels down memory lane “remixing” her favorite songs from the season. You’ve never heard “For Every Mountain” like she does it and that’s just the beginning. Pick this up and see why I always describe her as the “thoughtful singer.”

No

Sound The Trumpet – Judith McAllister

I’ve gone on record that no one does gospel praise and worship like Judith McAllister and it saddens me that I feel she’s never gotten her due. If there’s anyone person who I look to as the standard for praise and worship ministry in OUR churches, it would be Judith. But to me, this CD didn’t represent her well at all. I can’t put my finger on it but something was definitely missing and the songs were just OK. I certainly haven’t counted her out yet, but this wasn’t it… But oh yeah, there is one song that if you use it right in service will lay you all the way out. “Thank You For The Healing” is thee cut.

Maybe

Any Day Now – Craig Hayes & UV (United Voices)

If you’re a hard core gospel music fan, a choir head especially then the name Craig Hayes and United Voices probably make your ears perk up and take you back to a time when you and your friends might have traveled from wherever to Philadelphia/Delaware just to hear this man and his group sing because they were the choir with all the squall and precision you could imagine and if they were having an event you were trying to be there whether you were invited to sing or not. You just knew it was going to be good. Once I learned that Craig Hayes and UV had recorded again (Craig’s been more behind the scenes working with GMWA and work-shopping choirs these days) I was excited. I was extremely excited about the title track that got sent to me first. “Any Day Now” has a throwback feel to mass choirs of 40 or more people with matching robes. Unfortunately, I still haven’t been able to sink my teeth into any other song because I find myself going right to “Anyday nowwwwww, Anydaaaay nowwwww, theeee LAWD-Is-Gonna-dewwwwwwwwww, just what he said.” So I had to throw this one in the maybe column.

Live In Memphis – Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis

I’m just so glad to see young people willing to carry the choir sound and legacy I don’t know what to do with myself. I haven’t been able to get past this one song called “Jesus The Great” that I just love from this CD and since I just got a copy of it recently when they taped Bobby Jones Gospel I had to put this one in the maybe list because I’m still listening but I’m proud of these kids. Grab this on the strength.

The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson – Le’Andria Johnson

Le’Andria’s voice got her in this category because the woman can make anything sound good. If this were another artist’s CD, it probably would have been a “no” because there was a LOT missing in the production value of this CD. You can have one of the greatest singers on the planet (which she is) but marry them to OK songs and production and it’s just a maybe situation. The good news is Le’Andria is already working on new music for 2012 and word has it they’ve kicked it up a notch with features and production so this should be really good.

From The Heart - Jessica Reedy

This was another tough one. Jessica’s voice and style are so special and unique I think her debut album was somewhat experimental in it’s approach. Not experimental in that way of “let me just make something that sounds different that you can’t categorize.” But experimental in that we’re not sure how to best capture this new and distinctive voice. The CD is far from bad and would never get a “no” but what this CD does is make me look forward to her next one because now that Jessica’s not new to this anymore I know she’s going to really kill it the second time around. But I’m going to keep listening to this one because some CD’s just take time. Sidebar, but there are some tracks I really dig! “Blue God,” “Always,” “Doctor Love” (featuring the oracle Faith Evans so you already know), and “God Has Smiled On Me.”

One Voice – Micah Stampley

Gonna be quick with this. I just want him to go ahead and record live. Not sure I feel him as much in these studio settings. His gift is undeniable and live he slays me most times. But in the studio, something to me gets lost. Although my church choir sings “Heaven On Earth” which made me listen to this CD again and that song will get you together if you’re not careful.

The Journey – Shirley Murdock

I didn’t listen yet, but had a fun time at this recording. There was a whole lot of Journeying happening this year though. Ha!

Well, that’s it! Another year down and another list down, but I can’t leave 2011 without telling you what I”m looking forward to in 2012. Some of this stuff I heard but a lot of it I haven’t yet so I’m TRULY looking forward just like you. Happy New Year!

1. James Fortune & FIYA – Identity (whooooooo, some of the features are on this are gonna slay you!)

2. Myron Butler – Worship (this just may be the one…)

3. Juanita Bynum – The Diary of Juanita Bynum II (Yeah, yeah, yeah….)

4. Fred Hammond – God, Love, Romance (this could go so many ways…. but I trust Fred more than “others.”)

5. Isaac Simpson & DP – The Process

6. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise

7. Jason Nelson

8. Deon Kipping

9. Marvin Sapp

10. Anita Wilson (she’s one of my new favorities, that voice could clarify butter!)

And that’s it, hope I didn’t miss anybody but that was in no particular order. Again, Happy New Year and see ya on the other side!

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