What is really going on?

The picture above is from a new Christian Rap artist named Soul P's upcoming release The Premiere. You can listen to tracks from the album at his MySpace page .

Now from looking at this cd cover, I've got to ask why does he have a group of people clamoring towards him like he's a rock star? Is this really an appropriate cover for a gospel artist, because last time I checked singing gospel isn't aboutself glorification but the glorification of God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, so why doesn't his cover reflect this?

I'm listening to his track, Goodness and I'm not feeling it at all. I really don't like to be critical of God's music, but it really doesn't say anything about God. It's like Trin-i-tee 5:7's latest song Back In The Day (which you can listen at Nuthinbutgospel). When I saw them perform this (yes, it was a performance and not them ministering), on TBN last month, I was like what is this? No where in the song did it say anything about God, it was about growing up back in the day (think of the rap artist Amhad and his song, "Back In The Day").

I really pray that this isn't the direction God's music is going...

What a year of releases...

Wow, there are been a good amount of great gospel uplifting God and inspirational music for the soul releases this year. But wait...the year is not over yet. You have Smokie Norful, Micah Stampley, Kelly Price and more coming out with new albums before the year is out.

One that I'm highly anticipating is The Anointed Pace Sisters' release, Return. It will be in stores October 24, 2006, so mark your calendars! You can pre-order yours today at Amazon.com .








Here's the Track Listing:

1. Strategically Ordered
2. The Words You Said
3. He's Here/ When God Is In The Building
4. High Praise
5. Contentment
6. Return
7. Reign Forever
8. Hold On
9. It's Already Done
10. God's Wolrd
11. Rescue


To listen to their single, "High Praise", you can click on their banner at the top of the page.


That's it for now, as always stay blessed and have a great weekend! May God contine to bless each and every one of you.

What's been going on at The Fill?

Have you joined The Gospel Fill-Up's forum, if not, then you're really missing out. Here's a preview of music we've been discussing...

Vickie Winans
Woman To Woman: Songs of Life

This album features two cds of new and old song by the lovely and talented Mrs. Winans. The standout song on the album by far is "The Rainbow" (click here for lyrics to the song). It's such a moving song about not giving up and to just keep holding on. If you want to read a more in-depth review about her new album, then please read The Gospel Gal's review before you decided whether or not you might want to purchase this album. (you can help the site out by ordering this cd through Amazon by clicking the purchase link...all money received through referrals go into purchasing a domain and server to expand The Gospel Fill Up to bigger and better things for you :-) )



Here's a You Tube video of Vickie Winans singing "The Rainbow"!

Vicki Yohe
He's Been Faithful

So that's where all of the action has moved to. Keep checking back here often for more updates. As stated earlier, The Fill-Up will be offering new features here very soon, and I'm so excited about it. In the meantime, continue to be blessed!

Kierra "KiKi" Sheard

Hi everyone, I pray everyone is blessed! I can't believe it's already September, and this site has been online for seven months now, that's amazing. I really want to do more with this blog. I'm thinking about purchasing a domain and doing bigger things with that will integrate the blog, the forum, and more. So I pray this all goes well and I'll keep you all updated.

In the meantime, here's a video of Kierra Sheard's song, This Is Me, courtesy of YouTube. If you haven't supported Ms. Sheard by purchasing her album, then please do so. For those looking for reviews about the albums then please visit my fellow bloggers, The Minstrel's Point of View and Krustallos for their indepth thoughts.

I pray everyone has a safe and blessed week...enjoy and may God bless you all!

The forum is up and running...

Hello to everyone! Just a notice that the forum is open for those who have yet to sign up. Please spread the news, if you know of others who would like to fellowship with us, by all means let them know! Below are just a few of the new additions that can be found in the forum. Hope to see you there! :-)

http://s6.invisionfree.com/The_Gospel_Fill_Up

Lilmama

P.S.

If you haven't donated before and you also register this week, you'll gain immediate access to the entire board! So spread the word!

Bishop Eric McDaniel & The Lord's Church Cathedral Choir

We Are Healed

Zie'l

Genesis

Tunesha Crispell

Just As I Am

Souljahz...in the army of the Lord!

This is a strong debut from this brother/sister trio from Southern California. See their website.

"What Souljahz can do, as evidenced by the sixteen selections of their 2002 freshman release, The Fault Is History, is to present their powerful and persuasive message in a wide array of musical settings and with an instantly accessible vocal style that is as irresistible as it is original. From 'Let Go,' the magnificent musical manifesto that opens the album, through such standout tracks as 'The Color Hate,' 'Poor Man,' 'Keep Risin' ' and 'Jubilee,' The Fault Is History paints an unflinchingly honest portrait of today's world even as it celebrates the faith, hope and love that can transform that world."

Much of this album was produced by Tonex. You'll even hear him "screaming" a bit in the background. LOL! Enjoy!

Pirouette1196

Souljahz
The Fault Is History

Mid-week Praise Break: A mix of old & new school!

Tyrone Block and The Christ Tabernacle Combined Choirs

All For Me

(courtesy of Lippe...thanks!)

(Tracklisting is located in comments)

The Soweto Gospel Choir

Voices From Heaven

(courtesy of Gene...thanks!)

A7

A7

(courtesy of Da_MeTHoD...thanks!)

(Tracklisting is located in comments)

Tye Tribbett & G.A.

Ideas & Concepts

(courtesy of Marcus...thanks!)

Various Artists

The Masters of Gospel

(courtesy of Gene...thanks!)

(Tracklisting is located in comments)

Kim McFarland Post

Hello everyone! How have you all been doing this week, blessed I pray. We haven't been able to post the donations but will do so very soon, so please be patient with us. There is a new password and for those we haven't emailed yet, it's on the way, but feel free to email a reminder to us. In case you all haven't noticed, compilation albums won't be password protected, like the one in the Mass Choir post. Hopefully this way, it will make those a bit happier that aren't able to donate and/or give them a sampling of what's on the artist's albums. I'm also sorry about the lack of updates, it's not that we haven't received donations (we've been blessed with many), I've just been a bit busy.

So I had to do a Kim McFarland post, just had to. Ms. McFarland is blessed to have a such a beautiful voice to minister with. For those who haven't heard of her, she's featured on Walt Whitman's We Are One (which she co-wrote with Whitman),on the the album We Are One. She's also well known for singing with the late Rev. Milton Brunson in his famed choir, The Thompson Community Singers. I think the first time I heard her minister was when she led I Tried Him, I Know Him, (one of my all-time favorite songs...I know...I have alot of favorites, I can't help it...hehe :-) ).

Nuthinbutgospel featured her song, New Life as one of the old school tracks a few months ago, and I bought the album after hearing it. The title track, sounds like a song by The Anointed Pace Sisters, and has a wonderful message about having a new life in Jesus. Another track that brought back some memories was Yield Yourself (I had no idea she recorded that, because I used to get excited when I heard it on the radio back in the day), a track for those who like the stylings of Mary Mary may enjoy listening to.

All in all, McFarland's debut album won a place in my heart and onto my heavy rotation list as well. So guess what...had to have her second one, Amazing. I purchased it a few weeks ago and didn't like it as much as her previous album...but I may need time for it to grow on me. There's a medley with her singing the songs that she's well known for, We Are One, For The Good of Them, I Tried Him, I Know Him, and In My Name, but the two that stand out in my opinion are Amazing and Intercession (written by the one and only V. Micheal McKay, that may be why I was blessed by it, he's a talented writer and composer).

So I pray that you all enjoy these offerings and let me know what you think about the albums in the comments. Gotta go, but have a blessed evening!


Lilmama

Kim McFarland

New Life

Kim McFarland

Amazing

Songs I Remember...

I know this post may not be for most, but I wanted to share this walk down memory lane...with those of you who actually remember and sang these hymns :-) God bless...

-Unclewich

Amazon.com:
"A few decades ago nearly every country singer had at least one--often more--gospel albums in their catalog. Today, aside from gospel veteran Amy Grant, who balances the sacred and secular, and Randy Travis, that concept has long faded. For Alan Jackson, however, treating the musical past as present has been a way of life, as it is with these 15 timeless hymns from his youth. Recorded with just two acoustic guitars and a piano, it was originally a private Christmas present to his mother. The spare instrumentation is surprisingly robust behind his flawless readings of "I'll Fly Away," "Softly and Tenderly," "How Great Thou Art," "Are You Washed in the Blood?," and "The Old Rugged Cross," all as beguilingly unpretentious as any of his country hits. Instead of an all-star duet, wife Denise and daughters Mattie and Ali join in on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus." In the end, what began as a private bequest becomes a moving, eloquent gift to Jackson's entire audience." --Rich Kienzle

Alan Jackson - Precious Memories

(password protected)

Youth For Christ

Youth For Christ

Love Comes In All Colors

Youth For Christ

The Struggle Is Over

(courtesy of Big L...thanks!)

Now, I looked online for a review of this album with no such luck. So, I can't comment on the album, although it's strange that there was no buzz about this album along with the lack of reviews for it too. However, I know this album will be a blessing, how come? I fell in love with this choir with their debut release, Higher which didn't have the pomp and circumcstance as most newcomers do as far as promotions goes, but they did have Troy Sneed writing, directing, and producing, and that was certainly enough. Their follow up album, Love Comes In All Colors, was an excellent sophmore release in my opinion, you could tell the growth and maturity through the lyrics as well as their voices. Like, Higher, I can play that cd from beginning to end, so I except nothing less from The Struggle Is Over.

There's a full clip of the title track at Nuthinbutgospel.com , so check that out when you get a chance. And if you were able to pick this album up, please post your thoughts on it here in the comments, thanks!

Overflowing with donations

Bishop Carlton Pearson

Live at Azusa, Vol. 2: Precious Memories

(courtesy of David...thanks!)

Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Peace Be Still

(courtesy of Jerome...thanks!)

Jules Bartholomew and JudaCamp

Juda Muzik Project

(courtesy of Kordaye...thanks!)

Tremaine Hawkins

To A Higher Place

(courtesy of Ariel...thanks!)

Virtue: Testimony

Here it is, the new Virtue. Check out my review of Testimony.

--Pirouette1196

P.S.

Check out Tribe of Judah's review of this album too!

Virtue

Testimony (2006)

Rachael Lampa Post

I discovered this young lady back in the summer of 2000 when I was perusing the Christian bookstore for some new music. I saw the CD cover of Live For You and just knew I had to buy it. I didn't even preview the tracks. I just bought the CD and was not disappointed at all! Rachael's voice reminded me of a young Mariah Carey, very sweet, but strong with a great deal of range.

I will upload her latest CD, Rachael Lampa (2004), when I get it. :-)

Enjoy these offerings!

--Pirouette1196

Live For You (2000)


Kaleidoscope (2002)


Blur (2002)

Rachael Lampa

Rachael Lampa

(courtesy of beewize2...thanks!)

A Lil' Bit 'O Rap...

Good afternoon! Here's a little somthin' from one of the local guys here in S.C. Goes by the name C-Style, and I had the pleasure of hearing him perform some of these tracks during one of our Youth Revivals a few years back. It's not a big production by today's standards, but back in 1999 it meant something to have your own CD :-) All joking aside, I liked C-Style's personality from the start...he didn't consider himself to be some type of star in the making. And although he was a young man trying to make his mark in the music industry, he didn't allow that to cloud the view of his true purpose...to try and win souls for Christ.

-Unclewich

C-Style: Souljafied

"WWW"...

Spend your "W"ednesday "W"ith Clara "W"ard and The Clara Ward Singers...

-Unclewich

Clara Ward and The Clara Ward Singers - Meetin' Tonight

(password protected)

Krustallos--Gospel music news, reviews, and more...

Hey all! This is your girl, Krystal, aka Pirouette1196. At Lilmama’s request, I just wanted to plug my fledgling gospel music blog, Krustallos. I write music reviews, post music news that I find (dis)interesting, and discuss other issues related to gospel music.

Sure you can go to Gospelfava.com, GospelCity, or any other gospel music-related site for news, but you won’t get my keen and quirky insight and commentary. ;-) Just ask Unclewich—he knows.

Please come by and leave (constructive) comments. Krustallos is just something I’m having fun with, and I love visitors! :-D

Be blessed!

P. S. At this time I do not post album files, but I will direct people to the Gospel Fill-Up if I review an album that has been posted here.

Something 4 everyone...

Michael W. Smith

Compilation

(courtesy of Alex...thanks!)

Various Artists

His Woman, His Wife Soundtrack

(courtesy of Tony...thanks!)

The Whitfield Music Group

This Time

(courtesy of Anthony...thanks!)

Avalon

The Very Best of Avalon: Testify To Love

(courtesy of Doubleh7...thanks!)

Maurette Brown-Clark

By His Grace

(courtesy of Cliff...thanks!)

Dottie Peoples

Testify

(courtesy of AnthonyD...thanks!)

Mississippi Mass Choir

Amazing Love

(courtesy of AnthonyD...thanks!)

Kurt Carr

One Church Project

(courtesy of Modelman...thanks!)

Sound of Gospel

Once a powerhouse for unforgettable vessels that brought forth God's word through song, Sound of Gospel is now re-releasing more of their classics in stores once again and it's about time (now if Sweet Rain would get on board so Hezekiah's and GMWA Youth's earlier albums can be available to all of us!!!). Those releases include Yolanda Adam's debut album, "Just As I Am", Twinkie Clark's "Praise Belongs To God", and Mattie Moss Clark's "He Was Hung Up For My Hang Ups". So stop by your local music store, shop online, or special order them and be blessed!

GMWA Choirs

Taken from GMWA's website :

"In 1968 James Cleveland had a dream. He gathered a small circle of gifted writers, singers and instrumentalists in Philadelphia in hopes of nurturing young talent and furthering the development of the music he loved and devoted his life to.

Thirty one years later, that dream has flourished into a nationwide reality and has become one of the cornerstones of Gospel music, the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Today GMWA has nearly 30,000 members in 150 chapters across America and abroad. Each year they meet at their annual convention in August and sing, learn and fellowship together.

The GMWA has been the training ground for a number of Gospel’s greatest talent’s and visionaries, including contemporary superstars Kirk Franklin and John P. Kee, and many others. It’s an organization whose sole purpose has always been to give Gospel musicians opportunities and settings where they can both teach and learn from each other, and to know that the fruits of their labor could one day reach literally around the world."

So today, I thought I'd do a post featuring all four Gospel Music Workshop of America's choirs; GMWA National Mass Choir, GMWA Youth Mass Choir, GMWA Men of Promise, and GMWA Women of Worship. I hope you all are blessed by it and if so, go to GMWA's website to find out how you, a family member, a friend, or even your child can be apart of your local GMWA chapter.

Lilmama

P.S.

Remember to change .3ds to .rar to extract. If you're unsure of how to do that, please read this informing post Lavonda wrote for reference.

GMWA National Mass Choir

25th Anniversary

GMWA Youth Mass Choir

New Orleans 2000

GMWA Men of Promise

Since He Got up, I Can Go Up

GMWA Women of Worship

When The Praises Go Up

GoJazz and some Neo-Soul

Lori Perry
Wrote This Song (2004)

From Amazon.com--"In 2003 Lori began to work on her first solo release, titled 'Wrote This Song,' she calls this spirit-based music featured on the project GoJazz. The fusion combines Gospel and Jazz music with a unique synergy leaving the listener feeling completely uplifted and calmed at the same time.

"Lori was inspired by several influences to write almost every song on her project covering a wide range of emotion and depth. 'My testimony is actually one that encompasses the testimonies of many others. I feel compelled to be the voice for many individuals who don’t get the opportunity to put a microphone in their hand and reach thousands of people at one time. I want to tell their stories for them as well as walk you through my spiritual journey.' Songs like 'No Longer Run' depict Lori’s testimony as she proclaims her new relationship with her music and begins to minister to herself. Another smash song impacting radio 'I Found It In You' moves a step farther in her journey giving praise to the Father above for the changes she has made in her life.' "

Leon Timbo
Soul Sessions (2005)

This brotha played and sang on Lisa McClendon's "Invitation" 1 & 2 from her debut My Diary, Your Life, and "The Truth Is..." from her Soul Music CD. His sound is smooth and organic. He sings encouraging words to folks in all stages of life. My favorite songs are "Gotta dance," "Relax & chill," "Baby you are a Star," and "Where you are."

Lisa McClendon
My Diary, Your Life (2002)

Lisa McClendon's debut from Shabach Entertainment is truly a masterpiece. You can actully listen to this album without skipping. The lyrics are deep, insightful, and full of anointing, truly. This album has caused me to listen to gospel music differently. Lisa avoids irritating Christian cliches and just gets to the heart of the matter, whether it's shacking up with a girl/boyfriend, religious hypocrisy, or dealing with temptation. Girlfriend just has it going on. She's a gifted wordsmith and singer.

All the songs are great, but my favorites are...well, all of them! I especially like the spoken word interludes. They add a nice personal touch and an inside view of Lisa's diary and life, because really, you may find your diary and life in this wonderful music. It's just that good.

--Krystal

Daryl Coley Post

One of the most prolific gospel soloists and psalmists of the late 20th, and indeed the early 21st century has got to be this amazing minister. After some 32 years since his voice first graces a recording (Yeah, 1974), he still possesses the uncanny and unmistakable clear-as-a-bell tone, crazy runs, ridiculous range, and ability to hold a single note from one end of a song to another without a breath (He remains the litmus paper that tests anyone's breath control). He's one of those timeless artists that you never have to ask, "Is that...?". You see, when you hear this voice, you know. His own jazz tinged arrangements, room quieting acapella worship medleys, as well as the appearances on so many other artists projects (Please, look him up on allmusic.com), have solidified him as one of my very favorite soloists. I can see he's high on the lists of others as well, and hopefully if you're not familiar with him, you'll now get a chance to fall in live with the incredible, remarkable, imitated, but never duplicated voice of...Daryl Coley. Enjoy and be blessed!!!

Peace,
Kaztricie1

I'll Be With You

When The Music Stops/p>

In My Dreams

Beyond The Veil - Live at The Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion XIII

The Best of Daryl Coley - 10 Songs

Daryl Coley

The Collection: 12 Best Loved Songs

(courtesy of NC2PGH...thanks!)