Customer Reviews

Africa to America

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I know every song by heart...no other music has ever affected me quite like this tape. I buy it for everyone I know who may need a little help.

It shares pain, sorrow, forgiveness, love, challenge to succeed in spite of any odds, a mantra... never quit, change, redemption, heartache, and celebration of life. It gets and gives all inspiration from the most powerful source of all.

I will leave one C/D for each of my children (a powerful mother's song). I want them to play it and be consoled when they experience heartache after I am long gone. I want them to have a rich taste of America's ugly past so that they like their mother will feel passionate about doing whatever they can to support the healing process between people of color and the rest of society.

The C/D made me cry with just a glimmer of the horrors of slavery. It helped me to visualize and imagine the pain while hanging my head in shame for what we as Americans let happen to Africans.

Often said, "that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger". This album is a tribute to a people who's horrific struggle to survive slavery in the ugliest chapter of American history, is exceeded only by it's strength in overcoming the incredible odds to take back freedom.

The African American culture with its unwavering faith in God, commitment to family and to one another has created a legacy of power and richness no other ethnic group will ever know. I am caucasian and I burst with pride when I hear this music. I can only imagine the exhileration one must feel having this legacy to claim within his/her own heritage.

Powerful...a must listen to for all !!!

Usually, the sophomore effort of a group pales somewhat in comparison to the first; but Sounds of Blackness scored a coup by releasing one that is definitely an improvement over "The Evolution of Gospel." And that is a monumental achievement. The release, like its predecessor, mixes the old with the new. The selection of traditional spirituals ("Hold On," "Sun Up to Sundown") and a Billie Holiday classic ("Strange Fruit") complement the contemporary tracks. The latter are outstanding with great production and vocals from the talented singers. The Al Green-sounding "The Lord Will Make a Way" and the Curtis Mayfield-like "He Took Away All My Pain" are excellent testaments of faith. Poignancy reigns in the beautiful "A Place in My Heart, a mother's testimony with a passion-filled performance from Ann Nesby, and "A Very Special Love" with Billy Steele and Carrie Harrington sharing the lead. "The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall" is a funk-driven selection featuring lead vocalist Jimmy Wright. "Black Butterfly," though not as memorable as the Deniece Williams' classic of the same name, is still a wonder to behold. All should hear the "sounds" of this underrated ensemble!

I was feeling so down on my luck and just at a loss as to how I would deal with the various challenges I was facing. A university lecturer of mine invited a group of us to her home to hear this CD. I heard the first song and I was totally inspired then I heard the next two and I was literally ready to get up and start figuring out a way to face my problems head on. Five years later, no matter where I go, my copy of Africa to America goes with me. It's the single most inspiring Album I have ever heard. It helps me with my relationship with God, my attitude towards obstacles in my life and gives me the get up and go to just do it. If music is food for the soul, then Africa to America is a seven course meal! 10 out of 10!

This is an incredible mix of Black music, ranging from African rhythms to gospel to blues to soul. I have taken copies of this tape on visits to Africa and have had to replace it twice. The music transcends the geographical boundaries of the African diaspora.

I was so happy to receive this CD after I had lost it a few years ago. The CD is absolutely excellent. If you have never heard Sounds of Blackness before, I guarantee that the first time you hear it you won't be able to stop. If you like their first CD, "Evolution of Gospel", you will like this CD twice as much. I play my CD at least 3 times a day (notice "at least"). You will love Ann Nesby, the lead vocalist on most of the tracks. You might almost mistake her for someone like Aretha Franklin. You will love songs like "I'm Going All The Way" and "The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall." Other good songs are "I Believe" and "A Place In My Heart" in which Ann Nesby sings a tribute to her daughter. "Strange Fruit" and "Black Butterfly" might actually bring tears to your eyes as you hear about the struggles of African-Americans in the slave days. Get "Africa to America: The Beat of the Drum" if you haven't already and also get "Evolution of Gospel" if you don't own that already.

I've had this cd twice and would lend it to others-never to see it again!!! I can't say how happy I am to have found it on Amazon. The music/the words are all inspiring. "I'm going All The Way" has gotten me through some "trials and tribulations" and "He took away all my pain" helped me to continue on. Whoever buys this cd will not be dissappointed-it supplys whatever you need!!!

Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum is the Sounds of Blackness' best album! It is their finest collection of music to date. I love all of their albums but this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys urban gospel music and wants to be uplifted!

Many songs hit home for me, especially when I'm having a bad day. My favourites are: "Lord Will Make A Way", "He Took Away All My Pain", "Livin the Blues" and especially "A Place in My Heart".

"A Place in My Heart" should have been a single. Next time you listen to this song, listen closely to the words. Very inspiring message from mother to daughter. No better singer could deliver the message on this song than Ann Nesby.

Purchase this CD if you like the Sounds of Blackness. The whole CD tells a true story with a very happy and inspirational ending. Enjoy and God Bless!

Always loved the Sounds of Blackness Gospel music. It is simply fantastic and always inspirational. This cd always gives me a positive lift when I am down. I recommend it for anyone who believes in faith, GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Fantastic inspirational cd's.

This is one of those albums that I could just play from start to finish and over and over. The music and spirit in these recordings is just incredible and the lyrics are among the best I have ever heard. I believe that everyone, particularly African-Americans, should own a copy of this album. There are a least 5 potential hit singles in this collection. This album affects me emotionally as much as any album of the last 25 years. I can be in any situation or mood and listen to "Black Butterfly" and be instantly invigorated and filled with power. I hear this song and get chills. One of the greatest albums in decades -and actually of all time.

not great but good what makes it good is ann nesby if you never heard this women sing you have miss truly one of the best r and b and gospel singers ever just listen to a place in my heart track 10 breathtakeing singer