Customer Reviews

Alone But Not Alone

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Every so often, an artist comes along with talent and charisma so imposing that it can't be contained or defined by the genre he's associated with. These are artists whose talent overflows the barriers and stylistic walls that would normally restrict one's musical output, trapping them within the safe parameters of the `expected' audience. This is the type of artist who gives us wonderful musical gifts that surprise, delight, and enrich the soul: Marvin Winans is that kind of artist. As the front man of the crossover Gospel group, The Winans, Marvin (known as Reverend Marvin L. Winans is some circles, thank you) helped propel the family band of brothers into the mainstream market with his rich songwriting abilities as well as his amazing voice and on-stage charisma. Those who were paying close attention knew that someday Marvin would have to do a solo project. The wait has been way too long, but it's over: Alone But Not Alone is Marvin Winans' first solo project, and it has provided surprises, and more than fulfilled expectations.

It has to be stated here that Winans is a master at vocal phrasing. With a Gospel background and an R&B engine (with some cool jazz thrown in for good measure), Marvin knows how to take a lyric, lay it onto a melody, infuse the joy, pain, disappointment and intensity of life into the moment, and send it straight to the listener's soul. Throughout the album, Winans' employs his sometimes powerful, sometimes whispering, delivery to tell story after story of love, disappointment, revelation, joy and pain: his vocals can sneak up on you out of nowhere, and can shift effortlessly from a vibrato-less pure tone to a Gospel shout, not unlike his father, `Pops' Winans might deliver. Alone But Not Alone features some wonderful, sophisticated, cool musicianship by the likes of Marvin Sims, Dan Needham, and Javier Solis on drums, and the amazing Tommy Sims, who not only co-produced and mixed the project but gets songwriting credit for "Peace and Love" and "Sinner's Prayer," as well as contributing very tasty acoustic and electric guitars and a variety of keyboards. Among the group of amazing musicians on this disc are such notables as Jerry McPherson (guitar), Tyrone Dickerson and Daniel Weatherspoon on the Hammond B3 and on acoustic piano - the Reverend Winans himself also is featured on acoustic piano, and does a great job, which should be no surprise to anyone who's ever been to a Winans concert. As with The Winans' albums, Marvin has generously shared the spotlight on several songs with guest vocalists - most notably on this CD, Take Six, adding wonderfully arranged back-up vocals to "I Will Try," and the amazing Kim Burrell on the same track, making the song, essentially, a very special duet performance.

With this album, Marvin Winans has taken us by surprise: stylistically, it's not pure Gospel or straight R&B, but blurs the lines of both of these styles by mixing in healthy doses of a more adult-oriented jazz approach on many tracks. The orchestrations are big, emotional and jazz-inflected, owing much to the production sound of (believe it or not) Jimmy Webb. More than once, in the course of these 12 tracks, you'll hear the ghosts of Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and even another Marvin, with the last name of Gaye. This is not to say that there's any lack of funk on Alone But Not Alone - the CD's title track kicks off the project in high gear with a catchy, up-beat tune, punctuated by familiar Winans-style back-up and crisp horn parts, and is followed by "My Story," which is Marvin saying `hello' to us and letting us know where he's been. "My Story" is one of several songs with a hook that will stay with you through the day (a vocal riff delivered, I believe, by brother Carvin).

Things take a more introspective turn with "Just Don't Wanna Know," a powerful confession of Winans' need for a human touch, while still acknowledging God as The Teacher through lonely times; it's a confessional, heart-felt song that will no-doubt bring tears to the eyes of many who will understand the emotion and message. The alternately gentle and powerful vocal delivery of the lyrics backed at first by a simple acoustic guitar-driven combo, expands into full, swirling strings and backup singers, yet the emotional core of the song remains strong and un-cluttered. This song, the album's first single, has `classic' written all over it.

Things lighten up a bit with the refreshing, "I Still Believe," with its easy-going beat and pleasant harmonies. The song is a well-placed respite from the emotional intensity of the previous track. An instrumental track follows, leading into the big, anthem-like, "I Shall Never," which introduces us to Deshondra Rideout helping with a solo vocal guest-shot.
Marvin's late brother, Ronald contributes what was perhaps his last recorded vocal performance on the next song, "He Brought Me Joy." Ronald's performance adds a poignant note to this more traditional Gospel song of encouragement.

"I'm Over It Now" is another big jazzy ballad with lush orchestration and world-weary, but devotional lyrics; here we have not so much the calm, but the peace after the storm...

Things get warm and funky again with the light-hearted and pleasant "The Rain," a bouncy tune with tight background vocals for those of us who need to know when to `come in out of the rain.' This sets us up for one of the real showpieces of the project - the jazzy, slow barn-burner, "Try." Over a small jazz combo and light strings, we're treated to the amazing vocal tag-team of Marvin Winans and Kim Burrell. What more could we ask for? How about Take Six providing back-up vocals? There's more good vocal stuff going on in this one track that you might hear in a whole year's worth of recordings. Trust me on this - and Kudos to Tommy Sims for just-right production.

The penultimate track, "Peace and Love," harkens back to Marvin Gaye and the kind of R&B radio we used to hear ....well, that many years ago. The album then closes with a composition that could have easily become a signature Ray Charles song, if it was Ray that had the chance to record it. As it stands, it's a sweeping, darkly majestic piece that Marvin nails on every level. The track is indicative of what makes this project stand apart and almost defy categorization. Like much of Alone But Not Alone, this track simply doesn't sound like what we've come to expect from a Gospel artist - it gives us more than we're prepared to hear.

Marvin Winans, along with Tommy Sims, has produced an album that is lyrically honest and musically adventurous. Fragile, confessional, introspective lyrics have not always been what Gospel music (and certainly Praise and Worship music) has given us: Marvin Winans has chosen to allow us to look into his soul and see a reflection of our own hurts and triumphs, our own defeats and dreams. Musically, Winans and Sims have stepped way out of the Gospel Music box to deliver a project with universal appeal, which might break new ground in both Gospel and secular radio formats.

Reportedly, Marvin's got lots more songs. Let's hope we don't have to wait as long for his next project as we did for his first.

"Alone But Not Alone" was written quite a few years ago in anticipation that one day I would get enough nerve to do a solo project," so states Marvin L. Winans and lo and behold, his hope is now reality and available to you.

Of the Winans clan, Marvin is the fifth sibling to step forward with a solo offering; brothers, Bebe and Daniel and sisters, Cece and Angie have each tested these waters. Some may even credit Ronald Winans with having stepped forward, but he only did so with his somewhat popular "Family & Friends" series.

As you and I have experienced over these last 26 years, Marvin Winans is a powerful singer and this solo debut showcases his very disciplined vocal instrument. Well written and well produced is a fitting description for "Alone But Not Alone." All of the compositions contained here, except 2, are penned by Mr. Winans. The others, along with expert production assistance are from super producer and writer, Tommy Sims. As Marvin says of Mr. Sims, "You have been the producer I've been waiting for!" Tommy Sims has an impressive resume, which details his tour of duties with artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Kelly Clarkson to Amy Grant to Marvin's sister, Cece.

"Alone But Not Alone" has an overall contemporary balance with an R&B vibe and a hint of the traditional, thrown in for good measure. While listening to this album, one can't help but envision Marvin along with his brothers crooning on stage; the reason for this is because many of the Winans classics were written and lead by Marvin Winans. The CD opens up with the title track, which instantly brings to mind another Marvin - Marvin Gaye. The intro to "Alone But Not Alone" sounds like a combination of the 1971 classics, "Inner City Blues" and "Mercy Mercy Me." Don't be fooled however, because the track quickly transforms into a song of Marvin's relationship with his Savior. Listen closely too, because the accompanying vocal is not Luther, but Darwin - as in Hobbs, who himself is an incredible vocalist. Other great talents chosen to be on this project include brothers, Carvin and the late Ronald, Kim Burrell, Mark Kibble, Take Six, and two newcomers, DeShondra Rideout and Miss Diamond Tigney.

My faves on this solo debut include (and in this order):
"I Shall Never", "My Story", "Alone But Not Alone", "I'm Over It Now", "Peace And Love", "Just Don't Wanna Know" and "Sinner's Prayer".

"Alone But Not Alone" is a spirited debut from Marvin Winans and then too, I wouldn't expect anything less! BP

I have always been a fan of "The Winans" and I couldn't wait to get this, especially a solo project done by Marvin Winans. I must say it took a while for this album to grow on me. The album opens up with a Marvin Gaye style tune 'Alone but Not Alone'. 'Just Don't Wanna Know' is a heartfelt message to God. Sometimes we can feel so down and alone that it seems God isn't there. The lyrics are so touching and Marvin sings it with such emotion especially towards the end. Another song that I enjoyed was "I Shall Never". I really liked the overall sound to this song and I love how Marvin's voice just soars through it. The track titled "Joy" is a traditional song that I'm sure we've heard before. It features the late Ronald Winans telling what he's been through in regards to his health. It was so touching.

Now I do agree with another reviewer who said that you can picture Marvin on stage singing with his brothers on some songs. And you get that feel in tracks such as "My Story" and "Come in Out of the Rain" which seems to have that signature Winans sound in the background. And I need to mention that Carvin's vocals were outstanding in "My Story". Other songs that I liked were "I'm Over it Now"(really liked the lyrics), "Peace and Love", and "Sinner's Prayer" even though I didn't care for the child who started to sing. There was only one song I didn't like and it was "Try". That one was very boring and a snoozer. If it wasn't for that one this album would have been perfect. Marvin could have done without that one.

But overall this was a very decent album with heartfelt lyrics and the songs were simply beautiful and unique. When you hear these songs you can tell that Marvin went through a trying and vulnerable time at some point. Just because you might have the fame, surrounded by family and friends doesn't make you exempt from the cares of this life. You might be smiling on the outside but crying from within. And Marvin lets you know that through this CD. I'm telling you, if you're going through a hard time in your life, this CD will bless you tremendously. It is definately healing for the soul. If you're a fan of the Winans especially Marvin Winans you should give this a try. Keep up the good work Marvin.

Don't listen expecting "marching up to glory" music - though there are some songs that lean in that direction - like "Joy". His title says exactly what's on this album. It was so refreshing to hear real feelings sung so eloquently and emotionally. If you are listening to this, grinding through your daily life and you know everything is not rosy all the time, this will strike a chord with you. I love it because this album shows that while life is hard from time to time, we face disappointments, storms and may feel alone, we aren't.

This project was not what I was expecting to hear from Pastor Winans. I - as a gospel music listener - am so used to the upbeat, at times incessantly perky, "everything is always alright" sounds of usual gospel albums. This however, was the first album in years that has spoken so personally to me.

Pastor Winans allows us to see the real him, not the one that always seems to have it all together. His lyrics are real and obviously from the heart. He bares his soul to God and we get to hear it.

My wife and I heard "Sinner's Prayer" on the interstate this weekend and we both almost cried! I sing in my church choir and I believe that you should allow the hearers feel what you're singing. When we heard "Sinner's Prayer" we almost cried because Marvin put his soul into the song. He wasn't putting words through a microphone. Marvin was allowing us to see the regrets that haunted him in the past and asking God to forgive him for his sin's and not to let his children pay for his transgressions. The song forces you to look at your own self. This is especially true if you're a parent. Even though I just heard this song 8 months after it first came out I look at this song as one of the life changing songs that has come into my life. Thank you Marvin! Thanks to the late great Ron also because he changed my life with "Jesus Saves" on Ron Winans Friend's and Family. God has touched you. Let Him use you!

This is one of the best among the top three choices I have since buying any of the Winan's music. This delivers all the spiritual elements needed in a person's soul to remind us of just who we are in Christ Jesus.
With the CD you don't have to wait 2 whole minutes in the songs to hear Jesus' name like with some other artist. This CD is standing "rooted and grounded" to their Gospel Heritage. Some of the "world's so-called Gospel music" aint fit for nothing but the PIT OF HELL!
Winans' family NEVER COMPRISE THE GOSPEL WHICH HAS FAVORED YOU IN WELL-DOING!!! THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY!!! Excellent CD!
One Among millions,
A Loyal Fan

I just received my CD yesterday and it I haven't stopped playing it yet. This is truly one gospel album that is anointed because you are able to hear the depth of his emotion with songs like I'm Over it Now, Sinner's Prayer and I Shall Never and relate. Not that the other songs are not up there with them, don't get me wrong, they are.

I have always loved listening to the Winans family and they just seem to go to another level of anointing with everything CD they turn out. I have always wondered when Marvin Winans would come out with a solo album after hearing him with his brothers and sister Cece, so you would have to understand that I went scrambling for this CD when I saw it on Amazon and I have not regretted this purchase at all.

My favs are: I'm Over It Now, I Shall Never, Sinner's Prayer, Just Don't Wanna Know, Joy, My Story

This album is a"throwback"to the days when Gospel music was Spirit-filled and could minister to a believers soul!! The title track is a wonderfully beautiful song where a saint recognizes that Jesus is ALWAYS with us(albeit unseen)even when we feel the WORST as we endure lifes' many trials and tribulations,exactly as He PROMISED He would be!! To the unbelievers' eyes,we are"suffering"all alone,but to the believers"spiritual eyes"we SEE Jesus,and KNOW,that we are NEVER alone!!"My Story"is a song/testimony about a saints(many)experiences(failures and successes)in his spiritual walk..These powerful "confessions"made me pause and contemplate how NONE of we believers are perfect in our "walk"with God:"I've made a MESS,I need a WAY OUT!" "I've been a WRECK,left like a plane-CRASH!!" "Just Dont Wanna Know"is a sort of melancholy song featuring a very real(thought-provoking) never-before touched-on topic that I personally can truly EMPATHIZE with!! My favorite line of this song,is a thought that I've often entertained,but unlike Marvin,it's one I would've never dared to actually SAY to the Lord:"If I had a DIME,for EVERY time,I tried to call Your name,some tell me,I'd be WEALTHY!!" "I Shall Never"is POWERFUL in its' account of believers declaring that they will always TRUST Jesus to bring resolution to any and all difficulties in their lives,and NEVER lose faith in the Lords ability(and willingness)to handle their affairs FOR them to a POSITIVE and VICTORIOUS end!! This annointed song debuts the BEAUTIFUL vocals of one Deshondra Rideout as she perfectly compliments Marvins strong vocals on this track!! I've a feeling that Deshondra Rideout will definitely become a force in Gospel music in the near future!!"Still Believe"is a wonderful song where a saint holds fast to God-ordained attributes and virtues that the world-at-large considers to be"outdated"/"old-fashioned"concepts.."He Brought Joy"is a song that deals with a saint basking in the MANIFESTATION of Gods blessings..Even a lot of believers fail to embrace the concept that Jesus has usually(victoriously)dealt with a problem LONG before we actually witness the manifestation of His deed!!"I Will Try"is a GREAT song where Marvin is musing on how to be the MOST effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus through whatever medium available...Marvin readily admits that he doesn't yet know,exactly HOW,this can be done,but he asserts that he is DETERMINED to TRY and sucessfully accomplish thiscrucial task.."Over It Now"is a very"deep"and touching song with MASTERFUL lyrical content addressing the pain and arduous trials involved in being a"Child of the Most High"!!" Marvin has made a MASTERPIECE that any lover of annointed music would be effectively DEFRAUDING themselves by not purchasing PROMPTLY!! This album is LIGHT-YEARS ahead of your"standard Gospel offering!! GET IT NOW!!

This CD was purchased as a Mother's Day gift to inspire someone who daily displays strength and courage. Marvin Winans exhibits all that a Gospel singer should and with excellence. On this CD he harmoniously shares the leads with Kim Burrell, the late Ronald Winans as well as others displaying vocal maturity and adaptability. He approaches Contempary Gospel from different angles yet remains true to what we expect from him.

This CD is off the chain! Thanks Marvin for putting faith back in Gospel Music. I was getting disappointed with the Gospel Music that was on the market. Your CD gave me faith in Gospel Music again. Can't wait for your next project.