Customer Reviews

America's Favorite Hymns

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We have to appreciate the Elder and Mature... Because when it came to Gospel this is it. Now we have music that makes you want to do the bump/grind... There should always be clarity when sing about The Lord. I have heard contempory artist say "We have to bring the Lord down to the Lord..No we have to bring ourselves up to meet his standards.. Ms. Jackson, can sang and you will be touched

Liner notes are interesting but do not provide year or location of the recordings, which can be loosely assumed to be from three or four sessions.
Surprisingly, some tracks sound quite informal, not fully satisfying, and feature out of place, "popular" guitar. "Walk Over God's Heaven" is one.
Several titles will be more recognizable as numbers from the catalogues of popular artists who delved heavily in Gospel: Little Richard ("Search Me Lord", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", his unreleased "Elijer Rock", etc. - titled "Elijah Rock" on this CD); Johnny Cash ("Were You There", etc.); and Elvis Presley ("Without Him" - titled "Without God I Could Do Nothing"), though Mahalia's versions do not come to mind, with the exception of Richard's, but only in his obvious sympatico phrasing and sudden power surges.
The highlights of this assemnblage: "Rock Of Ages", with large production; and two live tracks, "Elijah Rock" and "Calvary", performances beyond all expectation, even for the initiated.

Mahalia Jackson is often lauded as the greatest gospel singer of all time; but, this collection proves that even that high praise understates her gift. She was undoubtedly one of the finest recording artists of any genre and this anthology explores the full range of her abilities from raw gospel (Elijah Rock), to soaring anthems (Rock of Ages) and quaint folk ballads (It Don't Cost Very Much) - all of them sung with the perfect degree of power or restraint, rhythm or melody. If you only own one Mahalia Jackson collection, this is the one to buy.