Evolution of Gospel

Sounds of Blackness | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 7, 1991)
• Original Release Date: May 7, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Perspective Records
• ASIN: B0000012SG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,678 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Chains

2. Optimistic

3. Ah Been Workin'

4. The Pressure Pt.1

5. Testify

6. Gonna Be Free One Day

7. Stand

8. The Pressure Pt.2

9. Your Wish Is My Command

10. Hallelujah Lord!

11. We Give You Thanks

12. He Holds The Future

13. What Shall I Call Him?

14. Better Watch Your Behavior

15. Please Take My Hand

16. I'll Fly Away

17. Harambee

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Influenced a Bevy of Current Gospel Stars, August 25, 2001

By 

Reginald D. Garrard "the G-man" (Camilla, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Evolution of Gospel (Audio CD)

The debut album by Sounds of Blackness was like nothing else that preceded it. Deftly mixing gospel, urban sounds, traditional, and pop, the group managed to blend such diversity into a pleasurable whole. Under the direction of musical director Gary Hines and made under the masterly production team of Jam & Lewis, "The Evolution of Gospel" is a brilliant testament to faith, as well as the historical significance of the "spiritual sound" descended from African slaves. It is obvious that all musicians involved beamed as they performed the respective songs, thinking about the sacrifices made by their forefathers. The evocative "Chains" segues into the inspiring "Optimistic," the group's first hit single. The follow-up released single "The Pressure" is presented in two forms: the danceable "Part 1" and the reflective slowed-down "Part II." Both have the Jam and Lewis trademark sound. Another hit "Testify" is here, also, making the release filled with recognizable tunes. A remake of Sly & The Family Stone's "Stand" is remarkably rendered while the "Hallelujah, Lord" harkens back to the days of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. "We Give Thanks" is sheer beauty. The remaining selections continue along the same lines with triumphant results. All the leads, chief among them Ann Bennet-Nesby, are outstanding. Without a doubt, Hines assembled some of the best singers and musicians in his ensemble. Regardless of one's religious inclinations, this is a must-have for the spirit, as well as the ear

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars you don't have to be Christian, January 12, 2002

By 

Lubug (St. Paul, MN, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evolution of Gospel (Audio CD)

I'm not even sure how I stumbled on this one a few years ago. But I have probably listened to the songs "Optimistic," "Testify," "The Pressure," and "He Holds the Future" hundreds of times by now. And though I'm not black, or Christian, these songs about being honorable, having hope, and appreciating what you have hit the right notes with me over & over.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest of the Group, July 24, 2003

By 

Marilyn Lang (Huntsville, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evolution of Gospel (Audio CD)

If you are new to Sounds of Blackness, I recommend that you listen to "The Evolution of Gospel" first. I don't recommend it first just because it was their first recording, but because it is also jam-packed with a lot of their greatest hits. I am 100% positive that you will enjoy the entire recording from start to end. You will want to listen to "Optimistic" over and over and over again no matter what type of music you like. If you love party music, you'll probably want to listen to "The Pressure, Pt. 1". "The Pressure, Pt. 2" is a mellow version of the first part, but the lyrics are the same. You will also see that Sounds of Blackness loves "parts". In almost all of their recordings, there is a song with two or three parts. This album is an excellent representation of all of the different genres of African-American music, but don't think that this one is just for Black people. All races are welcome to listen to (and enjoy immensely) "Evolution of Gospel" and all recordings of Sounds of Blackness!