Customer Reviews

Evolution of Gospel

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3 star:		(1)
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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

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.

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!

I first saw this group on ARSENIO HALL, the late night variety show in the vein of Johnny Carson, but hipper. I was blown away when I saw them. They performed Optimistic and it was amazing, hip, funky, contemporary and most of all relavent. The messages throughout the album reflect struggle and perserverance and ultimately success in the face of all obstacles. These messages appeal to all people not just African-Americans or Christians. The key to this album was a good grove throughout, polished basslines, and timely lyrics. If you like music from the nineties-hip-hop/pop then this album will fit in nicely. If you enjoy contemporary Christian Music then the messages are solid but the music is more urban in nature and may not appeal. If you love any type of good music then squeeze this into your collection-you'll be richly rewarded with a well crafted album that just happens to have something to say.

Effervescent Joy for me....Thanks to Sounds of Blackness for being bold enough to share themselves in this work. This album got me through a tough time. Today, I still feel motavated to keep on "as long as I keep my head to the sky"! :)

Shame on you if you don't own this CD already. Rarely have I seen a group perform in virtually every genre of African-American music, and do it so well!!! There's not a bad song on the album. If you don't have it, buy it!

THE SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST URBAN/GOSPEL/SOUL MUSICAL GROUPS I'VE HEARD IN QUITE SOME TIME. SEVERAL OF THERE SONGS WERE PRODUCED BY JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS. EVER GIVEN THE CHANCE LISTEN TO THIS GROUP I HAVE THREE OF THERE TAPES AND LOOKING TO PURCHASE THE REST.

This cd has emotional and personal value to me as I lost my first one. I had to reorder it. Again, this too is a great cd and very, very inspirational and uplifting. Recommend the Sounds of Blackness Gospel group to anyone!

I had this CD when it originally came out on tape. I was happy to see that I could purchase it on CD. I immediately opened it when it arrived and played it on my computer. The sound quality was awful! I then decided to take it to another CD player in the house and was again dissapointed. The CD arrived new still in the package so I don't know what happened.

THIS CD IS THE BEST THAT SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS HAS TO OFFER. I NEVER GET TIRED OF IT. IT EMBODIES EVERYTHING GOOD ABOUT MUSIC....ABOUT BLACK MUSIC. IT CAN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. I KNOW THEY ALSO HAVE JOURNEY OF THE DRUM, WHICH COMES CLOSE, BUT THIS ONE WINS, HANDS DOWN!