Customer Reviews

The Fight of My Life

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Kirk Franklin's "The fight of my life" is everything we've come to expect from him; stomping upbeat songs of praise or encouragement, and sensitive, inspired ballads, with a few samples thrown into the mix.

After a brief intro declaring him ready for the fight of his life against his inner conflict of sin and righteousness, we get into the stomping "Declaration (this is it)", a fitting attack against everything holding one back. Other uptempo songs are the horn peppered retro sounding "Jesus", the driving rock laced "I am God" with TobyMac (from alternative rock trio DC Talk, their fourth collaboration on either's CDs), "Still in love" (a stomping number, one of my favourites), the sparse but hard hitting hip hop of "I like me" (featuring Da T.R.U.T.H, and with lyrics of self love/acceptance)

Standout has got to be the midtempo "A whole nation" featuring 11 year old Donovan Owens, with lyrics about the harm the absence of a father in a family does to a child. Lovely strings, a sprinkling of horns and piano, and a groovy bassline set off brilliantly the moving lyrics.

Everything else is downtempo; the retro soul of "Little boy" (featuring Rance Allen and Isaac Carree, with lyrics about how important love and guidance is to a child), the lush letter to God "Help me believe" (a cry to God in a moment of weakness), the acoustic horn peppered "Hide me" (with light jazz flourishes), the brilliant "How it used to be", "He will supply", the jazzy "It would take all day", the tender jazzy piano "Chains" (featuring stirring male/female vocals; this song is simply stunning!), "Still (in control)", and closing is the sweeping "The last Jesus" (with lyrics about us being the only Jesus others may get to see).

Throughout the album, Kirk touches on the battles, doubt, weakness we endure in this battle called life, but at the end of it all, with Christ, we shall overcome this fight of our life!

Kirk's new venture picks up where "Hero" left off, but on a higher level and this is defintely his best effort to date. The cd starts off with the international -radio smash "Declaration" complete with it's chimes, bells and "This Is It" Kenny loggins sample, this is a youth targeted, loud, danceable track, that hits it's mark and has an awesome music video in which you see Kirk-VS-Kirk. Female vocalists shine on the beautiful "Help me believe" which sneaks up and grabs you by the song's end. Excellent horn & string arrangements prevail on the jazz-oriented "Hide me" both music & lyrics are utterly amazing! "How it used to be" is the story of the prodigal son, here Kirk showcases his piano skills like never before, "He will supply" has that traditional yet comtemporary feel, a slow-jam with an effective punch! "Jesus" is audibly spectacular! should be the next single, this mid-tempo groove will have you singing, snapping your fingers and bopping your head it is truly a reminder that the joy of the lord is your strength, I beleive it will minister to the saved and unsaved. There are other gems on the cd, such as rock-laced "I Am God" with Toby Mac, "A Whole Nation" featuring young Donovan, the disco-ish "Still In Love" roller-skating anthem and the Hip-Hop laden "I like me" featuring DA T.R.U.T.H, this track has single written all over it, a hard thumpin beat that will certainly attract the youth and beyond. "The Last Jesus" is the last track on the cd and is a melodic journey that is both addicting and mesmerizing to the very last musical note. In the end, Jesus is still the Hero, Kirk is still the messenger fighting for his life and judging by this cd, he is more than a conquerer through Christ Jesus...If you don't own the cd of the year ..pick this one up because... this is it!

NOBODY IN GOSPEL MUSIC WRITES LYRICS LIKE KIRK FRANKLIN!!! This album has Songs For Your Storm. If you know you have Superman in you but all you can see is Clark Kent, this album will minister to you in a special way. Kirk said his singers did a good job interpreting his emotions, I say Kirk does a good job writing songs all of us can identify with. Whatever the struggle is he's endured, I praise God for him not just going through, but growing through it and using this album to strengthen his brethren.

This album is filled with about 6 songs that are just like "Imagine Me." and has a better collection of slow songs than any of Kirk's previous releases. You ABSOLUTELY MUST hear "Help Me Believe," gracious what a beautiful song! "Hide Me," "How It Used To Be," "It Would Take All Day," & "Still In Control" will help you straight into His presence. Just looking at the titles you can feel the fight he was in!

Along with "Declaration," "Jesus," "Still In Love," & "I Like Me" are good songs I can BUMP in my car. The words to "The Last Jesus" are just so genuine you can't just listen to it without thinking about its message. This album touched my spirit like no other. We all struggle at times in the fight with our flesh, and Kirk Franklin is a master of ministering through song what we often can't find words to say. I praise God for the ministry of Kirk Franklin. What a wonderful release!

Discovered this album, and Kirk Franklin, during a time when the message of the album, survival, by faith, was so needed. On a random radio sweep, listening to an interview with Franklin on NPR of all places. Picked up the album during one of those proverbial Dark Nights of the Soul, and every track hit me - this angst-ridden middle-aged white guy - right between the eyes. One of those amazing moments when it feels a work of such pure artistry was composed and performed just for you. Haunting at times, rocking at others, a blend of melodious prayer and unrestrained joyous rythm. The perfect album for these imperfect times.

One thing that always ring sure with Kirk Franklin that none of his two albums have ever nor will be alike.

Kirk delivers an album that will help the saints of God close the chapter on 2007 and walk into the year of 2008 (which is new beginnings!)
Kirk Franklin's latest studio album, "The Fight Of My Life", offers a variety of songs to listeners of all ages with a pure message of JESUS!

Sure the album isn't Kirk's best..but its not his worst!

The album opens with an attention grabbing Intro followed by the Radio smash "The Declaration (This Is It)". The Declaration sets the overall tone of the album that no matter where you are in your walk with Christ, you have to make today the last day of your mediocre existence and get ready for the next level. It is a catchy and edgy track that grabs listeners and forces to them to think while they are jamming!

The next track is entitled "Little Boy". This song is Kirk's open letter to the youth of the land encouraging them that hurt exists and it happens, but God can take care of all that and he does through the hope of the message of Christ. He encourages the listeners to seek ye first the kingdom of God and have a relationship for yourself before it is too late. The track is raw and edgy and a weird second track, but does drive a message home to the youth as well adults that its time to get good and saved.

The next message is a letter to God, per the opening words of the track, which is entitled "Help Me Believe", and it is classic Kirk Franklin. I got misty listening to it, it encourages all (believers and non-believers alike) to be raw and honest. Kirk and his singers sing the letter of not knowing how to believe and not being quite sure what the presence of God feels like. Its a song that establishes faith and renews faith. The harmonies are tight and the horns add a classic Kirk feel that asks God to help one believe.

Kirk follows up with a mellow track entitled "Hide Me (Rain Don't Go Away)". This song is like another open letter for the believer who wants to run from storms but soon realizes that the rain is here to only make us stronger. Nice and tight vocals are the highlight of this track.
The next track for me is one of this albums highlights.

"How It Used To Be" is raw and brutally honest. The theme is that pride comes before a fall, and before the fall destructive behavior. The highlight is that the songwriter asks for a second chance, because yesterday cant be changed, but today can. The vocals and message are amazing. So many feel God owes them, but the songwriter encourages listeners to apologize! The song is contemporary and something that speaks to believers and followers of all levels.

The next track, "He Will Supply", is an old message with an old time feel that will never be timeless. That Jesus is our lawyer in the courtroom, doctor in the exam room, mind regulator when you are lost, and friend when you are friendless.

The next song picks up the pace a bit and sings about the greatness and goodness of the ultimate Gift gave man, Jesus! And that is the title of the track, "Jesus!". It is an okay mid-tempo track that has a positive message and is encouraging listeners to do as our church mothers would do, thank God for Jesus!

The next track is entitled "I Am God". Here Kirk teams up with his homeboy, tobyMac, to create genre-less music that feels good like these two always do. The song borrows from a familiar scripture and is an edgy punk-rock tune that encourages the listener to reaffrim the fact that God is God all by himself!

The next track is mellow, simple, yet beautiful! It is entitled "It Would Take All Day". And as the title suggests, the songwriter proclaims that a day would not even be enough to thank God for all he does for us. The vocals are amazing, as is the message. The fact that we do not thank God half enough, yet he still finds time to make time for us individually is an incredible testament to the power of God.

The next song features a young vocalist singing about the fact that" A Whole Nation" needs to be involved in the raising of a child. The young vocalist is amazzzzzzzzzzzzing! The message is powerful, and a needed one!
Kirk picks up the pace and message with a BBQ/Get-Together/Skate Party jam entitled "Still In Love". It is a groovy jam that is another standout that sings that just as much as the first touch from Jesus, everyday still feels like that; thus being the reason that the songwriter proclaims that he is still in love with Jesus.

Okay, the next track......FIRE! Perhaps the albums ultimate stand out entitled "I Like Me". At first glance I wrote the song off....but upon second lesson, the song is absolute FIRE! It features a rapper from Philadelphia by the name of Da T.R.U.T.H. . The song is essentially about the fact that we have to fall in love with ourselves in order to experience and give Love. Kirk encourages listeners to like yourself, if not for the simple fact that God likes and loves you; and that should be good enough. Not the prettiest or privileged, but the most prized is who we are as believers and followers. Featuring raps and chants, and no vocals, Kirk makes magic again saying being a tall, fat, size 12, 17 or 22 does not matter to God, because he still likes you!

The next track is entitled "Chains" and is an okay track that highlights the different chains we encounter in our walk with Christ, and the fact that we have to ask for the CHAINS to be released. Beautiful vocals, however I think the piano drowns them out at times. Potential to be a good track, but falls flat at times. Good message, not so good production.

The Williams Brothers lend their vocals and production to the next track entitled "Still (In Control)". It is an absolute BEAUTIFUL track! It is about not forsaking the brethren of fellowship and the power of the total body of Christ. The songwriter has a friend encouraging another friend to realize that God was, is, and will always be in control. The Williams Brothers vocals are beautiful. And this was the one folks where I finally broke and my spirit and cried like a baby! No matter where you are in your walk, know that God is in control and he wants US TO GIVE him our problems. ABSOLUTELY beautiful!

Finally the last track is yet another Highlight that is titled "The Last Jesus". I did not get the track at first listen but after a second review, I understand that the songwriter is saying that non believers are looking at us believers and if we're not living the lives we claim we lead, then there is no point to calling yourself a Christian. God did not give us the message of Christ to keep for ourselves, instead it was given to us to spread the gospel to all the corners of the world. The songwriter encourages if we moved a little bit out of us out of the way, then God could get some glory and the Jesus in each and every one of us believers would shine to the non-believers of the world. No man can physically see Jesus, but through Christians, one should be able to see the message and purpose of the ultimate message of Christ. The song is POWERFUL...it encourages the church to wake up and do the original work of the church that Jesus built upon that rock 2000 years ago. No more excuses, the Jesus is in me should be jumping out and filling another with Jesus. Beautiful song!

So the highlights (In no particular order):
1. "How It Used To Be"
2. "It Would Take All Day"
3. "I Like Me"
4. "Still (In Control)"
5. "The Last Jesus"

I am not quite sure what I was expecting, but Kirk Franklin delivers. This album is a 4 out of 5 stars that is sure to deliver. I feel that the overall production could have been a little tighter. I feel some songs were overdone and some were underdone; however there is a message in EACH and EVERY single song. And that my friends is the albums saving grace. No track was done for filler, but for purpose.

Kirk Franklin delivers yet another classic that is sure to be a great stocking stuffer!

I Love Kirk....I'm ole' school and it took a few listenings for me to appreciate this one but atlas, "it's off the chain"! Speaking of "CHAINS", what a powerful song!!!!....wished we can see a video.

I like the ole' school feel of "He will supply", puts me in memory of "Oh Joy, down in my soul". Other favorites are, "Hide Me" and "Help me Believe", what awesome prayers! There is truly something for everyone on this project as it encompasses it all from rap, to rock, to hip hop to Sunday Morning!!!

<<< May God continue to bless the works of your hands, Kirk! >>>

This CD is PHENOMENAL!! The song reflects every stage of the life journey of all Christian's who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ -- from wanting to please God to anguishing through adversity to surrendering to God to allowing oneself be changed into the likeness of Christ in order to bring other's to Him. Each song is beautifully written and masterfully prepared, integrating traditional musical styles with modern approaches, so they all have mass appeal for Christians if every age to appreciate. The lyrics are so REAL, which attests to the fact that this CD is truly God-ordained. I play it constantly and so will you. Definitely a must-buy!! I know you will enjoy and be blessed.

Kirk Franklin just may be contemporary gospel's most consistent and perhaps most brilliant artists. Sure Mary Mary put the "hip" into contemporary Christian while Yolanda Adams sings like an angel, but Kirk Franklin always comes with something new, different, and profound. THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE proves to be nothing different than Kirk's constant consistentness. The album shows up a brief two years following the "minister's" brilliant, Grammy award winning HERO. While some may argue HERO had a slight edge on FIGHT, FIGHT proves to hold its own bringing Franklin even more into what black gospel sounds like in the present. There isn't a bad song to be found on this very fine work. Kirk doesn't sing much (nothing new), but he is the brains behind these fine songs as well as providing words much like a minister would in the pulpit. There has always loomed the question is Kirk truly credible since he doesn't sing - the answer, yes. He writes, he teaches, he ministers, he arranges.

"Declaration (This Is It!)" brilliantly lifts off the Kenny Loggins classic from the 1980s. I'd say that Loggins would definitely be thrilled with the end product as "Declaration" is this album's "Looking For You". Sure, it hasn't had the same commericial airplay as "Looking For You", but it is still a gospel force to be reckoned with. "Little Boy" finds Kirk talking real talk with Rev. Rance Allen on one of the albums "call to action" themed numbers. Kirk essentially talks about the youth of America acting spiritually and getting the acts together. It is definitely true and its bombastic horns as well as Allen's phenomenal vocals make it every bit as potent as "Declaration".

Other highlights include the great "He Will Supply", the bright, uplifting "Jesus", the guitar driven-Toby mac assisted "I Am God", as well as "A Whole Nation", "Still In Love", and the hip-hop leaning "I Like Me". There isn't a bad track and FIGHT shows that Franklin is as fresh as he's ever been. 4 big stars.

Kirk Franklin has done it again!! Created a CD that inspires you to keep aiming for the stars. You can relate to the songs and everyone can really feel the experience. Kirk Franklin is an inspiration to all.

When I first heard "This is It," I said to myself wow...Kirk definitely brought it back. I couldn't wait for it to drop! And I was pleasantly pleased...It would take all day....Ohhhhh beautiful!!!! I love the overall feel to the album..There were some jazzy elements about it. You'll be pleased. I don't know why everyone is comparing Hero to it. I mean I think it's a great album and just as good!