Customer Reviews

Here Is Our Praise

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

 

 

After 25+ years in Gospel Music & ministry, i truly see the growth spiritually, and musically in Freda Battle. I've been familar with Freda's music for quite awhile now. Dating back to Family & Bay State days! Even though this is Freda's sophomore project on the national scence, she's recorded over 10 projects in her career!! This being the third (3) coming from the Temple Worshippers. Dating back to 1998 when she founded the Temple Worshippers, a collection of singers from the Boston area!

This project, is her best effort yet, collaborating with mega producer Israel Houghton!! A very radio friendly, contemporary cross-over project!! Which will be loved by those not familar with her. For those whose been familar with Freda for sometime might be hesitant at first or this project might take awhile to grow on due to not really capturing the 'Freda Sound'! I truly believe this project is going to put her on the map as one of the pre-eminent female worship leaders in America alongside (i.e. Judith McAllister, Martha Munizzi, CeCe Winans, Junita Bynum)

Another hit for Freda was the guest appearances by Israel Hougton on 'I Know The Plans' alongside April Thompson, who has tremendously grown vocally! Not to mention her sister Deborah Thompson on 'Great Is Our God'! Gospel luminary Parkes Stewart did a wonderful job on 'Right At Home/I Love'. It was nice to hear Boston native Clarence Powell on 'And Praise' a favorite of Freda and on 'God Has Ascended'. Another remake on 'For All You've Done' took me a minute to get used too with clashing vocals between Freda and Kerry Strong! It would've been nice to hear more from Kojo Littles who had a short cameo guest appearance towards the end of the song!

The only thing i really miss from this project is the lead vocals of soprano Shirley White! As well as group newcomer tenor Jason Hardy, whose has yet to show the world what he's capable of!

WONDERFUL PROJECT! GREAT SONGS! EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM THIS GROUP!!!

What do you get when you combine stellar writing with stellar production? A Stellar project that is anointed with the gifts of Freda Battle and Israel Houghton! This project gives the very best of praise and worship and ministers to the heart and soul. Songs will find their way to your worship services, along with song after song that will usher you into reflections of just how good God is. Most times there are only a limited number of great songs on a CD, but this project hits it with high marks on all cuts. Favorites are: Here is our Praise and Right at Home, a groove you'll listen to over and over. Highly Recommended!

I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF HEARING THE GROUP PERFORM LIVE AT MY CHURCH IN MAMARONECK, NY & I WAS VERY IMPRESSED. NOT ONLY IS IT CLEAR THAT THEY LOVE THE LORD- THEY CAN SANG(NOT SING). I WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS CD, BUT EVEN MORE IF YOU CAN GET TO ONE OF THEIR CONCERTS OR PERFORMANCES- DON'T DENY YOURSELF- GO AND ENJOY THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND HIS ANNOINTED VESSELS.

Wow!!!! What can I say about this album, very regularly do find an album that you can listen to from beginning to end without skipping tracks!!!!!! This album is a must have any all gospel listeners! Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers have been around for awhile and I believe this is their big break!!! Stellar production from Israel Houghton really cut it for them!!!!!

Hit Songs: Sing For Joy, For All You've Done, Here Is Our Praise, Great Is Our God, Over & Over Again, I Know The Plans (featuring Israel Houghton), and Right At Home!!

Do I hear Stellar Awards?? Dove Awards? and Grammys!!!! YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

This project incorporates many styles of music while maintaing the integrity of the message...Jesus is Lord

Here Is Our Praise with Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers is an excellent CD. I believe I listened to the CD for about 3 straight weeks. As always, Ms. Battle's songs are worship oriented. The collaboration with Israel Houghton was a good choice.

I really like the whole CD, but a few of my favorites include Here is our Praise, Everyday, How Great is our God, Over and Over Again, and Hallelu. The title track is awesome, and ministers not only to the listener, but to God. I like How Great is Our God. It's ironic that I heard the original song about a week ago. Before that time, I never heard the song. Over and Over Again talks about how God shows His love over and over again. I wish Hallelu were a little longer. Purchase Here is our Praise, you WILL NOT be disappointed.

Side note--I was surprised to find this CD in Wal-Mart as their Gospel section sometimes has a limited selection.

Freda Battle is one of the undiscovered talents in gospel music. I say "undiscovered" because although Ms. Battle has been around for a very long time. National noteriety has eluded her for the most part. Freda's strength is as a lyricist and melody maker. She is a very good writer. I believe her best compositions have been her interpretations of biblical passages into modern, contemporary expressions of faith and praise. Despite the Amazon Editorial notes, this project is not her sophmore project. Freda has been a recording artist in the Boston and New England region for many years. She has had several songs recorded by nationally known recording artists and has traveled widely as a conference and convention choral and choir leader and director. She is a remarkably gifted as a writer, arranger and lyricist. As for her ability to transcribe the scriptures into modern day psalms; the girl is without peer.

I looked forward to hearing "Here Is Our Praise" believing this project may give her a platform that has previously not been available to her. Israel Houghton's name may give her the wider audience she deserves but I don't think his influence has enhanced her uniqueness one iota.

I am a long time fan of Freda and formerly sang and collaborated with her for more than seven years. I have known of her music ministry since we were both teenagers (A VERY LONG TIME AGO). I have always appreciated the spontanaeity and the gospel infused contemporary sound that accompanied her music. Her previous releases with Freda Battle and Family #1 and #2 and the two previous Freda Battle and the Temple Worshippers contain more of Freda's essence and spirit than does this release. Something is definately amiss. Her freedom and spirit seems too contained for me. I fear that this offering by Rev. Battle was designed to sound urban-radio-friendly. Sorry Freda, like Bishop Jakes says, you need to be loosed, honey.

This is not to say that the project is not enjoyable or nice to listen too, but I would much rather hear the soaring soprano of absent soloist Shirley White than the purrings of Parkes Stewart anyday. Perhaps I am biased, but then again this is MY review. They have mixed in Clarence "Tank" Powell, Parkes, Israel another Thompson sibling...Why not throw in a little more of Freda's spirit in there? To say it in the cultural vernacular; "Freda do not need Israel Houghton. Well, maybe his name and influence.... Freda has everything he's got and some. Everything except his clout.

Freda has written more exciting compositions than the one's contained here. I wish all of you could hear them. My faves on this CD are "Sing For Joy", "For All You've Done" and "Hallelu", the last two were previously released on another Temple Worshipper's project. Soloist April Thompson seems to have grown as a vocalist and sings with more confidence than on previous recordings. Towards the end of "I Know The Plans" (her duet with Israel Houghton) she gets a little lost in the mix. I also like "And Praise" a personal favorite of Freda's. It gives a glorious glimpse into the day the saints crown Jesus King of Kings on the Great Coronation Day. Good.

I wish for Freda a producer and production that is closer to her energy level and anointing. Spontaneous worship and praise with a biblical emphasis. The production seems a little muddled and not as sharp in sound and clarity as it could be. I wish the choir vocals were a little sharper and less restrained.

All in all a good effort for Freda and the Temple Worshippers. Those who buy it will see it as gold. Those of us who remember and know, will see it as gold colored, brass. Likeable and inspirational. I don't think you'll be disappointed.