I Need You Now

Smokie Norful | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 18, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Gospel
• ASIN: B000066ANM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,130 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Album is Literally Smokin'!, June 19, 2002

By 

Rev. Derrick Phillips (Durham, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Need You Now (Audio CD)

Smokie Norful has been generating a good amount of buzz lately. Recently, he was featured on WOW Gospel 2002 and as a vocalist on some of Kurt Carr Singers' concert dates. "I Need You Now," his premiere recording, is a smooth contemporary gospel production featuring traditional gospel, urban and jazz. Norful absolutely tackles several tempos and styles through the CD. "It's All About You," the first single, is a bouncy urban testimony of commitment. The tender title track prayerfully asks God to "please make a way."The album's title song, written as are a majority of the selections by Smokie, is a gorgeous, jazz-tinged ballad that means exactly what it says. With a stunning debut, Norful may find himself in good company with the likes of Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tonex and Darwin Hobbs. "It's All About You" displays Smokie's comfort with a funky groove, and "The Least I Can Do" is a worship melody that showcases his soaring vocal prowess. "Psalm 64" lets the Word, Smokie's vocals and a grand piano deliver the message, while "Praise Him" is a rocking, hand-clapping traditional gospel arrangement that defies anyone to sit still.

"Still Say Thank You" beautifully weds Smokie's soaring tenor voice with a soulful, silken vocal ensemble. "Whether we're up or down, we have to tell the Lord thank you," Smokie says, "and if we do, we find that in that faith, bigger trials will bring bigger blessings."

"Same Sad Song" is offered in two mixes, the first carrying Smokie's message of fatigue with an overload of songs of troubles and woe atop a crystalline acoustic guitar and harmonica, and the second "Urban remix" adding some kick with electric guitar and a punchy bottom end."Same Old Sad Song" focuses on current issues like violence and hopelessness but offers the Hope of glory.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Daily Bread, September 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: I Need You Now (Audio CD)

I was blessed to see Smokie Norful at the Potter's House in Dallas, TX during a Super Sunday Service in April 2002. I had heard 'It's All About You' on WOW Gospel 2002 and wondered who this gifted singer was. When he sang 'I Need You Now', the Potter's House was stunned into silence. When he was done, I was so struck by the message in the song because I feel like I need God now to handle my every day trials and tribulations and to empower me to let my light shine to glorify his name. For me, this CD is good to the last drop. The messages are feeding my soul and he has articulated the testimony of my heart while the musical arrangements are beautiful. I listen to it in the car, the house, and the office. When my spirit needs lifting, I listen to this CD and my soul soars. He gives me a praise song (5), a way to say thank you (4), and reminds me life is not promised (3). His voice is very special. I've listened to Daryl Coley, Alvin Slaughter, Donnie McClurkin, and Marvin Sapp and been taken to a new place by their gifted voices. Smokie Norful has combined his marvelous voice with such great lyrics that you can only be edified when you listen to this wonderful CD. I never tire of it. It's good for getting your spirit up or relaxing at the end of a stressful day. Praise God for giving the Gospel world this gifted artist. It would make a marvelous gift as well. I've shared it with close friends. May God Bless and keep Smokie Norful. I cannot wait for his next CD.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Need You Now(wonderful), September 10, 2002

By 

C. Pompey "c-nice" (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Need You Now (Audio CD)

I am impressed by this album and the artist. This is a wonderful collection of songs ranging from traditional to urban contemporary. Smokie is an extremely talented brother. He writes, sings, and produces. That's always a nice combination. "I Need You Now" is by far my favorite. The rests of the songs are great also. This album appeals to the traditional listener as well as the contemporary listener. If you need something to groove to in your truck, it's on the CD. If you need worship, it's on there. If you need good ol-fashioned chuch, it's on there too. This album is definitely a nice addition to my collection. Be Blessed