Customer Reviews

Songbook of Micah

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4 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I wanted to be the first one to write a review for this up and coming gospel artist because he is worth a listen. I am not ashamed to say that I grew up in the type of Church where music played an integral part. I long for the type of songs that stay with you long after the service is over. Micah Stampley's debut album reminds me of that special music. I would categorize this album as "Traditional" gospel because it would not necessarily be considered cross-over music. Stampley makes no apologies for appealing to the church. In an online interview, Stampley simply states "The songs on this project cry out for people to return to the reason we were created - solely to worship Him. I want this to be a reminder that the real soldiers don't compromise." It is no wonder he has been affectionately dubbed the "Psalmist of the hour".

War Cry is the type of praise song that will get you up on your feet and make you feel like you are right there in the choir. The tempo is funky and upbeat and Stampley's voice is reminescent of Donnie McClurkin's in pitch as he actually demonstrates a high pitched war cry several times during the song. The chorus will have you repeating "This is the war cry...of the warriors...pick up your weapons: fight, fight! This is the war cry, of the warriors, pick up your weapons, fight, fight! This is the war cryyyyyyy...of the warriooooooorrrrss..."

The song Worthy To Be Praised reminds you that it's ok to "get happy" when you are singing. In fact, it's a celebration of that. The chorus is infectious:

Ha, Hallelujah, Ha, Hallelujah
You're worthy to be praised
Ha Hallelujah, Ha Hallelujah
You're worthy to be praised!
From the rising of the sun
til the setting of the same
you're worthy to be praised

This is a praise song designed to get you into it as the repetition of "Ha, Ha's" make you literally feel like rejoicing. It is definitely a feel good song.

Another good song to get you up and tapping is The Well which is a song about being filled up with God until it overflows. It is a bubbly song that gets your toe tapping.

I think that Micah's gift shines best when he sings ballads. Take My Life (Holiness) is a ballad and a worship song that showcases Stampley's signature: an incredible range. You can hear his amazing vocal adeptness when he climbs an entire octave while delivering the chorus:

Take my heart and form it
Take my mind and transform it
Take my will and conform it
To Yours, to Yours, Oh Lord

Your emotions will soar with each and every octave.

I heard that song live at a concert at the Potter's House (T. D. Jakes) and immediately bought the CD so that I could replay it on my drive back home. Surprisingly the emotion translates to CD as well as it did in the concert.

The entire album is well put together with a little bit for everyone. This is a good mix:
Praise songs:
Worthy To Be Praised, 5/5
Sing, 3/5
The Well, 4/5
Worship songs:
Come, Holy Spirit 4/5
I Need Thee, 5/5
I Am Redeemed, 4/5
We Need the Glory, 4/5
At Your Heart's Door, 2/5
Take My Life (Holiness), 5/5
Funky get-out-of-your-seat songs:
War Cry, 5/5
He's Great, 5/5

I also recommend T.D. Jakes' Hemotions CD which also introduced Stampley and features Smoky Norful

Some of the gospel music these days is so stodgy and stale that this album is like a breath of fresh air. Churches need not churn out the same music over and over again just because they are used to it. It's a problem in many churches today. They think if it has a heavy beat or a lot of bass that it can't possibly be holy. This is where Micah Stampley comes in. There is more than one way to worship the Lord and more than way way to praise Him as well. People like Stampley have the skills to bring the younger people into the church. Sometimes the young folks drift away from the church because the music is so tired and lame.

The Songbook of Micah starts off with 3 rousing tunes (Worthy to be Praised, Sing and War Cry) that will wake you up and keep you up. War Cry is one of my favorites. It calls the saints to pick up their swords and fight. We are in a battle and we cannot sit on the sidelines and watch others do battle for us. War Cry asks us to fight the the good fight and prepare the way for the Lord.

Micah Stampley appears to be a great worship leader and song writer. I look forward to his future efforts. He has a big voice. To look at his face you wouldn't think he'd have the voice he does. Stampley's passion for the Lord is evident in every song that he sings. I do not get the impression that he is merely performing but instead is using his gift of song to minister. I pray he remains dedicated to the service of the Lord.

I have become very cynical when reading reviews on Amazon - being burnt after purchasing a couple titles based on reviews.

However, the reviews so far are pinpoint accurate. This is simply a P&W CD through and through. It magnifies God and nothing in the production, lyrics, etc mitigates the glory and power presented to God in any track of this album.

Maybe it's his first album but in this CD, Micah demonstrates a very a mature experience of worship. It is refershingly awesome and it is most definitely a must have.

There are many must have's in gospel music. But this lies in the category 'The must have's of must have's'. It really is THAT good!

You can really rely on the reviews - If you buy this CD you will not be disappointed. I think Micah should receive all this feedback. But we really need to pray for him that God will continue to use him and protect him. Because I can't see the Devil liking this blessing on his life very much.

Well done!

Micah Stampley is clearly part of the wave of worship leaders for this and the next generation. Though he's relatively new to the national scene, his passion for God and the very evident anointing on him will surely capture the hearts of many. He reminds me a lot of Pastor Donnie McClurkin both in vocal quality and passionate worship.

There are many songs I like on this CD -- especially his rendition of "Take My Life (Holiness)." There's an honesty in his music that is very compelling...and his voice is amazing!

The accompanying music is a bit low-tech, but the heart of the psalmist conveyed through the lyrics takes you past that. I look forward to his future projects.

MICAH STAMPLEY has indeed manifested in the music ministry as a superphenomenally anointed voice for the Kingdom of God.

His vocal range and his appeal to various audiences (to include my 69 year-old Mother) and his inner Spirit to worship, distinguishes him from the long list of "singers who just meet." STAMPLEY's natural inclination to worship characterizes his music output far beyond industry measure -- it's a sweet savor in God's ear.

Likening him to a baby brother of Donnie McClurkin, STAMPLEY's gift from God like McClurkin's, always moves the hearer to worship in Spirit and in Truth. In fact, every song from The Songbook of Micah is a Word Divinely inspired from God.

With many of the songs from his Songbook that he crafted, his admission that he dabbles on piano is preparation for prolific songs from the MICAH STAMPLEY SONGBOOK OF WORSHIP to God that shall be his trademark for years to come.

MICAH STAMPLEY's The Songbook of Micah is a must for your worship library.

TO GOD BE GLORY!
Terrence Maurice Cummings

When I first heard the song, "Take My Life (Holiness)" at the end of the movie, "Woman, Thou Art Loosed," I immediately looked at the credits and found out that Micah Stampley was the artist who sung it. The song was originally done by guitarist Scott Underwood and hearing Micah's version, he reminded me of Smokie Norful with the fiery zest of a young Donnie McClurkin. I fell in love with the song but at the same time, I was thinking, "Yeah, we have another Donnie McClurkin or another Smokie Norful here." Well, I couldn't have been more wrong!! I purchased the album and as I listened to the songs and got more info on this man, it has taught me a valuable lesson: Don't compare people without first examining what they're all about. Now I realize that Micah Stampley has his own style, aura, and a powerfully unique voice. "The Songbook of Micah" has everything a real worshiper needs to build his/her relationship with God. Some of these songs were done by other groups [he was a ghost writer for many known gospel artists prior to the release of his album] but his renditions are poignant and timeless. The first song, "Worthy to Be Praised" is a fitting way to begin any praise and worship album. It's uptempo, pulsating and embodies a simple message to appeal to the mind of the audience. The song's silky horn arrangements produced by the great Lloyd Barry and masterful keyboard production by Cedric Thompson give this song and album a high energy that I really didn't expect. Next, "Sing" graces the project nicely giving you that trademarked Kurt Carr and Richard Smallwood sound. Just powerful!!! Other standout tracks include, "War Cry," (one of the best songs ever written) the traditional-styled, "I Am Redeemed," a perfectly composed live version of "Take My Life," "Come Holy Spirit," "The Well," and my favorite song, the jazz-influenced "At Your Heart's Door." The lyrics in the song are so sincere. He expresses that "God is tired of this phony worship sending an odor into His nose." Also, he says "Your musical abilities won't amount to anything. God is looking for willing vessels who will make worship their lifestyle." So thought-provoking and heart-piercing!! Oh yeah, his vocal production and arrangements are truly amazing. This is a strong debut for this anointed psalmist/songwriter/singer/minstrel. As a footnote, he's also worked with James Fortune, [whose wife, Cheryl, also sings background for this album] has toured with Tye Tribbett & GA, and is Bishop T.D. Jakes music minister on the road. WHEW!!! What a way to begin a career!!!! I look forward to hearing his sophomore album and I believe that Micah Stampley will be a household name in the musical ministry for years to come!! THE BOY CAN SANG!!!!!

I fell in love with Micah Stampley's ministry when I heard "Take My Life". I eagerly anticipated his solo release and on March 29, I was not disappointed- and neither will you when you purchase this! I didn't care too much for "At Your Heart's Door" but the message was needed just the same.

My Standout Favs:
War Cry
We Need The Glory
Come, Holy Spirit

This is definitely a good addition for my praise music and prayer music. My favorite song is "We Need The Glory" cause I love songs that prays for the shekinah glory of God and be saturated in His presence. The song also has anointing to it. I also like the song "Take My Life (Holiness)" and "Come Holy Spirit" . When it comes to praise music I like "Worthy to be Praised", "Sing", and "He's Great". The song "War Cry" is a good song for exhortation. So this album is definitely worth buying.

If you want a CD that will give you the memory of the old time church- This is the CD for you. It will take you back to that soul searching times- those Friday night shut-ins!

I had never heard of this blessed young man, but I am very glad I came across his CD! His worship is very powerful and inspiring.