Customer Reviews

Soul Music

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just listened to this disc early on a Sunday morning as was so pleasantly surprised. I do lean more towards this type of inspirational contemporary Gospel music and Lisa McClendon does this genre proud with this set. It is original, soulful, jazzy sounding on some tracks but mainly it just made me feel GOOD to listen to it!

On some tracks she sounds a little like Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child BUT her voice is smoother without that rough soul growl that Michelle has while on other tracks her voice sounds as original as the music offered on the entire disc.

It was hard to rate each track since they all offer some different level of praise & spiritual uplifting but my instant favorite tracks are:

HAS ANYBODY SEEN HER, CAPTURE, SOUL MUSIC, BREATHE, THE TRUTH IS, YOU ARE HOLY AND OLD SCHOOL

I can't say enough about how enjoyable I found this disc and based on this, I definitely want to hear more from this artist and plan to go back and buy her previous as well as future releases. If you like contemporary inspirational music, please do yourself a favor and buy this disc!

This CD is truly amazing. I don't know what her first project was like but this music is really 5/5. People say she's a mix of Lauryn Hill, India Arie and Jill Scott but I think she has her own perfect unique style. I can see why they say that though, I'd love to see her in concert here in London. Beautiful voice. 12 tracks = 54:12 mins

Hey Now: This is a funk kind of groove with a good melody in the horn line. Generally talking about moving on which I guess is kind of symbolic putting it as the first song on the album.
Soul Music: Singing about how she wants to be shaped lyrically and melodically embraced. This song has a nice chilled out groove.
Stuck (Love's Anthem): I have to be honest, the first time I heard this lyrically I had no idea of who she could be talking to but then when I realized she is singing to her husband and how they should just `get over' their problems. This track musically reminds me of Musiq's `Just Friends.'
Breathe: This is where there are hints of influence of Jill Scott. I could see her doing this type of song musically. However Lisa pulls off the sense of worship beautifully.
The Truth Is: This is the Lauryn Hill Unplugged sounding one! Its easily one of my favourites on the album. Even the lyrics here are those Lauryn might write: `People call me crazy...'
Grace, Grace, Grace: I'm confused; The chorus really sounds like `This Love' by Mary Mary and Fred Hammond. I looked in the booklet to see if it said `containing interpolations...' but no. Good song and excellent lyrically.
Old School: Talking about church back in the day. Reminds me of Lauryn Hill's song she did about her as a girl (Miseducation album).
Go: Another favourite on the album, love the chords. Lisa reminds here of the great commission: Go ye into all the world...'
Has Anybody Seen Love: Definitely a hot track. Indescribable.
More Than A...: This is a bit like Montrell Darrett's `What a Friend.' Another favourite but really wish it was longer.'

Accountability: Very neo-soul. It took me a few listens to like this, maybe `cos the intended listeners are female. Not as good as the other tracks but better than a lot of music around today.
Capture: Real nice. Chilled out again.
Invitation: One of the main reasons I like it. In this track she is simply talking over music witnessing about Christ and encouraging Christians. I reckon if this track got some major airplay many souls would be saved.
You Are Holy: Even my mom likes this one. Worship from the first guitar chord.

Excellent work!!!! Very different with a little bit of Lauryn Hill goes Gospel feel to it. Ms. McClendon uses tasty vocals and a great vibe and beat to make what I call a "Sugar Cool" CD. I hope she keeps in with this style. It's fresh and different and it adds a unique touch to ministering God's word through song. Can't wait for her next release.

From the First song "Hey now" I was hooked! This has great music, and the words are real, and true. She is blessed with a gift, and once you get this CD you will know what i am talking about. GREAT something that everyone can get into!

Lisa McClendon's Soul Music is much more polished with better musical quality and production than her last effort. I gave this album four stars because it is not flawless. As much as I love songs about family conflict, "Stuck (Love's Anthem)" is really as irritating as it gets, and "Old School" is way too long -- it runs its course two minutes before the end.

However, the beautiful, soulful gems include "Grace, Grace, Grace," the interlude "Vibe Out," "Go"--which is really three songs in one, "Has Anybody Seen Love," "More Than A..."--which I think is about as PERFECT a song ever written, and "Capture," which is truly lovely. These songs more than make up for the lesser ones and the obligatory Integrity songs she had to include because of her contract.

Overall, very satisfying album.

I'm something of a non-stereotypical Christian sister. Natural Hair, flowing African clothing. Loves the likes of Jill Scott, Vivian Green and India Arie and a host of other musical neo-soul stars. Imagine my great joy at finding someone looks like me, who holds those beats and talks about Christ! Lisa McClendon's CD is probably the best fusion of gospel and neo-soul ever attempted. There's not one single track on here I dislike. She's just worshipping, she's loving the Lord and not beating you over the head with Him. The beats are outstanding, the lyrics Heaven sent. The difference is in her quiet and gentle spirit and her vision for God. (She's got an entire track dedicated to an invivation to Christian Discipleship!!!! Haven't seen that in a while!) Lisa is the kind of singer who could have blown into huge proportions singing the hooks on rap CDs or singing about everyday things. That she choses to sing about Jesus makes her even more special. If Lisa McClendon spurs branches off into a gospel neo-soul tree I'll be extremely satisfied. Until then I will keep bumping her CD on my computer, in my car, in my kitchen. :D (It stays in my pocketbook!) Thanks Lisa... you've given me true soul music that was music for my soul......

Anyone who appreciates Gospel R&B and Gospel ballads should get this cd. I have been looking for a while for something this deep. EUREKA!

The 'souled-out' rendition of Breathe is worshipful and jammin at the same time-get some 'aaaaaaaaaaaah' into your life.

Keep preaching, keep singing, keep it soulful

With great vocals that takes you straight into the presence of God by telling you to forget about the past and press toward the future, Lisa McClendon surpasses all her comtemporaries within the industry. She takes neo-soul gospel and fuses it with worship. The blended sound has you on your knees and going into the holies of holies. Best money I've ever spent on a cd. Great from beginning to the end.

My name is Shontell Murphy and I live in Orlando Florida, and I used to attend the same church with Lisa Mclendon. I thank God for Lisas' CD Soul Music. It is absolutely wonderful. I love it so much that I've purchased copies and mailed them to relatives in Detroit, Michigan, and will be purchasing even more copies to give as gifts to other friends and relatives.

When I first bought the cd, I bought it to learn the remake of "You Are Holy" as performed by Lisa McClendon, since the radio stations in my area were playing the song in heavy rotation. The original version was performed by another Integrity Gospel group known as The Motor City Mass Choir, which featured worship leaders like Fred Hammond on the album "Shout In the House." When I heard Lisa McClendon's version, it put me in the mindframe of an India.Arie type of song. You know, with that acoustic, neo-Soul feel. Live instrumentation including the guitars, organ and keyboard combo, bass and live drums. Real music...no samples!! Every time I heard the song, it just gripped me so much that I just had to buy the cd for that song. Now, I use it regularly in my worship repertoire when I play for my church. As I learned the song, I had little idea that I would be blasting the album so often! After hearing "You Are Holy" I immediately was amazed when the beat of "Hey Now" dropped! Based on Ecclesiastes 3, the song's pulsating bass line and soothing midtempo electric piano melody was surrounded by an awesome arrangement of vocals and proper placement of lyrics like, "A time to kill, time to heal, a time to tear it all down and a time to build. But today I'm gonna laugh myself to life..." Very strong elements. It led me to her title track, "Soul Music." This song was produced exceptionally well and coupled with yet again, a very strong lyrical content and a tasty, midtempo beat. Other songs include, the remake to "Breathe," "Go" (these two songs embody a heavy Lauryn Hill influence), the jazzy "Old School," "Stuck," the smoothly-arranged "Has Anybody Seen Love," "More Than A...," "Accountability," the effervescent "Capture," "Grace..." (WHEW!) I mean, the whole album is great for listening and there is a personal message in every song. What is also catching is the way she presents her lyrics. This is deeper than just choruses, bridges, and verses. Instead, she uses words like 1st Thought, Serenade, Mood, Genesis, Psalm, Proclamation, Impression. This is a very deep way to interpret and alter the atmosphere of a song. This follow-up to "My Diary, Your Life" is definitely a solid work of sheer quality and creativity. Artists like Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Jill Scott, Musiq, Alicia Keys, Floetry and others in the neo-Soul genre better take notice in the strength of this album. This album has the style of the artists aforementioned but the only difference is the connotation of each song and its deep connection with ministry. Every Christ bloodwashed believer must understand that you can have a powerful message with music that captivates and enlightens the spirit and not necessarily sound straight traditional. (i.e. Canton Spirituals, Albertina Walker. Nothing wrong with them, they are pioneers!!) Let albums like this saturate your spirit and enrich your soul as the melodies and lyrics work together to pierce your heart and remain firmly implanted in your imagination. Like the lyrics say, "lyrically shape me, melody embrace me. Give me my Father's direction, heavenly affections...music for my soul." "Soul Music" is definitely a keeper and a simply superb 2nd effort by Lisa McClendon.