Customer Reviews

I Speak Life

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On Kirk Franklin's latest album "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" he proclaims that his "rebirth" taught him that it has to all be about the music rather than him. This is evident in the fact that he is silent through most of the album. He lets the message and the music take center stage. Well, I would like to see Donald become reborn as well. I have to say..the writing is wonderful, but there are alot of missed opportunities on this album. First, Donald talks through almost every song-distracting from the words, music and other singers. Second, despite have a number of outstanding guest appearances (all with stronger voices than him) he chooses to reduce their contribution to singing second or third verses and choruses (with exception of the Lalah Hathaway and Ramsey Lewis song). I was so excited about this album and while I think the musicianship and message are wonderful, I am distracted from the message by all of his antics on this cd. Furthermore, while Donald is a great performer and writer, I think Donald needs to realize that he doesn't have very strong vocals and every now and then should let others take hold of the microphone or atleast let the stronger singer lead the song. In order to be a good leader, sometimes you have to know when to follow. Sorry if this review is inconsistent with the others, but it had to be said. While listening to this album,I felt like I was at a really great concert, but distracted by those around me holding side conversations.

this cd blew me away! ive always liked D. Lawrence so i naturally pick it up. i was seriously blown away. from the first song to the last. 'healed" is so encouraging and uplifting! no to mention catchy. the same for "you covered me" (love Hez walker) 'dont forget to remember" is so moving! Faith evens on "say a prayer"! that girl! and how bout "lamb"! im telling ya...you need this cd! its very encouraging!

''Dont Forget to Remember'' with Lalah Hathaway and Ramsey Lewis has got to be my favorite song from this album...although this is overall a very good effort.

I Speak Life is my favorite song..#2 on the CD...I listen & believe that God will heal me soon as I am currently having health problems..but as Donnie McClurkin keeps sayin, "I speak healing to your body now!" I accept it & believe it!!! Donnie has delivered a powerful ministry again...one of the best!

Kie' Bartee (Tulsa, OK)

Man when I heard this CD I just couldn't get over how good it was, but then I had to remind myself that this is D. Lawrence, of course this cd is gonna be off da hook.
When I heard "Miracles", I loved it, but when I heard Nessa voice over my speakers, I was toatlly taken aback, you cannot go wrong when you have Venessa Bell-Armstromg on your cd. She is classic, her voice is awesome. Then on down the line you got "Say A Prayer" with Faith Evans sounding better that ever. And speaking of better,one of my favorite songs, "Better" is da bomb, with the Murrils, there isn't enough adjectives to describe this song,"What's To Come Is BETTER Than What's Been," I think I found my anthem. Last but definitely NOT least is "Coming Strong", oh this song is just beautiful, it just says to me that I am not too far gone that Grace cannot, will not cover me, that HE is omnipresent and that HE forever has your back.

D. Lawrence, man you have did it again, GOD Bless.

Matter a fact I'm about to listen to it right now. Don't forget HE is coming on your behalf. GOD Bless

While I am not an avid fan of D. Lawrence, the cd 'I Speak Life' has the arrangements that tend to border on masterpiece. The collaborations on the album work for the most part, others don't but in attempting to duet with several, 'D' simply reached for the sky musically but fell on the clouds. The tracks with Faith, Donnie, Hathaway & Lewis, along with Right on are masterpieces in music making.

I am a new fan of Donald Lawrence aftering hear a clip of "Say A Prayer For Me" by Faith Evans, a beautiful holy ballad located on this album. I have to say I was not dissapointed in my purchase... and I am generally critical of singer's abilitys. The Gems on this album are numerous and abundant unlike most album of any kind. The most stunning track being Say A Prayer For Me by Miss Faith Evans who takes it to church....literally and shows us what her soul dipped vocals are truly capable of. I speak Life, the title track featuring the smooth powerful vocals of gospel sensation Donnie Mcurklin is astonishingly uplifting, and immensely enjoyable. You covered me featuring hezieh walker is another gem inspirational and fun. And last but certaintly not least, "Miracles" featuring the earth shattering voice of gospel queen Vanessa Bell Armstrong shines radiantly and will leave u with chills down your spine. This is overall an Incredible album, well done Donald Lawrence.

I picked up this album late. One year late to be exact. I didn't know about this artist, but gospel musician, producer, and songwriter, Donald Lawrence's, "I Speak Life" (2004), is a well-produced, spirit-filled CD through and through.

D'Lawrence, as he is known in the music industry, has worked with artists such as secular greats Peabo Bryson and Stephanie Mills, and gospel greats Karen Clark Sheard, Daryl Coley and Walter Hawkins. Lawrence's latest album is reflective of the same. The album is a mix of artistic ingredients that include Vanessa Bell Armstrong ("Miracles"), Lalah Hathaway, Donnie McClurkin ("I Speak Life"), Faith Evans, Ramsey Lewis, Hezekiah Walker, Carl Thomas ("Angels"), and Richard Smallwood. It's an eclectic mix that makes for a good, enjoyable album.

Writing and producing most of the songs on this album, this brotha's lyrical and musical talent shines and is spiritually sophisticated. It's too bad music like this is not more mainstream. Perhaps the appearance of soulful secular singers on gospel recordings might help make up the curve a bit. D'Lawrence orchestrates it well.

Lalah Hathaway's vocals are soul-stirring too. Accompanied by jazz pianist great Ramsey Lewis, Lalah Hathaway performs some of her best vocals to-date on the jazzy, "Don't Forget To Remember". It's something about those Hathaways that command attention when they are singing. It may sound a bit cliché, but it's like you can feel their souls. Ever heard Donny's version of "Young, Gifted, and Black" ? Lalah's delivery is equally inspiring, and after seeing her delivery of this song on television, it led me to this album. The simple, but much needed message is advising people that have become successful not to forget where their blessings come. Lyrics are:

"Some people get money and get on their feet and then they change. Some acquire fortunate, achieve fame, some establish value to their name then they change. Don't forget to remember where all your blessings come from. Don't forget to give honor where honor is due. Don't forget to give thanks to the one who put you there. Don't forget where your blessings come from."

Written and produced by Donald Lawrence, Faith Evans appears on "Say A Prayer". Faith shows genre versatility and gives Hathaway a run for her money in the soul-stirring department. I didn't know Evans had it like that. Faith needs to do a gospel album. Although I have liked much of her secular music, I have developed a renewed respect for her. It is often said that recording artists do some of their best work when they have faced adversity. I am guessing she recorded the song when she was on the mend from her much-publicized personal problems. The choir-backed crescendo on this song is superb and not overwhelming. Sounding almost like Karen Clark Sheard, there are no excessive repeat overs, and she does not power yell and scream to get her message across. She blows it up.

"The enemy desires to sift me as wheat, but like you did for Peter say a prayer for me. The enemy is threatened by the gift you placed in me, hear my earnest prayer, cover me. Jesus say a prayer for me. You know what I need. Go before the father and intercede for me. The enemy desires to sift me as wheat, but like you did for Peter say a prayer for me. For those that you've called, you fully equipped to fight the wind and the waves. To captain the ship. So I don't mind the storm. I'm willing to sail. God cover me, that my faith won't fail. Holy Spirit pray for me."

Reminiscent of Delta Gospel with a contemporary flair, if the choir's falsetto-led crescendo at the end of "Coming Strong" doesn't move you in some way, you might just be a statue.

A tear jerker, the last song is one of my favorites. Entitled, "Beautiful Feet", the song was inspired by a conversation with Andrae Crouch. The string and piano supported song offers some of the following lyrics,

"Beautiful are the feet of those who carry the gospel. They go where they are sent without a compliment yet they still smile. Sometimes crying inside. Beautiful. They have beautiful feet. Beautiful are the feet, of those who carry this gospel, oh if you only knew the things they go through, yet they still give, yes they do, they inspire others to live. Beautiful, they have beautiful feet. So don't give up on this gospel, don't let life destroy your faith."

Powerful.

Other notables on the CD are "Better", "Lamb" (featuring Richard Smallwood), "Restoring the Years", "I Speak Life", and "You Covered Me".

The CD has 15 songs and interludes. Although the message is good, only 1 song out of 15 is lackluster, but that's not bad when you have 14 songs and interludes to fully appreciate. Getting this album late was certainly better than never. Highly recommended.

http://terrencesays.blogspot.com/

I do not enjoy purchasing a CD just for one cut. The I Speak Life cut is the best of the bunch. The other cuts are just average.

By far Donald Lawrence is one of my favorite artists and producers. His musical texture runs differently, and I believe is one of the main reasons why he is so popular among gospel listeners. This move was, I believe a good one... although I love Tri-City. I can't wait til he does another record with them, because that's where I think he is most effective!

The first track is my favorite... "Healed" is off the chain. It is liberating and you can feel what the song is about. Normally fast songs don't come off like this to me, but his singers are off the chain.

Although I won't go through the whole list tracks on his CD, I think that this CD was a success.

A few of my favorites:
1. Healed
2. Miracles
3. Don't Forget to Remember (Lalah Hathaway got it from her daddy!! Her voice is SIC on this particular song!)
4. Say a Prayer for Me (Faith is nice on this!)
5. Wailin' to Dancin' - ooh wee, praise and worship on another level! You have to be into the song...
6. Comin' Strong on Your Behalf - (other than HEALED.. my personal favorite, a couple of fellas and I sing this song... the harmonies are ridiculous. WOW.. this song is it!)
7. Restoring the Years - of course....