Customer Reviews

Thank You for the Change

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

 

 

I must say that this project was highly anticipated. We know they had a little bit of trouble which slowed the release of this project and that made it that much more anticipated. Upon the initial listen, I'm a little disappointed. First of all, there's only 10 songs on the album. I know you see twelve, but one is a reprise and the other one is a remix of "Deliver". I will say though that this choir can sang!! To the 15th power! Their vibrato was more controled and polished this time around. They sounded more like James Hall and Worship & Praise. They even left that soprano on the backrow. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go back to the first album and listen to "He Is The Spirit" when the sopranos are by themselves. I would have to agree with this album not being as good as the last album. Of course, that's alot to have to live up to. This album would have gotten 5 stars, but I just felt there wasn't enough material and the quality of the songs were a little bit below the level of the first album. However, it is still a good album and these people can really sing. I'll put them up against Ricky Dillard and New G, James Hall, Richard Smallwood, anybody. They sing that well. Also, I think the band was giving free reign to do whatever. At times it seems as if they forgot about the choir and did their own thing. I did however appreciate the drumming......tiiight!! Despite that, the band still puts it down on this project. A+ to everybody. I hate to say it, but I would buy Ricky Dillard's new project before I buy this one. Ricky Dillard's project gives you that in-your-face approach that we were missing on Youthful Praises new project. I would also recommend Tye Trippett, Fred Hammond, and Israel and New Breed as an alternate purchase.

THIS CD IS GOOD BUT NOT GOOD AS THE FIRST ONE. THIS CD IS LACKING SOMETHING I DONT KNOW. THIS IS JUST ONE OF MY FAVOIRTE. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE GOOD. LET ME LISTEN TO IT SOMEMORE AND DECEIDE LATER BUT THIS IS NOT AS GOOD AS THE FIRST ONE.

I heard 'Incredible God, Incredible Change' on my car radio and went to the nearest Christian music store to purchase it. I just had to have that song right away, no delay. Well, I picked up 'It's Time For A Change' by mistake and I can't wait until it's time to make the exchange. But, I'm glad it did get good reviews from others who bought it. Actually, this is the first time I'd heard Youthful Praise and I wish them all the best, but I can truthfully say that I've never had a CD that I liked less than this one. Not one cut inspired me to keep it, as it got toward the end the vocals became so grating and harsh that screaming along with them was all I wanted to do. I'm so thankful that the owner of the store is gracious enough to replace it with the other one, at least I know that I'll absolutely love 'Incredible God'.

Youthful Praise has made their mark in the Gospel industry with their groundbreaking debut, Awesome God (see review). They've made a different approach with this album. The title "Thank You For The Change" explains itself. (Now known as James "JJ" Hairston and Youthful Praise, as former co-director Shawn Brown resigned from Turner's Faith Temple to pursue his call as a Pastor. -->Source Gospelflava.com)

YP's sophomore release was recorded live at their home church, Turner's Faith Temple (Bishop JC White) in Bridgeport, Connecticut. James D. Robinson Jr. and John H. Smith held the mantle of the album's production. JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise are ever epitomized for their solid production, cunning lead vocals from several soloists; high vocal registers with plenty of vibrato, and a tight band. The compelling lyrics are always scripture-rooted.

Ricky Dillard intro'd the recording in such a great way.

The jump-start is "Bless Him." This powerful scorcher is a high declaration of nothing but praise (in excellence). Johnny "The Natural" Nateo has the solo spotlight during the mid-song. Kenya Lee is brought to the forefront with her marveled vocal perfection on "Say Yes." "Jesus Is My Light" contains the very same ingredients that can be heard on Awesome God's "Song of Praise." The classical feel has often been used since Richard Smallwood brought out the trend on "Total Praise." With complex vocal falsettos and dynamics, the song is definitely a masterpiece.

The album has a versatile selection of songs that give off a new vibe."Up There", written by Love Fellowship's, Joeworn Martin, brings forth lead vocals from Cheryl "Coko" Clemmons, of SWV. There is a slender edge of Caribbean flavor mixed in with this track. "Yea Lord" is the captioning call and response between Coko and YP.

Shawn Brown's "I Shall Praise" is a brief, swift composition with a reminiscent sound to "Awesome God." The song confirms the message of how God's mercy endures forever. Near the song's end, YP repetitively ministers "Mercy endureth forever!" Johnny "Natural" Nateo rides with the 3 minute-37 second song rendering some raw guitar chops. The flow continues immediately with the Shawn Brown-penned "He Shall Be Praised," displaying a diverse mixture of ragtime appeal and traditional thumps.

"Thank You For The Change" is well composed with Timiney Figueroa-Caton on lead. Melonie Daniels and Charisse Nelson-McIntosh resonate on "Balm in Gilead." As they trade ends, the song goes into another zone. By the end, there is relief with a reprise. Melonie runs all over the song!

Minister Kervy Brown rips the YP radio-worthy, "He Rose." Hairston penned this traditional styled ballad, which depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ with no softness at all. The band offers the 'just needed' blend and level to the song. From vigor to vibrato and all of that.. it's all here!

And who can forget the dance/house, rhythmic ballad of "God Of All Comfort?" The deep groove-factor will have you dancing. YP soars the rafters with high range as the groove increases, plus the intensity. T.Bizzy produces the YP previous hit, "Deliver" with a funky remix.

Let's take a moment to give God praise for the awesome ministry of JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise! We are sure that they are truly giving God all the glory for the change He's brought forth.

Producers: James D. Robinson Jr., John H. Smith
Album Release Date: June 29, 2004
Evidence Gospel / Light Records/ Compendia Music Group

I enjoyed this album as well as I enjoyed the first project. In the song selection- in the lyrics- in the chords and harmonies, I know that they are in a different place spiritually than the previous album and, therefore, the songs will reflect that change, development, and MATURITY. By nature of this group being as one creative artist, their product will be unpredicatble. Art is unpredictable and cannot be precscribed. It flows...or it SHOULD flow as the creator gives them. We as patrons of the arts should not pigeon hole them- block them off and hold them in a corner with our groupy-like expectations. Pray for discernment that God will help us receive what they are ministering and encourage them to continue being obedient servants to their muse-God Almighty.

I agree with my man above, it was well anticipated but not as good as the first album. It needed more songs like Awesome God, Deliver, Garment of Praise etc. The songs didn't catch my attention like the first album. Don't get me wrong, the choir is still awesome and they have a wonderful sound, but this is harsh but true. When James Hall made albums they got better and better each time, they need to keep that same concept.

This was a highly anticipated album in my home, but I just wasn't as impressed with this project as I was with the first; however, vibrato and vocal control were much better than it was in the first...my ears thank you! I have thus far enjoyed the majority of the CD though some of the songs are still growing on me. Much of it is presentable to my choir, so hopefully we'll be able to sing some of if for our congregation sometime soon. While I do like this album, I must say that I like the more in-your-face style of the first project a little better. Hopefully that style will reappear on the third project.