Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Refreshing Addition to the Gospel Tradition, April 3, 2005
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
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh and New!, October 27, 2005
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Excellent delivery to Glorify God - From a cynic, August 9, 2005
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!
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Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
~ Micah Stampley
~ Israel Houghton
~ Marvin Sapp
~ Pastor Hezekiah Walker
~ Smokie Norful
by Micah Stampley 
