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If there is any doubt that gospel
quartet music is thriving among the younger generation just listen to projects
from Marla Carswell
(Good News),
Candice Thomas (Deep
Within), The
Gospel Legends (Transition), or Lee
Walker and Spirit (Get
Right or Get Left). In recognition of the contribution that these
and other young artists are making to this genre, for the month of August we review the
new CD by Precious Melton
titled God Will See You Through.
Before looking at the music, let’s spotlight the artist.
Precious
is a Middle School Student. She is an honor student. She is a member
of her school’s choir. She is also a member of her school district’s
Middle School Honor’s Chorus. And, she is very active in improving her
community. She is a songwriter. Five of the 10 songs on the new CD were
written by Precious.
She is, even at her tender age, an accomplished vocalist. This is her
sophomore project. Her first CD, released in 2006, was titled
Perfected Praise.
The new CD, like her first, was produced by
Eric Shaper
of Dream Reality Productions. Eric was the keyboard player and arranger
for The Christianaires.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the CD is full of good gospel quartet music
delivered with the skills and finesse of a young person.
The songs on this CD are “Jesus,” “Is My Worship Enough,”
“God Will See You Through,” “Hallelujah,” “His
Sweet Name,” “Trust God,” “Still I Praise Him,” “You’ll
Get The Best Of Me,” “Let’s Talk About It,” and “Do
You Love Him.”
From the first selection to the last, the listener is treated to good gospel
singing. On the whole this project has a very smooth sound that makes use
of the latest and best recording techniques. It is difficult to single out
any one song. They all have two (2) things in common; 1) a solid biblical
message that is needed today; and 2) great arrangement. You should,
however, be prepared to press the repeat button on your CD player as you listen
to “His Sweet Name,” which is one of the songs written by
Precious.
Though the overall tone of the project is definitely traditional one can only
expect a young person to branch out on a couple of selections. And, we
would be remiss in this review if we did not acknowledge the slight slant
towards contemporary of two songs, “Is My Worship Enough” and “Trust
God.” This break from solid tradition on these two tracks only
enhances our assessment that
Precious is an
accomplished vocalist. And, although the songs are not strictly
traditional gospel they are nevertheless very powerful selections with very
poignant words that speak to the soul.
Finally, if Precious
Melton and the other
artists mentioned above are indicative of what the future holds for Gospel
Quartet Music, then the torch will certainly be passed on to good stewards.
Gospel quartet fans have an up and coming generation of singers that are ready
to take this genre to another level.
This new release from
Precious Melton is
definitely a good collection of songs that is fit for any gospel taste. We give
God Will See You Through an 8.5 out of 10. To purchase this CD click "here." Click on the title to hear a clip
from “Still
I Praise Him.”
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