Search - Yolanda Adams, Wanda Nero Butler :: Just As I Am: New Born Soul

Here We Go Again

Malridge Mace, IV | New York, NY United States | 10/12/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"First things first: The tracklisting on the Amazon site lists 19 songs. There are only 14 songs.



That out of the way, here we have another release by the legendary gospel label SOUND OF GOSPEL (SOG). And that is all good that can be said: the cd was released. This writer doesn't know if the record company doesn't have it's OWN ARTIST's masters or what, but it appears that none of the releases thus far in this company's re-issue catalog have been from the master tapes. This particular cd was clearly mastered from vinyl lps - and not well either. Whoever decided to do the work forgot to edit out the clicks and pops in the music (or just didn't care). Additionally, the pitch control was set too high on Wanda Nero Butler's first six songs represented on this cd compilation. (one track from the original vinyl was omitted evidently due to time constraints, although there is NO MENTION of this anywhere on the cd packaging)



On the plus side, the sonic quality is pretty clear, however the original vinyl was as well, so there is nothing gained here. Unfortunately, Adam's music fares much worse. Listeners are forced to listen to crackle, screetchy and scratchy vocals & music evidently recorded from an inferior vinyl source.



Again, WHERE ARE THESE ARTIST'S MASTER TAPES?? If the original issuing record company doesn't own any of its OWN artists' masters, who does?? (the late) Thomas Whitfield, the Clark Sisters and now these two artists are ALL deserving of so much better.



SOG are you listening??"

Some of her early and IMO greatest work

H. Spraggins | Philadelphia, PA USA | 09/02/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"[EDIT[ Noticed I had this at 4 Stars-- this is a definite 5 Stars! Unfortunately I cannot edit the rating...



Review follows..............



This review is in reference to Yolanda Adams (Just as I am).



It is true - the recording quality is poor; however where else can you get access to these songs. I checked through all the Yolanda Adams albums I own and none contain these songs.



I once owned this on casette tape and the lyrics are far and away superior to a number of today's recordings. Restore Me, Wash Me, Signs of the Times, Just as I am and other songs are phenomenal, in-line with Scripture and contain RAW Yolanda Adams - her voice is not anywhere as near refined as in Day by Day or any recent re cordings but this adds to the aura and experience - you can feel her passion and commitment through her singing.



Here is a short portion of lyrics in one song:

People are looking for something to get into

Leaving without the Word they do not know what to do



(it is not too often to hear such truth in Gospel singing)



I strongly encourage this purchase for those looking to get a taste of early Yolanda Adams. I would only recommend purchasing via iTunes at 99 cents / song or the entire album for $9.99. My recommendation is because the quality is poor and if you are not interested in Wanda Butler then why pay $19.99 (current price)."