Search - Various Artists :: Billboard Modern Gospel: Traditional

Possibly good for bargain shoppers and those new to gospel

souldrummer | Washington, DC United States | 10/09/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Why is Billboard making a gospel compilation? I'm scratching my head on this one. Do they expect listeners to say, "Yes, I'm looking to find Christ in my life. I know, let me buy from the saints at....Billboard Magazine!!!"



The music here is okay, but I have to question a couple of the selections. Chicago Mass Choir has done better material than this. If you want to hear them, you're better off picking up their greatest hits collection. Aretha Franklin is a great gospel vocalist, but this track is not from her classic "Amazing Grace" album. Her voice is not as strong as it was then, although this is still worth listening to. They put "Stand" on here by VIP. You're better off either purchasing the VIP greatest hits or purchasing the WOW series title that has that track. You get the picture...This CD plays well and is good music, but it doesn't make that much sense if you're a gospel performer or even a Christian looking for annointed music.



I guess I can see two audiences for this title. First, you might want to think of this as a gospel single. $.69 plus shipping for a used title might be a good bargain if you just have to have one of these tracks because your church choir is singing it, and you'd like to sample some other albums as well. Second, you might be someone who has little idea about what gospel is about. Much like I don't listen to Putamayo world compilations thinking I'm getting the best African Groove music, I believe that a budget compilation of quality music can be useful for those looking to see whether traditional choir gospel is for them.



The single on this album that was most beneficial to me was TD Jakes' "Woman Thou Art Loosed". It's a track that I wouldn't ordinarily pick up that's not on other compilations. TD Jakes has a book and a movie based on "Woman Thou Art Loosed" and listening to this single reminded me about that and gave me an impression of what his choir's texture sound like. That said, I'm still glad that I picked up this title at the ultimate bargain price.



3 stars



--SD"