Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Despite two heavily promoted albums through Word this choir from Chicago didn't break through as serious contenders to Kirk Franklin's "gospel choirs get funky" axis. But now they're back with a new label sounding as tight as ever (grab the ensemble acrobatics on the "New Direction" opener), lots of live atmosphere, a sassy horn section and a joyful trot through songs with joyful praise songs with titles like "I'm Gonna Wave My Hands" and "I'm In Love With Jesus". There's even that soulful reverend, Hezekiah Walker, guesting on the lead mic on "This Is The Day". I'm still not sure that the songs are strong enough to take this into the best sellers but New Direction are still a hot choir gospel connoisseurs will enjoy.

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