Smokie Norful - Live

Published Tuesday 25th August 2009
Smokie Norful - Live
Smokie Norful - Live

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 78540-15653
LABEL: EMI Gospel 5099951283223
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2009-04-03
RRP: £9.59

Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Norful returns with his first release since 2006, recorded in front of an excited audience of 2000 in Memphis, Tennessee. The style of the CD is different to Smokey's usual smooth-as-silk studio stylings and is much more of a live church experience, presumably due to his recent experiences as a pastor. Many of the songs are a sort of preaching through song and have an improvisational feel to them. This delivers some wonderful truths in the lyrics but as a result there is a lack of memorable melodic hooks due to the extended structures. Ignoring the opening clichéd "Everybody that loves God make some noise, just scream" the first song, "He's Gonna Come Through," kicks off as a powerful, uplifting declaration that no matter what you have done, God has your life in his hands. The powerful message of "Justified" is preceded by a wonderfully direct mini sermon reminding us that Christ's blood speaks for us through all eternity and exhorting us to praise God that "he didn't kill you for all the sinful acts you committed, but he justified you." Other highlights are the piano and vocal "Dear God", a meditative personal prayer of thanks, and the Commodores' oldie "Jesus Is Love", a moving duet with Heather Headley. Smokie's voice is smooth and his interaction with the choir and musicians tight throughout. "I've Been Delivered" ends on a celebratory note of victory and based on what has been said/sung before the listener will wholeheartedly agree.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.

NAVIGATION
CONNECT WITH CROSS RHYTHMS
SIGNUP

Connect with Cross Rhythms by signing up to our email mailing list

A Step Change...
Cross Rhythms Media Training Centre
MORE ARTICLES
DISCOGRAPHY
ARTIST PROFILES
Artists & DJs A-Z
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Or keyword search

 

PRAYER ROOMS
Courts of Praise
Get close to God, be extravagant in declaring your love for Him in our Prayer Room