Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A hugely successful album Stateside, resulting in Gospo-Centric being bought up by Sparrow Records, this has a touch of the Sounds Of Blackness dance drive on the opener, "Personal Friend Of Mine", followed by one of those elegant, mannered ballads "You Encourage Me" all jazz chords and crowd clapping at the tricky bits. Track three comes the surprise when the Singers launch into a full blooded version of Randy Stonehill's "Shut De Do'" which no longer has the fake Carribean Uncle Tom speak but now establishes a mean, funk groove. The variety continues throughout the album and with some superb soloists, including the wondrous Stephanie Mills (she of Motown and the 'Dream Girls' musical) and quality songwriting, it's easy to see and hear why this one rose above the hundreds of other choir albums.

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.

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