By J. MATTHEW COBB
Editor-at-Large, PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment
Posted: December 28, 2009
 REFLECTING BACK on 2009, even with all of its champion-like firsts, conjures up some of the worst imagery in pop music. Even the fervor of Sen. Barack Obama's historic inauguration as the first African-American president of the United States couldn't mask the tragic loss of the King of Pop. But even pop music had a better semester than gospel. Gospel music may not have the superego of rock, the pride of R&B/soul or even the impetuous attitude of hip-hop, but gospel music, one of the most powerful and influential stems in pop culture, has forever inherited access to the fountain of youth...until now. The genre now feels stale, lost with direction and only flickers with the same familiar patterns that worked last year. And if anything new bubbles up, it might be a carbon-copy of the latest trend in pop culture. Still, you're left wondering what really happened to that good ol' gospel music. And you're left wondering will God actually make the rocks cry out.
Most critics willingly shun away from the sacred. They don't know how to deal with its powers, the spirit of the One True God and His mighty worshipers. But even Billboard and Soundscan will issue out the end-of-the-year fiscal report that 2009 hasn't been a very good year for black gospel music - especially when looking at the front line of big label productions. It's sad to say that gospel music may be reaching the decadence of its grand finale': the end of a chapter in which gospel music actually felt like a recognizable art form that reflected the rich legacies of those who have gone before. And in the age where privacy doesn't exist and where countless genres continue to bend their own guidelines, hip-hop gospel acts Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H. broke into the Top 10 and fell hard into a PR nightmare. Add Tye Tribbett and J Moss to the equation.
In 2009, gospel music lovers continued to reach out to familiar faces to keep gospel music interesting on radio. There were the hits of Donnie McClurkin, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Mary Mary and Israel Houghton, and even pleasant entries from a forgiven J Moss and Fred Hammond. Then there were the oldie-goldie remakes: new to some, familiar to a few. Glimmers of hope (Shari Addison, Russell Leonce) even restored some hope of a gospel revival. But gospel's brightest spot, a tribute to the 30-year old contemporary gospel hymn Oh Happy Day, featuring over a dozen of familiar pop and gospel acts, even dimmed in the eyes of the industry-controlled media and failed to connect with longtime gospel supporters. See, gospel music is a very old genre but it remains small - even with the heavy support of millions who sing the music on Sunday mornings. On the Internet alone, gospel music continues to be controlled by the big wig labels - from the ever-popular Christian web sites all the way down to the blogs. And if there's any kind of revolt to the old system, there's very little change that's done (just ask EJ Gaines, the Gospel Pundit, about his protest against the Stellars). Even with all of this, independent artists rose up and actually helped restore some of the beauty of gospel's brilliant past. Maybe the little guys might be the genre's last and only hope to an aging musical genre.
A-hem. Now to our feature presentation. 2009's top 50 gospel songs.
50. Shari Addison
"NO BATTLE, NO BLESSING"
from Shari Addison (Zomba Gospel)
Kevin Bond may be in semi-retirement; producing very little these days. But he did return to his production chamber to stir up Shari Addison’s debut single “No Battle, No Blessing.” At times, Addison focuses more on the erratic preachy ad-libs but the song still proved to be just the churchy hit she needed for her soulful belting.
49. Kendra Carr
"ONLY YOU"
from Unexpected Judah (Catapult)
A familiar worship leader, Kendra Carr sat out to release her debut solo project in 2009. From that album emerged one of the year’s best traditional power ballads. It traces familiarity - some Yolanda Adams (“In the Midst of It All”) and some Smokie Norful (“Still Say Thank You”), but it’s a task that Carr uses to her advantage.
48. James Grear & Co.
"THE WORD OF GOD"
from Don't Waste Another Day (Habakkuk/Alliant Music Group)
James Grear & Co. Skips the opportunity of a lifetime by releasing a remake of a familiar Sound of Blackness and leaves behind a tender worship tune worthy of attention. “The Word of God” resembles Donald Lawrence archetype song writing while affirming the promises of God. Just the perfect motivational song to start the day.
47. Mandisa
"LEAVE IT IN THE VALLEY"
from Freedom (CMG/Sparrow)
There’s an abundant flow of feel-good vibes embedded in this sweet blend of pop and R&B. While usually marketed in the CCM world, “Leave It in the Valley,” while still fluttering with the friendly pop of is the perfect reintroduction to her gospel fan base.
46. Donnie McClurkin feat. Karen Clark-Sheard
"WAIT ON THE LORD"
from We All Are One: Live in Detroit (Verity)
Carved out of the excesses of McClurkin’s typical balladry (“Stand”), “Wait on the Lord” is nurtured in a string-laden performance that finds the prominent balladeer competing with Karen Clark-Sheard. Sheard undoubtedly steals the show.
45. Russell Leonce
"GRATEFUL"
from Culture of Love (Camari)
Creatively inserting thick double bass notes into a jazzy, sexy, “Grateful” does a good job linking Kem’s retro-soul with the laid back vibes of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue.
44. Nevels Sisters
"TOO LONG"
from Beauitful (MoLife)
What almost sounds like a missing SWV track, “Too Long” takes advantage of this heartfelt take on the Prodigal Son story using a nice layout of smooth contemporary R&B.
43. Heather Headley feat. Smokie Norful
"JESUS IS LOVE"
from Audience of One (EMI Gospel)
It’s hard escaping the mighty convictions of Lionel Richie’s timeless “Jesus Is Love.” In a year full of remakes, Heather Headley, on her gospel debut, decided to rebirth the song by joining up with her label partner Smokie Norful. The song was once again revisited on Smoke Norful’s Live project. And for those who were watching, they got to hear Lionel Richie perform it during Michael Jackson’s highly-televised homecoming service. Wow, lots of love to give.
42. Vickie Winans
"HOW I GOT OVER"
from How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)
Breathing new life into a Clara Ward tune, Vickie Winans is once again proving there’s loads of potential in reviving old school classics. The overrated music video may have gotten more airplay on YouTube, but Winans is still out to prove she’s still in the game.
41. Tarralyn Ramsey
"FAULTLESS"
from Beyond the Darkness (Tarprincel)
Tarralyn Ramsey’s 2009 return to gospel was somewhat bittersweet. It united her with those that were instantly hooked to her irresistible chops from her self-titled gospel project on Verity.
40. Bishop Larry D. Trotter & the Sweet Holy Spirit Choir
"BE NOT DISMAYED"
from I Still Believe (Tyscot/Utopia)
Vashawn Mitchell has a knack of writing flashy uptempo rockers. His latest “Be Not Dismayed,” while overlooked by radio, proved to be a justifiable fit in his choir-friendly arsenal due to its engaging set of synths and summery beats. Hands down this should have been the single released instead of the witheringly predictable “I Still Believe.”
39. New Direction
"LORD YOU'RE WORTHY"
from Destiny (New Haven)
With an abundant string of modulations and jumpy call-and-response trades, New Direction pull off one of the spunkiest contemporary gospel workouts to embrace radio in 2009.
38. Phillip Carter & SOV
"PRAISING"
from Songs from the Storm (SOV Ministries)
Reworking Christopher Cross’s AC-favorite “Sailing” into a worship ballad proved to be a satisfying moment for gospel newbie Phillip Carter. The intimate gloss of the echoing saxophone, smart lyrical changes and the majestic chorus certainly painted worthy impressions. Ironically, the song has been ommited from digital versions of the album. Can we say "clearance woes?"
37. Ann Nesby
"I FOUND A PLACE"
from The Lula Lee Project (Tyscot)
Toss in a little Tonex magic into a heavy thumping bass-driven groove and you’re one step closer to that Minneapolis funk we couldn’t get enough of. With Ann Nesby’s dynamic pipes inserted, a definite treasure to the Minneapolis area in association with her Sound of Blackness tenure, “I Found a Place” almost felt like a lost Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis track.
36. Coko feat. Israel Houghton
"THE JOY OF THE LORD"
from The Winner in Me (Light)
Coko’s most perfect union with Israel Houghton on this refreshingly upbeat, brezzy track was cool enough to give the former SWV lead singer substantial confidence to stick with the gospel ship.
35. Kathy Taylor
"OH HOW PRECIOUS"
from Live: The Worship Experience (Tyscot)
Gaining strong momentum on gospel radio, Kathy Brown’s revival of Myrna Summers’ classic hit “Oh How precious” proved to be her biggest single yet. Oddly enough Ricky Dillard along with LaShun Pace redid the song just a few years earlier.
34. J Moss
"SWEET JESUS'"
from Just James (GospoCentric)
J Moss embraces yet another warm worship ballad, done in the spirit of “We Must Pray” and “Praise on the Inside.” This time around, the praise is less self-centered and more humble in its thankfulness to God.
33. Sharon MaRee
"SWEEPS ME"
from Triumph (T)
Using the seductive vibes of breathy R&B, Sharon MaRee comes up with one of the most compelling, romantic set of lyrics to hit a gospel song in recent years.
32. Tamika Nicole
"ENOUGH"
from The Art of Letting Go (Tamika Williams-Clark)
A jazzy prayerful ballad done with the soul of Angie Stone, “Enough” could pass as a descendant of Yolanda Adams “Open My Heart.” But Tamika Nicole’s performance and the silky sax solo puts the cut in a totally different league.
31. Malcolm Williams & Great Faith
"THE BLOOD STILL WORKS"
from In Your Glory (Malcolm James Music)
With some down-home gospel energy, Malcolm Williams pulls off a hand-clapping good time on what ultimately feels like a perfect fit for a Ricky Dillard or Chicago Mass Choir record.
30. Robert Randolph & the Clark Sisters
"HIGHER GROUND"
from Oh Happy Day: All-Star Celebration (EMI/Vector Recordings)
There’s no secret that “Higher Ground,” one of Stevie Wonder’s signature tunes, bear some formulaic connection to the roots of Delta blues and traditional gospel. Focusing on both of those elements, the Clark Sisters along with pedal steel guitarist virtuoso Robert Randolph achieve such a goal in pulling out even more soul from Wonder’s masterpiece. We’re certain Berry Gordy wouldn’t have allowed this much blues and soul to come out of a single in 1973.
29. Marvin Sapp
"PRAISE HIM IN ADVANCE"
from Thirsty (Verity)
A very lackluster follow-up to the best-selling “Never Would Have Made It” but it isn’t all that bad. While obviously repetitious, it’s singable, approachable and not that hard to transplant in most worship services. But for songwriter Deon Kipping, this is more of a follow-up to “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.”
28. Shari Addison
"I PRAISE YOU"
from Shari Addison (Zomba Gospel)
Coming from a follow-up on BET’s Sunday Best, Shari Addison proved to be the big winner with this hard-hitting mix of traditional shouts and contemporary gospel struts. It also proved to a bigger winner on gospel radio.
27. Maurette Brown-Clark
"IT AIN'T OVER"
from The Dream (Malaco/AIR)
We all knew the worth and potential in this hidden gem. It took almost two years for Malaco to give the okay to release this as a single. Better late than never.
26. The Whispers
"WALK WITH ME"
from Thankful (Kingdom)
For their gospel debut, the Whispers came close to capturing their cool, upbeat luster of their popular R&B hit “Innocent” with the Fred Hammond-produced “Walk With Me.” Listen closely and you can hear Hammond’s funky grooves harmonizing with the Whispers’ legendary vocal work.
25. Ted Winn
"GOD BELIEVES IN YOU"
from Balance (Shanachie)
Coming out of the box, Ted Winn breaks out on a solo career using the warm and encouraging “God Believes in You.” Constructed solely by Winn, the power ballad is evidence that Winn may just have a budding song writing career ahead of him.
24. Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir
"DON'T DO IT WITHOUT ME"
from Cry Your Last Tear (Light)
Released as a bonus track and to gospel radio outlets, “Don’t Do It Without Me” bears the stamina of a tried and true gospel quartet song. It fits just right on Morton’s preachy convictions and the congregation-friendly chorus.
23. Melinda Watts
"COME BOLDLY"
from People Get Ready (Kingdom)
The most recent winner of Gospel Dream may have been virtually ignored by gospel radio, but her album People Get Ready had enough content on their to make a great impact. “Come Boldly,” walking like a mild-mannered Yolanda Adams ballad, is one of the album’s obvious highlights.
22. Fred Hammond feat. John P. Kee
"THEY THAT WAIT"
from Love Unstoppable (Verity)
Beautified with warm lyrics and Houghton’s beautiful vocals, “If Not For Your Grace” is another example of the popular worship leader and songwriter’s strengths to pen a dynamic gospel ballad. The song tells of God’s grace with such graceful proficiency and probably expounds on God’s love unlike any other of his memorable slow cuts.
21. J Moss
"RESTORED"
from Just James (GospoCentric)
After a painful fall on the face, J Moss waited and bounced back at a very good and appropriate time. “Restored” is his thank-you moment; doused down with a triumphant vamp and lyrical images of survival. This time, Moss relies on a well-favored pop seasoning in favor of his usual urban gospel ethic.
20. Melvin Crispell & Testimony
"REAL"
from He's Able (IMOK Gospel)
Marinated in a walking bass and those obvious Hezekiah Walker connections, Melvin Crispell debuts with a joyful noise. High energy action from Testimony And Mo’Horns’ soulful arrangements add extra spice to the performance. It’s just what the popular songwriter needed for his just-due debut.
19. Donnie McClurkin
"YOU ARE MY GOD AND KING"
from We All Are One: Live in Detroit (Verity)
So what if the song is recycled goods (first heard on the Tommies’ Real album). It’s still a far better version and an excellent transportation to the Live in London experience.
18. Voices of Citadel
"HALLELUJAH TO THE LAMB"
from Won't It Be Wonderful (Syntax/Music Blend)
Punchy Brooklyn contemporary gospel, scribed by Butch Heyward, highlights the latest radio single for the Voices of Citadel. A trip back to innocent choir gospel set to an irresistible set of modulations.
17. Melinda Watts
"HAPPY"
from People Get Ready (Razor & Tie)
Ironically resembling Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” Melinda Watts pushes out a great dash of breezy pop on “Happy.”
16. Shari Addison
"ONE MORE SUNNY DAY"
from Shari Addison (Zomba Gospel)
Whenever Donald Lawrence starts to polish up on his song writing craft and he releases something resembling his early ‘90s ballads, be prepared to be blessed. “One More Sunny Day” sounds like a reprise of “I Walk With the King.” As for Addison, she sounds like she’s been singing gospel like this for ages.
15. Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, MY BROTHER"
from What Have You Done, My Brother? (Daptone)
In the spirit of the Staple Singers’ message songs, Naomi Shelton and her Dap-tone gang blows her bluesy juke joint soul into a timely selection sparking up a mighty clarion call to servanthood.
14. BeBe & CeCe Winans
"CLOSE TO YOU"
from Still (B+C/Malaco)
Nothing more than an uncredited Patti LaBelle loop (“Love Need and Want You”), BeBe & CeCe’s big return is best summed up as breathy, mellow Quiet Storm teases. It worked.
13. Adrianne Archie
"ALL I NEED IS LOVE"
from Heart Soul Mind & Strength (LinQ Productions)
A definite standout on her 2009-released independent project, “All I Need Is Love” is bursting with disco beats and a sweet assertions of Adrianne Archie’s neo-soul associations. Even with the lyrics’ double meanings, the musical experiments here - tightly sown in mainstream dance pop - illustrate once again that gospel radio is missing out on some golden opportunities.
12. Phillip Carter & SOV
"I LOVE THE LORD"
from Songs from the Storm (SOV Ministries)
Even though Phillip Carter may need to be placed on house arrest for the large amounts of solicitation he and his marketing team are responsible for, “I Love the Lord” is still too hard to ignore. It easily makes this list for keeping traditional gospel in the forefront and for working a quartet drive around familiar hymn lyrics.
11. Israel Houghton
"SAVED BY GRACE"
from The Power of One (Integrity)
Using the funky rawness of Minneapolis funksters The Time, Israel pulls out his most impressive jumpy gospel tune since “You Are Good.”
10. Smokie Norful
"JUSTIFIED"
from Live (EMI Gospel)
After a while, most of Smokie Norful’s singles start to bear a familiar pattern. “Justified” strangely bears the familiarities of “All I Need,” but its rocking vamp - sporting Norful’s preachy exhortations and the juicy gospel choral support (“Not guilty”) keeps the song from being just another copy and paste session.
9. Russell Leonce
"WHY I LOVE YOU (GOT TO TELL YA)"
from Culture of Love (Camari)
On what sounded like the perfect gospel entry for Musiq or John Legend, Russell Leonce proves undoubtedly that he’s just the voice for this kind of grown-up R&B gospel. Who said that gospel can’t sound glorious and sexy at the same time.
8. Donald Lawrence & Co.
"BACK II EDEN"
from The Law of Confession, Vol. I (Verity/Quiet Waters Entertainment)
Living on top of the world. Even in the midst of a turbulent recession, this song at least made you feel rich during the entire song. Reality kicks in after the song ends.
7. Vanessa Bell Armstrong
"GOOD NEWS"
from The Experience (EMI Gospel)
VBA does justice on this overlooked Aretha gem. The best part included Donald Lawrence’s “prayer still works’ tag and Armstrong’s gutsy gospel belting.
6. Malcolm Williams & Great Faith
"I REPENT"
from In Your Glory (Malcolm James Music)
In the middle of all these feel-good victory/favor radio jingles, it’s always good to take a detour into a song selection that feels like a honest, natural confession. Malcolm Williams channels all of his skills into this pop-chiseled masterpiece. It’s probably his best effort to date.
5. Israel Houghton
"JUST WANNA SAY"
from The Power of One (Integrity)
On this rocking single, Israel Houghton takes a bit of reggaeton, merges it with Myron Butler’s 2005 single “Set Me Free” and a little edgy rock perched with zapping synths and brash drums. End result: something loud, fresh and phenomenal for gospel.
4. Mary Mary feat. Ne-Yo
"GOD IN ME"
from The Sound (Columbia)
If Kierra Sheard couldn’t drag in the crossover appeal, Ne-Yo could. A special remix featuring the R&B household favorite transformed this club banger into one of the heftiest donwloaded ringtones ever. Not to forget the star-studded red carpet celebrity extravaganza captured in the glittery concept video.
3. BeBe & CeCe Winans
"THINGS"
from Still (B+C/Malaco)
Wordiness can be a challenge to a song’s set of lyrics but the contemporary beats and an ever-melodic chorus gets the best of BeBe & CeCe’s “Things.” It’s a short track, but one that conjures up those feel-good emotions once inhabited in “Celebrate New Life.” 2. Israel Houghton feat. Mary Mary
"EVERY PRAYER"
from The Power of One (Integrity)
It could have been disastrous - just knowing how radical Mary Mary and Israel Houghton are on their upbeat, flashy tracks. But Houghton’s impeccable song writing matched with heartfelt vocal performances proves why the song is worthy of a Grammy.
1. Whitney Houston
"I LOOK TO YOU"
from I Look to You (Arista)
Depending on who you ask, “I Look to You” may or may not be an authentic gospel song. It is definitely inspirational – and certainly packs enough spirituality to get gospel radio airplay. Still, gospel lovers had no real contest in accepting this beautiful ballad into their sacred iPod playlists.
OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
We perish because of the lack of knowledge. Get schooled.
50 Best Songs of 2009 - MAINSTREET uncovers the top 50 singles and songs of pop, rock and R&B/soul.
SoulTracks: The Best CDs of 2009 - The pros at SoulTracks.com reveal their best choices of 2009.
The Top 50 Gospel Songs of 2008 - A look-back at the hot radio singles and gospel songs of 2008.
Year in Review 2008 - A look-back at the year of 2008 according to PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com
Essentially 2008 - PRAYZEHYMN Online's official analysis of the best gospel albums of 2008.
Summer Sizzlers 2008 [PRAYZE Report] - Relive those dog days of summer with the top ten summer jams in gospel of 2008.
Top Ten Gospel Records of 2008 [TBGB] - Popular blogger and gospel historian Bob Marovich cites his picks of 2008.
Year In Review 2007 - A PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com exclusive on 2007's biggest headlines in the gospel industry.
Essentially 2007 - PRAYZEHYMN's official list of the best gospel albums of 2007.
Summer Sizzlers - The top ten summer jams in gospel music of 2007.
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