PRAYZEHYMN Online | where gospel music lives [Summer Sizzlers 2006]

By J. MATTHEW COBB
Founder, Editor-In-Chief of PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment
Posted: June 28, 2006

Along with the flaming temperatures, this summer is sure to deliver the hotness in car stereos, boom boxes, iPods and other cool musical devices across the country. So why not express yourself and your faith with some of this year's hottest gospel tracks along the way.

The summer is to be enjoyed. Plenty of people will be vacationing, taking trips to the beach, getting that tan in the hot sun and of course, praying that their lawns aren't torched by the crazy temps. Plus, thousands of people are even planning on doing a lot of missionary work throughout this summer as they prepare to step their feet upon the holy ground of mega conferences and workshops including T.D. Jakes' Megafest in Atlanta and the Gospel Music Workshop of America held in Dallas. So why not take the best summer tracks thus far with you? This neat check list, brought to you by your friendly neighbor PRAYZEHYMN, will help make Summer 2006 one you will never forget. We gan-ron-tee.

Yes - Kierra KiKi Sheard
This Is Me (EMI Gospel)
What do you get when you mix together Beyonce's "Crazy In Love", Amerie's "1 Thing" along with Gospel's Kierra "KiKi" Sheard and Mary Mary's producer Warryn Campbell? You get this fun, infectious, shake-"what-yo-mama-gave-ya" number. You almost don't believe "KiKi" is singing a number that feels so urban and so ready for hip-hop radio.

Victory - Tye Tribbett & G.A.
Victory Live! (Sony Urban)
Full of jam, "Victory" is just right for the Holy Ghost party. It's an infectious contemporary number that features a good dose of musical hook-ups: catchy melody, funkdafied juice and holy bounce.

Follow Me - Virtue
Testimony (Darkchild Gospel/Integrity Gospel)
We hear in the studios just fell in love with this number. It has a kicking disco groove and a good feeling attached to the musical arrangement. Gotta love those horns. We are hoping there's an extended version floating out there somewhere.

Bless The Lord O My Soul/He's Worthy - Judith Christie-McAllister
In His Presence - Live (Judah Music/Alliant Music Group)
Get your praise on with this energetic, spunky track. Christie-McAllister takes off with dynamic brilliance as the song goes into a series of killer modulations. Pay close attention to the band: they are definitely on top of the game here.

Fly Like A Bird - Mariah Carey
The Emancipation of Mimi (Island)
Already taking over R&B and smooth soul radio formats, this inspirational cut is swiftly shaping to become Mariah Carey's voyage to gospel audiences. Lots of smooth grooves here and a catchy melody, but it's the "da-da-da-da-da-dahh" that sticks easily from the very first listen. You will be singing that little phrase all summer long...it's just a cute line.

New Day - Remnant
Psalms Of The Remnant (MVP Productions)
The lyrics on "New Day" will surely brighten your lowest day. So if you are in need of a quicker-picker-upper this summer, kick this one. Nesey Davis' lead vocals are refreshing on the groovy rhythms and Remnant delivers that mature sound we cherished from Minneapolis community choir, Excelsior. Gotta love it.

Days Of My Life - Antonio Neal
Days Of My Life (EMI Gospel)
Breezy vocals, cool vibes and innocent lyrics create this song's magnetic power. You can't help but love this track...and it's just right for those hot days. You can't help but appreciate the inspiring lyrics - we all should be grateful for the "days of our life".

O Give Thanks (featuring Fred Hammond) - Andrae' Crouch
Mighty Wind (Verity)
What a track. It's got that down-home blues flavor and that intricate R&B bump that will make you pull out the Electric Slide. And them horns, that dangerous bass and Fred Hammond's zeal on the lead vocals are just the right combinations for this jammer. Turn up the volume.

Better - Kirk Franklin
Hero (GospoCentric)
Urban sounds with a sprinkle of club spice dominate this thumping number. And the bass on here will surely revive memories of abundant youthfulness. Hey, we all wish we were ten years younger sometimes. This track will bring out the fun - easily.

It's More Than That - Hezekiah Walker & LFC
20/85 The Experience (Verity)
Relive those good ol' days from the early 90s with this grooving feast of breezy funk influences and East Coast contemporary vibes. The music here is sure to get dem' speakers the massage it's been desperately craving for.

Heaven (Maurice's Nu Soul Mix) - Mary Mary
Heaven (Remix) (Sony Urban Music/Columbia)
Yes, we love the original, but go to the next level with this charming house mix. And you are in good hands with DJ extraordinaire Maurice Joshua leading the way. Get those dancing shoes ready...it's time to cut the rug.

Just Say Thank Ya! - Greg Roberts & Soulful Celebration
Soulful Worship (Soulful Music Group)
Sometime hearing alot of modulations can kill the fun while cruising in your ride right after that much-needed car wash. But Greg Roberts and his powerhouse aggregation sends this infectious number right up to the forefront of favorites this summer. It's filled with the right spicy synths, colorful vocals and a groovy rhythm that will satisfy any praise party.

Give Him The Praise - Virtue
Testimony (Darkchild Gospel/Integrity Gospel)
Darkchild delivers again. This song has that SWV vibe we easily recall from them good ol' 90's. Another reason to appreciate ol' skool even more. Even if it was just a few years ago. "Give Him The Praise" is a cool, refreshing offering from Virtue - cool enough to have that car window rolled down on a hot summer day while cruising on the freeway.

It's Time To Praise The Lord - Daniel Austin
On My Mind (OMNI Entertainment)
The Latin styles, disco grooves and heavy funk influences sends this cut into a Saturday night fever. With Austin's worship leading and mesmeric vocals, the song is ready to be served. Get you some serious room for this groovalistic journey.

I Wanna Thank You, Lord - Tony Terry
Changed! (Jordan Entertainment Group)
The groove here is filled with urban coolness. With a smokin' R&B flavor and traces of that good ol' 90s magic, this infectious cut is bound to generate some attention this summer. And hearing R&B sensation sing it makes it even cooler.

Don't Need A Reason - Jason Nelson
I Shall Live (independent)
You gotta love how this track opens up. With a few tid-tats from some cool drum programming, the song is primed and ready for a few head bobs. Add some cool vocodor action and Nelson's rich tenor to the mix and we got the perfect party starter.

Everybody - Anthony Hamilton
Ain't Nobody Worryin' (Arista)
Nothin' like a lil' Jamaican fun unda' da' sun, mon'. R&B crooner Anthony Hamilton merges inspiring lyrics, a bright musical arrangement and the right mood on this summer pleaser. And when you hear these words "Shine down on me"...you will certainly remind yourself to put on your best sunglasses.

Spread Love (Shelter Mix) - Kenny Bobien & Ann Nesby
Spread Love 12" (Juno Records)
Hearing these two sing together is a dream come true. And then add a groovy House foundation by Louie Vega and peaceful lyrics to the flow of things...and you are one step away from a dancing paradise. Regardless of how long this song has been out, we need to spread love.

Be Ready - Darrell McFadden & the Disciples
I've Got A Right (EMI Gospel)
This number, fueled with the high energies of Memphis soul and retro-R&B, is another brilliant rhythmic success for the summer. Much of the song is simply arranged, but when them guitars get to working and McFadden's convincing lead jumps at you, it's all over.

Just Another Day - Lisa McClendon
Live at the House of Blues (Integrity Gospel)
Lisa McClendon does a terrific job with this laid-back soulful groove; spiced with some neo-soul flavor and some jazzy perks. It has a sunny flair attached to the melody and is purely innocent...just right for the summer. Makes you want to smile all day long.

OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
We perish because of the lack of knowledge. Get schooled.

Wal-mart - Always Low Prices. Yeah, the store has alot to offer...good enough for the summer.
Target - Neat, clean and a nice place to check out. Looking for the right stuff for the summer like sandals, umbrellas, patio furniture? Why not shop here?
Megafest 2006 - A very BIG conference crammed in three days. And there's lot of people speaking, singing and other stuff. Might be too big for some...but there's alot for everybody to enjoy.
Gospel Music Workshop of America - Where Everybody Is Somebody.
Six Flags Amusement Parks - Oh, why not check out a roller coaster or two this summer.
Tom Joyner Family Reunion - The fun will be at Walt Disney World this summer for sure...Nee Yo, Aretha Franklin, Chris Brown, Kirk Franklin, Sinbad, Mary Mary and much more . Mark your calendars...join your favorite morning team from August 31-September 5.