::ALBUM REVIEW::

Nowadays individuality seems to be the primary focus for today's gospel male vocalists. They have placed themselves in a class of their own. They don't sound anything like most R&B and pop icons like Chris Brown or Trey Songz. Instead of trying to woo their fanbase with sexual charm or with a busy on-stage personality, artists like Micah Stampley and J. Moss are equipped with angelic voices that are bold and enchanting enough to generate much props. Add Daniel Austin to the growing list. Containing golden vocal chords and in his mid-20s, Daniel Austin may be the one artist that no one knows about, but eventually will. 2005 brought the debut project of "On My Mind" on the independent music label, OMNI Entertainment. Word of mouth and heavy promotion has helped elevated this project to prominent acceptance and exposure; with the helps of great, star-quality musicians such as lead guitarist Jonathan Dubose, sensational drummer Calvin Rodgers, bass work from Maurice Fitzgerald and the shrill horn arrangements of Mo' Horns.

Expressing the excellent expertise offered on this project is impossible to give in a mild interpretation. Isaiah D. Thomas, whom is best known for co-writing Cage's current hit, "I Will Bless The Lord" and for working with New Samaritan Baptist Church and his own group, jumps on board to handle the album's production and does a fine job at that. No early fade-outs, no surprises, no erupt cut-offs. It's a very nice ride with a Grade A-approval. Plus, he shows off his songwriting skills on the bulk of the material and occasionally co-writes with Austin, whom also shows great posture for being a seasoned songwriter. Austin kicks things off with the house-oriented "It's Time To Praise The Lord", which contains a banging introduction and sassy horn whirls featuring bits and pieces of salsa and impossible moves the rock/jazz band, Chicago, is best known for. As soon as the background vocals rocks into the vamp, the melody blasts with triumphant power. While the music is seriously the drawing card here, Austin impresses with good worship leading and mind-blowing vocal aerobics. Immediately following is the charging "Be Transformed"; which is better suited for Austin. There is a laid-back, blissful groove found here; reminding listeners of the classic Hezekiah Walker days. With a live recording setting and blazing choir parts from the Howard University Gospel Choir, you almost forget this is a solo artist project. Indeed, this song is a major highlight in the uptempo department, even though not many fast tunes are captured here.

Amazingly, Austin excels vocally and hits notes effortlessly on "On My Mind"; without any sign of discomfort or worry. "You Are God", written by Austin, is an odd piece which finds Austin singing in a very high register - not quite falsetto, but soft enough to be. The song is a pure, intimate ballad featuring piercing harmonies and also features a definite four-minute reprise of intense worship; which maximizes the intensity of its gripping power even more. "Jesus Is" flows in the same manner - along with a tagged reprise. Both cuts focuses on the purity of Austin's heartfelt vocals. It's also nice to hear a few musical changes offered here, such as the soulful "Choose Me". Attention easily shifts from the vocals to the band in several spots, but when the choir jumps into the picture, the ear is definitely saturated in pleasure as the sassy parts from the background singers are heard. It is clear at first that the slow tracks are probably the most effective - since Austin seems relaxed, most comfortable and effortlessly grabs notes clean out of mid-air. And for those that don't believe, one listen to the inspiring "Try Jesus", another gem in Austin's songwriting achievements, is all you need. The song is lyrically blessed, flows with graceful abundance and features a climax that punctuates, once again, mind-blowing harmonies. And when the song shifts from commanding to smooth on the vamp, hearing the audience respond in awe and inescapable emotion dismisses the burden of proof easily. This track is, by far, the greatest of the slow-motion adventures.

Another neat cut to highlight is "I Need Your Spirit", which opens with an engaging organ from Thomas, in killer drawbar settings, and Austin effortlessly raising the bar vocally. But things shift into a Richard Smallwood-influenced mid-tempo groove that will brighten the faces of choir directors all over. And with the artistic runs from Austin's chops dominating, this song is sure to be an album favorite.

Three studio cuts closes out the project, with Austin and Thomas co-writing together. While the studio cuts lack the charisma that Austin brought in the live session and previous cuts, the potential of him being a studio veteran comes to life - like on "Faults". Nice rhythms, disco-sonic sounds and a catchy hook make its course, with Austin delivering a contemporary performance. Helping things is Soulstice, delivering a safe, groovy rap mixed with the right measure of pop appeal.

Overall, one or two cuts could have been dismissed, especially the studio tracks, and their omissions would not disturb the flow of the album at all. One in particular, "Grace", has the makings of a worthy cut, especially with the guest appearance of Men of Standard's Lowell Pye. But the song is not designed well and fashionably falls short in the structuring of the lyrics. It tries too hard to be impressive...trying too hard can sometimes appear that way. And when Pye utters a particular ad-lib mistake ("How many here know about His (God's) weakness tonight?"), which may have been a production oversight, you may agree that the album has its share of faults. But with over six certain standouts in place bound to energize anybody's stereo system, this album is bound to be a treasure for independent album collectors this year and will secure Austin's presence in the gospel music scene for years to come. And with polished vocals that can easily match up with headlining vocalists and a voice that bears a distinctive comparison to Ted Wynn - yet with more character and depth, you can best believe Daniel Austin is destined for greatness. And that is the God-honest truth.