::ALBUM REVIEW::

Seems like most artists try to reveal a more intimate and spiritual side of themselves with their audiences at some point of time within their career. And lately, R&B and soul acts have been jumping the broom to deliver potent gospel/inspirational projects; hoping to reveal an in-depth versatility and creative spark to their loyal fans. Dave Hollister, former frontman of 90s urban hip-hop group Blackstreet and solo artist on Dreamworks and Motown releasing hit singles including "Baby Mama Drama" and "My Favorite Girl", has decided that now is the appointed time to shed some light on his faith and the journey that follows it. With a rocky divorce behind him and turbulent times within the music industry, Hollister presents fragments and portions dwelling on various subject matters while keeping God the center of attention on "The Book of David: Vol. 1 The Transition"; his first release on GospoCentric.

From the very beginning of the disc, he sounds apologetic and remorseful. The mood then changes from prayerful to thankful throughout the disc and it really flows well with the album's primary structure. He doesn't lose focus as an artist either - continuing to dig into the tradition of his thumping urban street sound. To his longtime fans, the topics may not be as favorable to their tastebuds, but the sincerity of his voice and the integrity of developing quality youthful R&B is enriched strongly and actually recalls the same tone set on 1999's Ghetto Hymns. But it's interesting to know that Hollister leans on some good production and lyrics created by some of today's R&B and gospel leading experts. The overall product filled with bumping urban grooves and slick power ballads are sure to charm gospel listeners and keep the attention of his followers.

Mike City's "Nothing But God" recreates that Blackstreet sound while injecting a soulful reinvented vibe reminiscent of Donny Hathaway's work. "Help Me", penned by Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins, is a fresh midtempo track containing all the fun of a New York urban jam styled just right for ridin' on a breezy Saturday. "What Do You Do", produced by PAJAM, is surely the album's strongest highlight - with its mellow R&B foundation and delicate gospel build-ups. The intensity of the lyrics, written by Carnell Murrell and Ernest Lee, play an extravagant part in the emotional experience of this moving ballad - releasing multiple questions of heartbreak and pointing listeners to the ultimate solution. Salvation is deeply felt on the vamp as Hollister delivers some of the most convincing ad-libs put on record this year. You almost hate to hear this song fade out. Another serious highlight to look forward to: Shep Crawford revives the O'Neal Twins classic "The Potter" and blends in with the reflective nature of this project with his personal victories and obstacles. The song is still timeless, even with the merges of bluesy guitar punches from Agape Jerry and sneaky contemporary drum and keyboard programming from Crawford.

While there's some strong gospel cuts available, there are a few instances on "The Book of David" where Hollister reveal personal chapters of his own diary while showcasing both the struggle and endurance of those measures. From the unexplained mysteries surrounding his divorce with his ex-wife ("Divorced", "The Settlement") to the revealed sorrow burning within his heart as he remains troubled over how much God despises the thought of divorce ("I Let Heaven Down") and other carnal pleasures and setbacks ("I've Changed", "So Many Scars"), there's a lot of repenting offered here. And without too much weeping, Hollister doesn't sound like a cry baby, or even a victim for too long, on these songs. He deals with it, goes to God, repents and "man up" to his actions; revealing a realistic side to what gospel done with an evangelistic formula should sound like.

The only serious threat affecting "The Book of David" is how quick the songs begin to fizzle down with energy and creativity during the second half of the disc. Not every song on the second half is weak, but it's not as edgy as the opening portion. The interludes, which feel like songs with its strong production, are neatly pieced but there are so many featured that it gets in the way of the songs' order and makes it hard to find the main attractions. With all the interludes in place, there are twenty-one tracks to circulate through. That's a whole lotta' to work through.

If this was coming from a gospel artist, this would be too personal. And most gospel artists fail to get this transparent with their listeners. Maybe the fear of rejection plagues such an idea, but Hollister is open and candid about his experiences. And he offers life in the midst of these waging battles with heartfelt lyrics, direct answers from God and delivers juicy beats and engaging melodies. Even from a mainstream point-of-view, this album doesn't go too far from sounding like Hollister has abandoned who he is. So his audiences can relate to the material while gospel on-lookers, whom may only have memories of him singing "Let's Dance" with Hezekiah Walker, will see both the humanness and spiritual character of Hollister. Truly, Hollister has worked up a neat project that balances both sides. Another point to drive home: this can't be the last of Hollister's career in gospel - remember this collection is just "Volume 1".