::ALBUM REVIEW::
by Roderick Meadows
Posted: November 5, 2009

Many gospel enthusiasts refer to psalmist Byron Cage as “The Prince of Praise”, but with the release of his sophomore full-length project Live: Rain on Us, Memphis-born Earnest Pugh may very well be heir-apparent. Produced by industry veteran Michael Bereal (Alaska Mass Choir, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole) this 14-song offering is a praise and worship team's dream, blending both churchy ballads and up tempo traditional P&W with left-of-center go-go and neosoul-kissed tunes.

After a spirited introduction by Bishop Lester Love, Pugh kicks things off with “Oh Lord We Worship You” – a distant cousin to Kirk Franklin 's “Hosanna”. The catchy, sing-songy “Great I Am” is sure to become a praise team staple in churches all over, with the smooth vocals of Pugh and his background singers coasting over a busy bassline and laid-back Fender Rhodes electric piano track. Pugh channels Cage in the churchy “Bless His Name” – which comes off sounding similar to “The Presence of the Lord,” but it works and segues into the now de riguer “Praise Break” interlude.

Pugh gives a nod to Washington DC with “Our God Is”, a percolating go-go jam that plays out like EU backing Marvin Sapp. The breezy, acoustic-guitar anchored “Your Voice” is pure praise. He takes us straight to church with the traditional bounce of “My Rock” featuring the soaring, soul-stirring vocals of Vanessa Bell Armstrong during the vamp and subsequent reprise.

Rearranging an oldie-but-goodie just enough to make it interesting, Pugh takes on Richard Smallwood 's “Healing”, with the maestro himself turning in a guest appearance, but the title cut will be the tune that will be in the hearts and lips of every true worshipper. “Rain On Us,” a seven-minute (with reprise) exhortation that starts off like a quiet storm but ends with the force of a hurricane, which asks God to shower down His Spirit and purify the hearts of every believer, will be a radio favorite for years to come.

Kudos to Pugh and Bereal for turning in a nice body of work that is good for both the ears and the soul. I predict nothing but greater works for this psalmist in the future.