::ALBUM REVIEW::

Even though his popularity may be a form of media exaggeration, Israel Houghton still continues to pump out enough force to captivate a person's attention. His last double disc collection, Live From Another Level, superseded the normal gospel album, especially coming from a praise-and-worship platform. But who actually called him a praise-and-worship artist...we are pretty sure that the man doesn't like to be labeled especially when his skills are oozing with glorious diversity. His latest musical project, another two-disc wonder, finds Israel and his New Breed gang at Cape Town, South Africa; presenting a nice collective of urban grooves, contemporary hooks and melodies that are bound to stick.

Obvious validation of that can be traced on the infectious "Favor Of The Lord" in which is sure to make its share of rounds with praise teams and church choirs. The celebratory vibe of this song, carried by the leads of musical director Aaron Lindsey and Houghton, and a fun musical spice sets the project in the right direction. "Alive" contains a 80s-Morris Day-Prince groove that should not be neglected. In that same party-like atmosphere, Israel also uses uptempo bounce on "Turn It Around"; a song in which reverberated around God's promise that He will open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing...causing overflow. When the song culminates, New Breed shouts out "let it rain" and storm-like effects are then made. A definite highlight probably best remembered during the live recording, but its effects are transparent and transported with ease to compact disc. Closing out the memorable fast songs on the first disc is the acoustic guitar-vibe of "Not Forgotten"; which resembles an African chant merged with pop characteristics. Lest we forget, there is a bonus radio version of this song found on the second disc. Worship then enters in on "No Limits" which lyrically reminds us of another gospel song by Andrae' Crouch/Donald Lawrence ("The Prayer Of Jabez"), but the song flows with a different pace. It's not as effective as Israel's other slow material, but the reminder of having no boundaries on God's agenda is always pleasant to hear.

Disc Two is a collection of closing segments of the live recording and a medley of Israel's most popular compositions. "Still Standing" works up another rhymthic lather with foot-to-the-floor bumps and organ swirls. It's a nice mix of contemporary zest and quartet funk. "African Skies" is a nice instrumental throw-in featuring a vibe that would have worked easily for Stevie Wonder or George Benson; very jazzy, innovative and contemporary. Israel shoots out classy skats and runs that will certainly please the musical ears of plenty. Other neat highlights include "You've Been A Friend" (another "Friend" follow-up), "Come And Let Us Sing" (featuring Jonathan Butler on guitar and lead vocals), and the intimate "To Worship You I Live". Closing out the last disc is an expedient run-through of Israel's treasured tunes which include "Friend Of God", "Again I Say Rejoice", "You Are Good", "New Season" and "Your Latter Will Be Greater" (not in that order).

This collection may find difficulties in impressing those ears glued to Israel's previous live collections, since the majority of the new material seems to be getting busier and harder to grab ahold to, especially in the uptempo department. But the enjoyment of the songs are a definite promise. Covered with a halogram album cover featuring radiant photography and a glimpse of a goregous lion pictured in the middle of a map of Africa, "Live In South Africa" has to be one of the best album covers of the year. Well, maybe expensive. Plus, it's a good hear and a nice return for Israel to the music shelves. But it's not like he took a vacation anyway. The man is everywhere and taking his "World Domination" tour to the next level. Interpret that last comment as a joke.