::ALBUM REVIEW::

If you have been following the church choir scene lately, you will notice that some of them are consistent with putting out projects more than others. And while doing so, that small minority usually stays true to who they are and deliver with exquisite taste and class. Such is the case for the Chicago-based church choir of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church. Pastored by Bishop Larry D. Trotter, the church choir continues to pump out well-baked, high-energy numbers that resemble the heart of Chicago soul music. In the tradition of their former releases, Trotter knows what works and reduplicates the formula here on "Already Looking Bettah!", with production handled by rising star VaShawn Mitchell, seasoned drummer Calvin Rodgers and keyboardist/occasional songwriter Rick Robinson. Add a few special guests including Marvin Sapp, Donald Lawrence, Leanne Faine and guest songwriter Jonathan Nelson to the program and the album is prepared for easy digestion.

Things open with "New Day", styled in the same fashion as Mitchell's album hit, "No Way". The same rhythms, same posture, same concepts are revived for this one. Not a very impressive beginning, kind of moderate, but the song still contains a melody that is innocent and free. And while there are a few treats in the beginning of the album, the bulk of the winning material are found near the middle of the collection. The ride from that point is easy-sailing and delightfully amuses listeners with a diversity of elquent tunes ranging from energetic anthems to contemporary-styled numbers. "Son Of God" is arranged in the feel of a Youthful Praise anthemetic standard and is destined to become a favorite with progressive church choirs. "After This...You Shall Live" leans on Donald Lawrence's songwriting and his spoken words of encouragement, but it's definitely a choir pleaser. "Victory Is Mine" is another Mitchell number and contains a memorable hook that propels funkish chords and neat vocal phrasing from the Sweet Holy Spirit Choir. "I'm Holding On", penned by Rick Robinson, is an infectious number that is carefully tailored for soloist Betty Lott; whom is known for tearing up a mean Pentecostal number (see: "Bountiful Blessing" on "Tell The Devil I'm Back"). "Yes" features the vocal mastery of Marvin Sapp on a mid-tempo tune featuring occasional punctuation from Joey Woolfork on guitar. And the closing title cut, also featuring Mitchell, is an encouraging track that flows with a good dose of contemporary choir thrills. A reprise immediately follows the track.

Trotter provides a few vocal appearances, besides his usual exhortations, on the set. "Praise Him" is an unusual, country-styled traditional number featuring Tommies legend Leann Faine alongside Trotter. "Things Are Turning Around" is formed with a down-home Baptist flair and finds Trotter leading the cut with his call-and-response deliveries and Sunday morning spunk. Problem with both tracks is that, while they are comfortable for Trotter's gritty and throaty vocals, they are a bit ameaturish for this church ensemble. But he offers his preachy forms of mini-sermons to several of the album's memorable cuts.

But the most indescribable single event captured on the disc is a ballad. "Song Of The Lord" serenades, with Trotter providing a warm narrative, Lawanda Davis appearing briefly with a mellow solo and the lyric of the song blossoming over a colorful musical arrangement. What makes this particular cut so unique is that the song floats on a very poetic form of understanding the beauty of God. And when the vamp ushers in and Mitchell declares with passion that the greatest song one can experience is Jesus singing to you and He wants to minister to you. It's a personal reflection that Mitchell is known for creating with his knack of ballad songwriting. This one flows in the same emotional paths of "My Worship Is For Real", "Silent Tears", "Your Tears" and "What's To Come Is Better".

The album is a worthy continuation of the Sweet Holy Spirit legacy and continues to push out lively church-oriented, surrounding the African American traditions, that makes Chicago gospel so appealing. While some cuts lack originality and are not as surprising and as polished as the offerings on "What's 2 Come" or "Tell The Devil I'm Back", it is a greater improvement from "The Next Dimension", their previous project. And the few attention-getters here are strong enough to convince any novice listener. Bishop Trotter has proven, with a doubt, that the authentic worship experience of Sweet Holy Spirit is as engaging as a ticket-purchased gospel concert. Just make sure you give a respectful offering.