::ALBUM REVIEW::

New prospects always bear the warning sign for lasting careers. It may be tough for some to get a big hit and to become a sensation overnight, but proving endurance within a blood-hungry industry is even harder to accomplish. That’s probably why many may not have given Micah Stampley much attention, since novices have yet to build a credible reputation and normally that takes time and consistency to do just that. Throughout Micah’s debut project, “The Songbook of Micah”, on the Dexterity imprint of EMI Gospel (owned by entrepreneur, best-selling author and pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes), there is no sign of a novice artist. And even though he is a winner of a gospel contest sponsored by the Stellar Awards’ organization, he possess enough skill to make it look like he’s been in the music business for years. You even wonder if he had obtained any business advice or counsel from industry executives, producers and managers. One important reason why one can think such a thing about Micah’s potential is because Micah lays his hand on seven of the twelve tracks featured here. That’s an incredible feat for a new artist. Yet that’s not all: he sings effortlessly and hits high notes without any sign of strain or difficulty. And throughout his singing, the passion of his relationship with Christ rises beyond the norm; making him unique and pretty much original. In fact, Micah Stampley is so compelling as a vocalist that there should be a collegiate course on studying his art.

He shines throughout most of the project and equally on the fast, tempo praise tracks and the smooth ballads. The opener, “Worthy To Be Praised” possess a rocking rhythmic arrangement from Calvin Napper on drums and Maurice Fitzgerald on the bass, while Cedric Thompson lays down the thunderous keyboard groundwork. It is funky enough for a Judith Christie-McAllister album, but with Stampley’s energizing vocal aerobics and occasional screams, capped with perky crescendos, this is marvelous worship with the right hype. Immediately following that one is “Sing” (not to be confused with Israel & Martha Munizzi’s version); a spunky Irish-Riverdance-anthem-like praise track. It has international appeal and superbly ends all predictions of how the album may flow. Both Stampley and his wife, Heidi, composes this stunning adventure and showcases their amazing teamwork together. “War Cry”, also co-written by his wife, is a slowed-down infectious gem and rings off the sentimental touches of a Israel jamfest. While the lyrics ring off the passion of an army chant, the main foundation sets itself around the message from John the Baptist saying: “prepare ye the way of the Lord”. It’s something new for gospel listeners, which is a very good thing. Originality makes this one sticks out with the best. Cedric’s production, with his amazing choice of board sounds, along with Joey Woolfalk’s guitar turns this into an urban masterpiece. And it sticks out at a resounding six minutes long. Probably too long for radio, but it’s worth every second. “We Need The Glory” opens with intense worship with strings laid on top of Ced’s illustrious piano movements, while Micah provides just enough exhortations about God’s glory. It’s a true intimate moment, while “Come Holy Spirit” does just the same, but flavored with a sweet contemporary-pop sensibility. When the vamp unexpectedly arises, “No Weapon” in the melody may come to mind, but it breaks down into the unpredicted “I Need Thee”. The timing is just right for this transition...but even though this is an old hymn of the church, Micah breaths new life into the classic lyrical foundation. You can feel the intense value of these lyrics vibrate through his passionate vocals and ad-libbing. And Kevin Graves’ sanctified organ layering makes this track even more intense.

If you recall Micah’s excellent rendition of the popular praise-and-worship song penned by Scott Underwood, “Take My Life (Holiness)” from the T.D. Jakes’ “He-Motions” project, prepare for a live version of this radio favorite on here; which helps to make this project even more appealing.

Though there are a few downers (or tracks some listeners may skip), “The Songbook of Micah” is fitting for a debut. It’s pretty original, it has a good replay value and definitely includes enough material to play throughout the year. With a voice and ministry as glorious as Micah’s, you can surely bet on that. Move over Donnie McClurkin and Smokie Norful and make way for Micah.