::ALBUM REVIEW::

Sometimes it’s hard to come back from amazing the world with a successful debut, but the leader of the Love Center Church Choir and phenomenal songwriter Walter Hawkins made sure that the next round would prove to be as adventuresome and elaborate as the first set. Love Alive II, the perfect follow-up to 1975's Love Alive, contains a melodic brand of soul that enticed the ears of mainstream soul lovers and the new generation of contemporary gospel enthusiasts. Once again, Hawkins produces this musical affair and handles mostly all of the songwriting; ultimately proving that Light Records had landed on a gold mine with signing the Bay Area-based church choir.

Opening the eight-track album is a startling up tempo arrangement of the folk song “Kumbaya (Come By Here)” from Hawkins with newly added lyrics and moving harmonies from the choir. Immediately following that song, hit after hit is delivered and the momentum of the album’s engaging fluidity continues to its very end. Tramaine Hawkins delivers an unforgettable performance on “He’s That Kind Of Friend” as she adds powerful meaning to the testimonial foundation tucked within the lyrics. Her soaring soprano and gripping execution of the notes match the power of the Love Center Choir’s delivery - creating one of the satisfying gospel performances of all time. “Never Alone” is certifiably a “walk in the park” with its slice of juicy staccato phrasing attached to the chorus. But no lover of Love Alive II should walk away without mentioning the two appearances from Lynette Hawkins-Stephens, whom pretty much dominate the disc with her enrapturing powerful vocals. Her trademark squalls and ad-libs are highly showcased on the enthusiastic, churchy cut “Right On” and blossoms with excellent professionalism on the moody gospel classic “Be Grateful.” The latter has been re-recorded by a plethora of artists including Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, LaShun Pace, Kurt Carr and the late quartet legend Willie Neal Johnson, but none have matched the impact of the original version. So inspiring and revolutionary was Lynette’s performances that around this time a young Cheryl Lynn, whom made her first appearance on the Gong Show, was taking the nation by storm with her disco hit “Got To Be Real.” One listen to Lynn’s vocals and you can hear the influence Lynette had even on mainstream talent. During this time, the disco craze had reached its zenith and Walter Hawkins helped jumpstart gospel with his grand slam rendition of “Until I Found The Lord” with its whirling disco groove and strutting musical frame. After the vamp ends, the song finally morphs into a blazing charismatic revival and is passionately led by Water Hawkins’ moving ad-libs. “I’m Goin’ Away”, featuring Walter and his brother Edwin Hawkins dueting together, and Feddie Hawkins’ spot on “God Will Open Doors” help close out the album.

After the initial release of Love Alive II, the gospel community responded in droves in purchasing 290,000 copies. It also won two Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, was nominated for a Grammy Award and garnered awards from Billboard, Record World and Cash Box music trade publications. Even though the first installment in the Love Alive series is best remembered by music buffs for its inclusions of “Goin’ Up Yonder” and “Changed”, Love Alive II proved to be a worthy follow-up and helped revolutionize the Love Alive series as one of the best-selling and highly respected sagas in gospel music history.