::ALBUM REVIEW::

While the tides in gospel music continue to batter against the shores of tradition, some artists know how to stay fresh without sounding too over-the-top. And it seems like the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, whom recorded over eight albums in their recording history, have found their niche' and place in the industry and feel very comfortable with just that. They continue to provide fans with quality church-friendly anthems and powerful, heartfelt and passionate gospel music. Trace the hits from 1990's "He's Preparing Me" to the unforgettable "Stand Still (Until His Will Is Clear" in 1992. The hits continue to add up and a legendary list of prolific songwriters and performances have found their place on their previous albums. That tradition abides once again on "It's Not Over"; the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir's most recent project and their debut on the Emtro Gospel music label.

No big surprises here. The original personnel (Howard Kennedy, Ron Burrell, Willis Hickerson) returns once again to serve up a feast of musical soul food. But there are a few additions in the musical chambers including additional support from Isaac Phillips on the keys and a few horn arrangements in selective places from Mo'Horns. And in the songwriting department - there's a lot to marvel over.

The album kicks off with the upbeat title cut written by Phillips. With hard poppin' drumwork and Mo'Horns blazing arrangements, the song glides on infectious vocals from the choir set to an irresistible groove that continues to the fade. There's even a quick and careful ode to Lauryn Hill's "That Thing" from her Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album on the vamp - as the keys slide into a continuous piano ring. This cut may be a bit different from the traditional format usually provided by WCMC, but it's a favorable addition in their catalog and features a likeable urban attitude with a familiar contemporary gospel structure. From this point on, this thirteen-track collection returns to the style of their classic albums. Guy Robinson returns with "Great Things"; an upbeat contemporary firecracker that will easily become a favorite for listeners. Robinson also submits "None Like You" featuring the falsetto efforts of Ernie Saunders on lead vocals. Renowned songwriter David Frazier pens the pulsating masterjam "He Won't Change" and delivers that charming element that most will recall in most of Hezekiah Walker's up-tempo grooves. Honestly, the song could have stretched out a little bit longer - ending much too soon - but it remains one of the important attention-getters on the disc. Jeffery A. LaValley's "You Are All I Need" is guided by LaValley's warm narrations and occasional ad-libs (taped at a separate studio but paced with the music nicely). It's a sweet, simple worship number that adds much more stamina to the glorious status of LaValley's legend. Becky White also makes a refreshing return to the WCMC format with two selections. While they aren't as infectious and memorable as her previous successes with the group, they fit nicely into the mix. She also sings on "I Can See The Morning Light" and reveals a nice warm opening that floats on breezy organ chords and tender lyrics. Maurette Brown-Clark, another former WCMC contributor, guests on her own "Lord You're Worthy": a praise-and-worship number crafted exclusively and nicely for choirs.

The biggest surprise on "It's Not Over" come from the unfamiliar songwriters - whom bring some of the album's stronger soulful ballads. Richard Odom may not be a stranger to gospel - writing for artists including Chris & Kyle and Donald Malloy - but he's definitely a newbie to Wilmington Chester Mass Choir followers. On here, Odom contributes two original numbers. His most flattering composition, "Somewhere Around The Throne", is a moving ballad done in the WCMC style: flowing with ease and transcending with gospel punch and hearty moods. Lecresia Campbell, known for singing WCMC hits such as "Fear Not" and "God's Mercy", delivers the lead vocals here and makes the song her own with her stellar vocal aerobics and animated ad-libs. There's even a reprise attached at the end of the disc continuing where she left off from the seven-minute gem using her trademark soprano wails. "I Will Love Thee", penned by Frederick Washington, Jr., is one of those Richard Smallwood-esque numbers that rambles through a symphonic opener into a few gorgeous transitions and then faces the climatic and unpredictable ending that paints a lasting impression.

There are a few minor moments that feel awkward, uneven and predictable; such as the patched-up "We Shall Be Made Alive" and the James Hall-ish "Victory", but it's nothing to really pout over. Moments when listeners feel they know the song before they ever finish hearing it can be predicted almost on every album these days. And while most listeners may feel that the songs have an uncanny familiarity to the grooves and sounds, the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir continues to place a warm, spiritual touch on their songs. They feel authentic and genuine; birthed in passion and experience. It should even go on the records that this album is definitely a great improvement over their "Live In Concert" (2001) album and may be one of their better albums ever assembled. Be sure to write "It's Not Over" on your To Do list next time you go shopping this year.