2012 Grammys:
Spotify Link: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
I have a great deal of respect for Kirk Franklin, and I think a big part of that solely comes from having one of his tapes when I was younger. I only owned a few, and I listened to them endlessly. One was "Kirk Franklin and the Family," and the main song I rewound and replayed was "Why We Sing." Something was entrancing, and this was way before my CCM phase.
Kirk's still clearly making a huge impact in the gospel world, remaining one of the first names anyone ever thinks of when asked about the genre. For me, for a long time, he was actually the only Christian artist I could have named! And now, years and years later, I get to hear his latest and greatest.
I think it's a ballsy move to put a title track up as the first one on an album, but that's what we get here. "Hello Fear" starts with the family lightly singing an intro speaking to Fear itself. It gives a background and context to the song, and then moving on to better things. It's a break-up song in some ways, and an introduction to the new love of grace. Simply, it's a standing up against fear and for yourself. For a lighter sounding song lacking musical intensity, it's a strong song. The tone is a great beginning to the album, and could even well stand on its own. Very impressive from all angles considered.
- WIN: Best Gospel Song, "Hello Fear"
- WIN: Best Gospel Album "Hello Fear"
Spotify Link: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
I have a great deal of respect for Kirk Franklin, and I think a big part of that solely comes from having one of his tapes when I was younger. I only owned a few, and I listened to them endlessly. One was "Kirk Franklin and the Family," and the main song I rewound and replayed was "Why We Sing." Something was entrancing, and this was way before my CCM phase.
Kirk's still clearly making a huge impact in the gospel world, remaining one of the first names anyone ever thinks of when asked about the genre. For me, for a long time, he was actually the only Christian artist I could have named! And now, years and years later, I get to hear his latest and greatest.
I think it's a ballsy move to put a title track up as the first one on an album, but that's what we get here. "Hello Fear" starts with the family lightly singing an intro speaking to Fear itself. It gives a background and context to the song, and then moving on to better things. It's a break-up song in some ways, and an introduction to the new love of grace. Simply, it's a standing up against fear and for yourself. For a lighter sounding song lacking musical intensity, it's a strong song. The tone is a great beginning to the album, and could even well stand on its own. Very impressive from all angles considered.
"The Story of Fear" is simply that! It's a spoken verse with a slight rhythm, saying what it is. Yup, that's it. A cool interlude before we really launch in.
We do pick it up more with "Before I Die." There's a cool slight dance beat along with this one, but Kirk always has had this voice that makes you sit ups and listen a little closer. He's so serious when he leads the family in praise. It's almost a little intimidating, but he does have the sweet lyrics backing him up and making it easier to handle. Plus, he's got that crowd going out there.
We do pick it up more with "Before I Die." There's a cool slight dance beat along with this one, but Kirk always has had this voice that makes you sit ups and listen a little closer. He's so serious when he leads the family in praise. It's almost a little intimidating, but he does have the sweet lyrics backing him up and making it easier to handle. Plus, he's got that crowd going out there.
"I Am" is a conversation I believe we've had before on this blog. I Am is also another name for God. So, songs that tend to use it have always been a little more intriguing because of the duel meaning. This one's sort of cool. It starts with the shush choir singing a story of coming to what they actually are, what "I Am." They could also be singing of coming to God though. See how that works? Aside from the lyrical interesting aspects, the song's really very beautiful.
The next one is slow and sweet. It's "But The Blood," a story of healing and cleansing through faith. There's an if/but statement throughout. The accompaniment is just a slow piano and slight beat with ad libbing guitar in the background for a while. Here's a moment in the gospel concert I've talked about: slow, swaying, and everyone getting in to every moment. There's a testimony in the middle, set to a sad violin, about the sadness in the world. Seems to flow right into the next track…
"Everyone Hurts," which is not, in fact, an REM song. Kidding, I know the difference. This has an R&B backing with very little church-like atmosphere to it. And of course, there's an assurance that God'll heal the hurt. It's not till the very end you hear a little organ, reminding me there's a church element. Not a bad thing, just not a hard-hitting song at the moment.
This next one starts off just like a show tune for some reason in my head. "I Smile" is upbeat and cute as it goes, and sickeningly sweet in melody. We've now gone from such incredibly sad and down songs to one that doesn't have a care in the world. I never thought I'd describe a song from a Kirk Franklin CD as downright cute, but that's about all I've got left for this one when it all boils. down. Awww. And then he goes on to give shout outs to various cities and states - and includes Jersey. Just too sweet for more words.
"Everyone Hurts," which is not, in fact, an REM song. Kidding, I know the difference. This has an R&B backing with very little church-like atmosphere to it. And of course, there's an assurance that God'll heal the hurt. It's not till the very end you hear a little organ, reminding me there's a church element. Not a bad thing, just not a hard-hitting song at the moment.
This next one starts off just like a show tune for some reason in my head. "I Smile" is upbeat and cute as it goes, and sickeningly sweet in melody. We've now gone from such incredibly sad and down songs to one that doesn't have a care in the world. I never thought I'd describe a song from a Kirk Franklin CD as downright cute, but that's about all I've got left for this one when it all boils. down. Awww. And then he goes on to give shout outs to various cities and states - and includes Jersey. Just too sweet for more words.
"Give Me" transitions us into a live song from the sound of it, and features Mali Music (?). This one's sort of weird. There's rhythm to his words, almost like a slow rap, and not much singing. It actually all sounds like a testimony to the crowd, but there's most definitely music going on their too. And I'm pretty sure Mali Music is actually CCM/Gospel music's answer to Lil Wayne with an almost tolerable voice. In other words, listenable just for the comparisons alone, so why not?
Quick one: "Never Alone Interlude." Having just come from a choir concert at my old high school it's got a really pretty sound, possibly with some younger voices if I'm not mistaken. Really pretty transition into the last section of this album.
"The Altar" features Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford. Very classing group gospel at the start with every word being sled into as it builds up. It's like the title - going back to the basic roots of everything at the center of gospel.
Rance Allen, Marvin Winans, John P. Kee, & Isaac Carree are all on board for "Something About The Name Jesus Pt. 2." If it weren't pushing one in the morning right now, I'd be less lazy and figure out if there's a part one. Instead, I'll assume there is. Lots of ad libbing, lots of feeling the power. No idea who's who, but oh well. This is what we miss out on when you get a recorded version instead of seeing the live excitement.
"Today" is live and a little more exciting even through the recording itself. The song takes on a much most pop-based beat. If you were to put other lyrics to it, there's a good chance this could be any female/male duet song you hear on the radio. It's fun though, not raunchy, and I feel the crowd and choir all up on their feet partying throughout the whole thing.
I guess the titling for the next two is for what they create in the show: "The Moment #1." I mean, that really strips down any possible alternate meanings, and lets it exist as just that. A woman who takes lead lets go with her voice in a very extreme, real way. Even the quiet testimony moments of trading sentences is solemn and honest. It flows so seamlessly into "The Moment #2" that, since I didn't realize the change, I don't even feel the need to create a new paragraph. Just listen.
"A God Like You" brings us to a hip-hop number in final song time! Okay, there's some child-like bounce to it, but I doubt that's totally what they were going for. On the more intense song, the words are quick and poignant. It's an interesting way to end things out. I like that he's not closing on a quiet note, because my image of Kirk Franklin has always been loud and out there, not soft and pretty. It's a generally good song beat-wise and a good closer overall.
Added to My Playlist:
I lost this dang review twice while trying to publish because of the 'swipe-to-go-back" feature Macs have. But as far as the music goes, well done as always, Family and Kirk. They put on a great show even through a recording (the only way I've heard them) and never fail to display true love through speakers.
Quick one: "Never Alone Interlude." Having just come from a choir concert at my old high school it's got a really pretty sound, possibly with some younger voices if I'm not mistaken. Really pretty transition into the last section of this album.
"The Altar" features Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford. Very classing group gospel at the start with every word being sled into as it builds up. It's like the title - going back to the basic roots of everything at the center of gospel.
Rance Allen, Marvin Winans, John P. Kee, & Isaac Carree are all on board for "Something About The Name Jesus Pt. 2." If it weren't pushing one in the morning right now, I'd be less lazy and figure out if there's a part one. Instead, I'll assume there is. Lots of ad libbing, lots of feeling the power. No idea who's who, but oh well. This is what we miss out on when you get a recorded version instead of seeing the live excitement.
"Today" is live and a little more exciting even through the recording itself. The song takes on a much most pop-based beat. If you were to put other lyrics to it, there's a good chance this could be any female/male duet song you hear on the radio. It's fun though, not raunchy, and I feel the crowd and choir all up on their feet partying throughout the whole thing.
I guess the titling for the next two is for what they create in the show: "The Moment #1." I mean, that really strips down any possible alternate meanings, and lets it exist as just that. A woman who takes lead lets go with her voice in a very extreme, real way. Even the quiet testimony moments of trading sentences is solemn and honest. It flows so seamlessly into "The Moment #2" that, since I didn't realize the change, I don't even feel the need to create a new paragraph. Just listen.
"A God Like You" brings us to a hip-hop number in final song time! Okay, there's some child-like bounce to it, but I doubt that's totally what they were going for. On the more intense song, the words are quick and poignant. It's an interesting way to end things out. I like that he's not closing on a quiet note, because my image of Kirk Franklin has always been loud and out there, not soft and pretty. It's a generally good song beat-wise and a good closer overall.
Added to My Playlist:
- "Hello Fear"
- "I Am"
- "Today"
I lost this dang review twice while trying to publish because of the 'swipe-to-go-back" feature Macs have. But as far as the music goes, well done as always, Family and Kirk. They put on a great show even through a recording (the only way I've heard them) and never fail to display true love through speakers.
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