Israel Houghton set to release solo studio album

MULTIPLE Grammy and Dove Award winner Israel Houghton will release a solo album, 'The Power Of The One', through Integrity Music in March. The album features guest appearances from Toby Mac, Martin Smith, Mary Mary and Chevelle Franklin. 'The Power Of One' is Israel's first studio offering after a string of successful live projects with Nu Breed. Said Houghton, "If you look at our albums thematically, the early ones were about the Church and what God is doing. On the most recent records, our message has shifted into more social and global concerns, focussing on identity and the purpose of God in everyone's life. I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice. 'The Power Of One' is the song we wrote specifically around that thought for this album."

The title track was not originally intended to be recorded by Israel. Explained the singer/songwriter, "Two and a half years ago, I was asked to write a song for a mainstream artist who was looking for something based around a socially conscious idea. At that time I was just beginning to understand the connection between worship and justice, so this song came very quickly to me. I was about to send it to the artist's manager when my wife Meleasa asked me to play it again. When I did she said, 'Don't you dare send that away! The time will soon come for you to sing that song.' Now is that time."