Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Touted by some people as being America's unofficial national evangelist and successor to Billy Graham, TD Jakes's rise to popularity has been helped by his regular television appearances on both sides of the Atlantic and an inspirational passionate preaching style that has connected with Christians from all shades of Pentecostal and charismatic churches. Following in the footsteps of previously successful albums like 'Woman, Thou Art Loosed', this new one is already breaking sales records in the USA and as I write the European CD pressing plants are struggling to keep up with demand! The Potter's House is TD Jakes's home church and this album features his mass choir which itself is probably bigger than the majority of British churches! 'The Storm Is Over Now' was recorded live in December 2000 and brings together elements of congregational praise, the massive choir, a pile of solo singers and Jakes himself sharing a few inspiring words. It opens with "Lord Of AH" and "Bless The Lord' which are two straight forward worship tunes, then things get a bit more soulful with the title cut penned by R Kelly. One of America's hottest gospel artists, Donnie McClurkin, pitches in to sing "Let Your Glory Fill This Place". Another highlight is the inspirational gospel of 'Thou Art My Help'which turns all funky! There are plenty of world class vocal performances and my favourite has to be the electric Beverly Crawford singing "Marvellous" and letting out all the stops. The result is a gobsmacking album of hot gospel music that is selling by the bucketload. One listen and it's not hard to see why!

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