Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The sleeve tells us that “this album is in memory of Mahalia Jackson,” but in truth this is light years away from that great gospel matriarch. It’s hard to know where to start in identifying this album’s numerous faults. For a start Mr Wanda has a voice more enthusiastic than tuneful, happy to shout the notes he can’t reach. Secondly, the accompaniments are all courtesy of a decidedly elementary programmer so that whether it’s a cornball Pentecostal medley (“Miracle Medley”), a dramatic instrumental ballad (“The Lamb”), or a cod rap (“No Gold Diggers”) the effect is truly excruciating. No doubt this dear brother is much loved in his local church. But until there is a great improvement in songwriting, performance and arrangement, I can only lovingly suggest he stays clear of recording studios.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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