Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Philadelphia-based Christlike are a hot new gospel outfit who mix R&B, hip hop and sweet soul music, and they make a powerful impression! Vocally and instrumentally, this is a top independent release that will go down well with fans of urban gospel. This album has it all, and there are no disguised crossover lyrics here - this is one album that's not ashamed of the Gospel! And it's not ashamed to get down either! You get quite a spectrum of approaches through the 15 tracks from the smooth ballad of "May I" and the kickin' funk of "Joy" to the slow brooding groove of the lyrically challenging "What Side R U On?". This is great stuff! "Victory" is a vocoder fuelled phat track to send chills down your spine and your dancin' feet on the floor. "House Of Praise" is notable for the diva vocals of Robin Yancey and dancey groove. Meanwhile "Heaven Help Us All" has an old-fashioned gospel vocal feel, with many voices mixed in with a stomping rhythm. However, the piece de resistance here is the single "Urban Praise" which is a phenomenal piece of Gospel music which is the "Stomp" of 1999! Move over Kirk Franklin! If you're a gospel fan, you'd better be getting down to Christlike!

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