Darrel Petties & Strength In Praise - Count It All Joy

Published Friday 27th October 2006
Darrel Petties & Strength In Praise - Count It All Joy
Darrel Petties & Strength In Praise - Count It All Joy

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 18532-11440
LABEL: EMI Christian Music Group EGD74824
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2006-04-01
RRP: £2.50

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

'Count It All Joy' is the somewhat breathtaking debut recording from Memphis, Tennessee based Darrel Petties and his 38-member Strength In Praise choir. Darrel and team, we are told, merge "up-to-the minute R&B urban influences and true-to-tradition, classic gospel." Jam-packed with energy and excitement, this combo certainly breathe new life into the modern gospel genre. There's bags of variety in these self-penned songs, from the funky title track opener to the quieter waters of the emotion-laden "A Place". High powered faith declarations such as "Yes Lord" and "Glory Hallelujah" (which was featured on the 'WOW Gospel 2005' compilation) gush over with energy and thanksgiving. Elsewhere, Darrel offers a creative and masterful adaptation of the old hymn "It Is Well", though, as with several tracks, Mr Petties hands over lead mic here to a talented team member. The album's "loudest" track, "Mighty God" is described as "a full tilt shout of praise that kicks off in overdrive and only builds from there"! Better still, in my books, is the gentler closer, "Lord Help Me", which flows in silky smoothness before building to a climax and brings out the versatility of this able lead performer's vocals. In a phrase, if you love gospel music, you're gonna find loads to enjoy here.

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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