Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In the States Larnelle is something of a Christian music phenomenon. A black singer who's sung with that doyen of white middle-class Christianity, Bill Gaither, and who can wow them, performing hymns at the Dove Awards. Here Larnelle does the full-orchestra 'inspirational' thing with producer Larry Goss supplying the kind of choir (the Brooklyn Tabernacle) and orchestra arrangements which make a Steve Green album sound understated. Larnelle has the lung-power to soar over the loudest brass embellishment and thundering symphony and sings this selection of spiritual songs, ancient and modern with theatric aplomb. Larnelle's rich baritone is indeed a wondrous instrument. But only on the old gospel standby "Amen" does he momentarily display his roots. Elsewhere, this is strictly honkie territory.

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