Reviewed by Keren Perrott

Luvenger Booker is no newcomer to the gospel music scene. Hailing from Massachusetts, she recorded two singles in 1983 and released her first album, 'Thank God I'm Free', in 1998. Her latest offering updates her traditional gospel sound with a mildly contemporary feel. A talented singer/songwriter she has clearly set out to produce an album that points listeners to her heavenly Father. The producers have done a good job of marrying soulful harmonies with instrumentals that don't detract from Booker's strong lead vocals. The album kicks off with a series of contemplative tracks, moving up a gear towards the end of "Thank God I'm Free", a number that manages to weave in upbeat elements reminiscent of '70s disco without sounding outdated. Booker's collaborations with gospel singers such as Tyrone Coleman ("Only Jesus") and Arthur Davis ("Only Jesus", "Waiting On The Lord") and her church family gospel choir ("Anointing") work well to bring depth and warmth to the album. In what is largely a contemplative praise album, a return to more traditional roots on "God Showed Up" will please fans of gospel who want to get off the sofa and praise God in dance!

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