Reviewed by Ronnie Payne

Maybe the McClurkins lack confidence. Perhaps that's why it's taken 20 years for them to record their first album; possibly that explains why they felt the need to feature Tramaine Hawkins as guest vocalist (instead of one of their own) on one of the album's outstanding tracks (or was it just astute marketing?). Whatever the reason they shouldn't have worried because this is a vocal ensemble simply bursting at the seams with talent, It was back in 1979 that 19 year old Donnie McClurkin formed the McClurkin Singers with his sisters and four close friends. When Donnie relocated to Detroit in 1989 to join Marvin Winans' church and to forge a successful solo career, the group stopped singing regularly together. We must be grateful therefore that a further 10 years on, some bright executive at Gospo Centric had the inspiration to get the group back together again. In so doing we now have evidence that the great tradition of family vocal groups in gospel music is still alive and kicking (and stomping). As you would expect from a group which has grown up together the harmonies are faultless and it is this which unifies the diverse musical styles on offer. The songs, let down a mite by a little lyrical blandness, range from smooth ballads, to pop, classical, jazz and R&B, and are brought to life by a posse of top notch musicians and just the right sprinkling of Hammond organ. The outstanding tracks are:- "Alright", a gloriously energetic piece of R&B with Donnie and the girls in absolutely stonking form; and a live" version of the Walter Hawkins classic "Is There Any Way" featuring Tramaine Hawkins performing some gravity-defying vocal acrobatics. Special mention must also go to the particularly mellifluous vocal performances by Olivia McClurkin and Andrea McClurkin-Mellini as well as the aforementioned Donnie. Closer in style to Andrae Crouch than Kirk Franklin the music is nevertheless truly contemporary and if this is any sort of harbinger of things to come it could be a good year for gospel music. Let's not wait another 20 years for the follow up though (please).

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version. You should not assume that products purchased through Cross Rhythms Direct will necessarily have identical track listings to those shown.