Reviewed by Andy Payne

Was the term 'Gospel House' something thought up by a music executive as a ploy to sell Scott Blackwell records to confused Christians, or has gospel music always been a part of house music since its inception in the mid to late 80s! This question needs to be asked, as some may say that by producing dance music, Christians are jumping onto a bandwagon and doing this late as well. This retrospective gives ample proof of the gospel roots of house music, with there being three classics gospel house tracks here among the 12 on offer. The first track of note is "Someday" by CeCe Rogers, a classic unity and harmony pleading song, with powerful gospel harmonies over the production of Marshall Jefferson, one of the originators of house music. From 1987, one of the first ever gospel house records. The second track of note will be of interest to listeners to Nu Colours, as it is he original version of the song "Tears" by Frankie Knuckles and Robert Owens. If you loved the cover version, you will love this from one of house music's premiere DJs, Frankie Knuckles, who incidentally is not scared to play current gospel house tunes on his mix show on Hot 97 in New York. The lyrics are slightly different to the Nu Colours version, but this track is inspiring nevertheless. Thirdly, another familiar track, namely "The Promised Land" by Joe Smooth, which was covered by The Style Council a few years back. Pure unashamed gospel music of the highest order and which sounds as good today as in 1987. The album also contains other house anthems by Inner City, Raze and many others. The main use of this album is to remind people that the roots of house music are gospel music and that despite the large number of negative and degrading lyrics in some house songs, gospel house is still around and will be there as long as there are Christians prepared to produce house music.

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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