Reviewed by Andy Payne

Every few years an album comes along that revolutionises black gospel. Album's such as the Winans' 'Return' and Sounds Of Blackness' 'Evolution Of Gospel'. The Sound Of Hope' is clearly in this category. It is the first choir album to include house mixes in its original format (as opposed to remixes) and on the outstanding track "Power" uses the talents of Smack Productions, who usually produce house artists such as Adeva. Pure underground gospel house of the highest quality. There's the fiery praise and African harmonies on "Bayethe Mandela". It is however the R&B gospel swing of "I Need To Know" and "We Can Make It Better" which is getting the album the attention and airplay it deserves. There are beautiful covers of "Amazing Grace" and Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas". There is the wonderful downtempo "Rough Crossing" and "Hold On" for real soulful gospel lovers. The album has guests such as Chuckii Booker and Brian McKnight adding their talents. The Sound Of Hope' has clear crossover potential and the weight of a major secular label behind it. This album takes gospel to a higher level - and deserves the full support of Cross Rhythms readers.

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