Reviewed by Tony Cummings

It rather stunned me to hear a Muddy Waters sample as the start of the funky “Get Up” which is one of those enjoyable if by now stylised exhortations for us to get our praise on. Better is “Bout It Bout It” with a satisfying fat back groove. Unfortunately, some of the praise grooves which permeate ‘Real’ are interrupted by rather unnecessary breakdowns. Israel Houghton has a wheezingly soulful voice and on a slow soul ballad like the title track the effect is pretty electrifying. I’m not absolutely convinced that there are enough quality songs here to carry the album but it’s still pleasing to see Integrity Music expanding their musical repertoire.

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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