Reviewed by Martin Purnell

A huge comeback hit from the gospel superstar. Has anyone heard Kirk sing? Who cares! He just writes the lyrics/music and has this knack of gathering well known singers and superb musicians (check out the drumming and the horn section for instance) to do their stuff. This album was recorded mostly live in Houston, Texas. The studio bits include one minute dramas and the track "911" featuring TD Jakes, which reminds me of a modern day "Deck Of Cards", as it's all spoken with a music backdrop.This song is uncharacteristic of the album, but then how do you define it? Is it gospel or is it hip hop? How about calling it Gospel Kirk-Hop! As someone who isn't too much into praise and worship music, this is a breath of fresh air.There is no one trying to sound like an Australian songstress or a male artist from Watford (not that I'm dissing them). It's live and it's moving. Check out "Brighter Day". It'll make you think, "Why couldn't I have been there when they recorded it?" To me this CD has all the emotion that you would want to hear. If you want praise and worship, hip hop, fast and furious music, songs that explain the pain Kirk has been going through, this is for you. There is also a hidden bonus track according to the CD back cover. It features tobyMac and it's not hidden - it's track 23! Kirk has made a wise decision in making this a "bonus track" as it's nothing like the rest of the album and I LOVE IT. Samples, scratch mixing and a catchy chorus make "Throw Yo Hands Up" a must for your collection, even if you think the rest of the album sucks! It's like "Jumping In The House Of God" by The Tribe meets "Jump Around" by House Of Pain.

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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