Reviewed by Kwaku

 I'm sure Harmony didn't sign this South African gospel artist because he sounds American, but because of the fact that he is a world class gospel artist, and a heart-felt one at that, who has the potential of becoming an international star. Though Lionel touches on several music styles and influences, there's something about the power of the lyrics he covers and his vocal delivery that engages one and makes one feel that this is a practising Christian who walks the talk. Recorded in South Africa, this is a contemporary R&B flavoured gospel offering, of which 'Day By Day (Minute By Minute)', a ballad backed by just a grand piano and strings topped by Lionel's evocative vocals, stand out. Its writer, Gail Masondo, goes on to duet on another of her songs, the simple, mellow, jazzy backed 'Tomorrow', on which her vocals echo Diana Ross. Lionel covers Stevie Wonder's 'Have A Talk With God'.giving the songs more of a gospel feel which the original lacked. He also covers Andrae Crouch's 'It Won't Be Long'. Obvious South African influences can be heard in the choral chants on 'Somlandela ('Where He Leads Me I Will Follow')', and 'Haleluuya Hosanna' which has a lilting township-jive groove plus a Zulu chant and percussion breakdown. It ends with a cover of a percussion-backed 'Amazing Grace', which includes something that sounds like clipping scissors! Lionel has a charming style that should help him easily spread the Gospel inside and outside the church.

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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