With THIS CHRISTMAS, Aretha Franklin delivered what was, amazingly, the first Holiday CD of her stellar, decades-long career. Producer Tena Clark wisely keeps it simple, framing the queen of soul's heaven-sent voice with velvety, sparsely adorned retro-style R&B. The album includes a mix of time-worn chestnuts given typically sensitive, understated readings ("Silent Night," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing") and impassioned takes on lesser-known songs such as the funky, gospel-infused "Christmas Just Ain't Christmas" and the smooth-as-silk title track.

The obvious title here would have been Wreatha Now, but Aretha opted to follow in the footsteps of at least 20 other artists by going with This Christmas as the title of her first Christmas album. Apart from the Donny Hathaway/Nadine McKinnor-written title track, a duet with her son Edward that is both sweet and playful (at one point, Aretha interjects, "Eddie, you mustn't upstage mom with those high notes"), the disc is filled mostly with the spiritual and relatively serious side of holiday material. The likes of "Silent Night," " Ave Maria," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Angels We Have Heard on High" are given the kind of treatment only Aretha could grant, though it should be noted that there are moments where you might feel stuck inside the Aretha Melismatorium. It's not all reverence and reflection: best of all is a reading of " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" that can only be termed "personalized." ~ Andy Kellman

2008 holiday release from the Queen Of Soul. 'Tis the season for some soulful renditions of Christmas favorites, and there's nobody more qualified to add class and spice to this festive time of year than Aretha herself. Warner.


  Victory Live! CD
  by Tye Tribbett
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Tye Tribbett gives gospel a shot in the arm with VICTORY LIVE!, a concert performance that features Tribbett and his choir and band going full-tilt for the Lord. Tribbett's not afraid to tweak the formula of traditional gospel to achieve new forms of uplifting music by incorporating elements of R&B, rock, hip-hop, Celtic, and other styles (note the go-go beat in "Victory").

Tribbett and company never stray far from their roots, as the tent revival feel of "Still Have Joy" proves. Connecting these musical directions takes serious commitment, making VICTORY LIVE! a truly moving document of spiritual expression. After a solid yet otherwise understated in-studio debut, contemporary gospel supergroup Tye Tribbett & G.A. took to the stage of a Philadelphia megachurch to record the follow-up, Victory Live!, thus offering a more true-to-form representation of the group's sound, synergy, and spirit.

The album's sonic ambitions recall those of gospel provocateur Tonéx -- himself a kindred spirit of bandleader Tye Tribbett -- but here things aren't overblown to the point of exhaustion or showmanship.


  Live Experience CD
  by Rance Allen
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This live album from singing tour de force Rance Allen and his brothers Tom and Steve Allen epitomizes the power and grandeur of gospel music. While closely allied with soul and R&B, each tune on THE LIVE EXPERIENCE is ultimately centered on a Christian theme. Recorded at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, this album features fellow gospel crooners Kirk Franklin, LaShun Pace, and Fred Hammond. Moreover, a smoking-hot horn section (performing arrangements by Lloyd Barry) accompanies the funky rhythm section.

On THE LIVE EXPERIENCE, the Allen brothers sing a mixture of new and classic material. The group's R&B hit "I Belong to You" is particularly inspired. This track includes smooth vocal harmonies, jazzy chords, and sudden punctuations from the brass section. "Something About the Name Jesus" is a newer tune that focuses on the ascendancy of Christ. On this piece, Franklin preaches over the mellow doo-wop stylings of the brothers Allen.

This concert recording offers 13 electrifying tracks for fans of R&B-flavored gospel. It also proves that Rance Allen and company still have what it takes to really charm audiences.


  Playlist: The Very Best Of Donnie Mcclurkin CD
  by Donnie Mcclurkin
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Playlist: The Very Best of Donnie McClurkin collects 12 cuts from the Long Island, NY-based worship leader/CCM artist.

Songs including tracks from his 1996 eponymous debut ("Speak to My Heart, " "Stand"), 2003 follow-up Donnie McClurkin Again ("Special Gift," "I'm Walking"), 2004 traditional collection Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs ("Only You Are Holy," "I Call You Faithful"), and 2000 live album Live in London and More..., the latter of which makes up the bulk of the record. ~ James Christopher Monger

  There Will Be Light CD
  by Ben Harper
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Ben Harper's history with the Blind Boys of Alabama has been an evolving one that has moved from being a guest on their landmark Higher Ground offering and touring with them in Europe, to the Blind Boys joining Ben and the Innocent Criminals on-stage at the front and back of the show.

This album began as a series of rehearsals for collaboration on a Blind Boys of Alabama record. Recorded in two sessions, the vibe in the room was loose and creative enough that the two acts ended up with an album of collaborative material for joint release. And this is a collaboration in the truest sense of the word.

Many of the songs on THERE WILL BE A LIGHT, particularly "Take My Hand" and "Mother Pray," are highly devotional. However, unlike many of the spiritual records on the market, this album is musically diverse and non-formulaic. And, despite the finely wrought production, Harper retains an earthy, organic feel throughout this intimate outing, which relies more on subtlety and nuance than blatant preaching. THERE WILL BE A LIGHT also emulates Depression-era blues very well.

Entertainment Weekly (p.69) - "[T]his union of the slide-playing roots rocker and the veteran gospel septet feels relaxed and natural." - Grade: B+ Uncut (p.105) - 3 stars out of 5 - "It's as inspirational as you would expect from such a blues-gospel summit to be. Harper contributes stinging slide guitar and adds his own distinctive vocals to those of the magnificent Clarence Fountain." Hide Description


  Christmas At The Brooklyn Tabernacle CD
  by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
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Personnel includes: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Children's Choir (vocals); Mark Baldwin (guitar); Chris McDonald, Johnnie McDonald, Michael Haynes, Mark Douthit, Robert Green, Jeffery Bailey (horns); Jonathan Woodby (Hammond B-3 organ); Oliver Wells, Jim Hammerly (keyboards); Joey Vasquez (bass); Michael Archibald (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Wintley Phipps, The London Studio Orchestra. Personnel: Mark Baldwin (guitar); Mark Douthit, Robert Green, Chris McDonald, Jeff Bailey , Michael Haynes (horns); Oliver Wells, Jim Hammerly (keyboards); Michael Archibald (drums); Eric Darken (percussion).

Though they're not nearly as well-known as their Utah-based brethren, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir gives those Mormons a run for their money with their first holiday-themed recording. This is a powerfully orchestrated set of new and traditional Christmas tunes, with the choir's impeccably arranged, harmonized vocals backed by a full orchestra. The end result is an at times moving, inspirational Christmas album that will probably appeal most strongly to the devoutly religious. ~ Bret Love

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