Anointed (Now Is The Time) - Reviews

Anointed
Now Is The Time

"Our first record, Spiritual Love Affair, was very urban, and some said that it was ahead of its time. We loved that record and no one bought it... I couldn't believe it when Warryn Campbell said that he had the album, and that it influenced him to become a producer. I was like 'Wow! That's amazing.' We have been sensing that God was going to take us into new directions. This direction might be new to everyone else, but familiar to us. It's closer to the original vision of what we wanted to accomplish musically"

—Steve Crawford

How many contemporary Gospel groups out there last for more than a few years? Not many. Consider Anointed an exception to the rule.

The duo of Steve Crawford and his sister Da'dra Crawford Greathouse are back in a BIG way. Now Is The Time, their anticipated debut on Sony Urban/Columbia and their first project since their 2001 effort If We Pray, (their last project for Word Records), is a blast of freshness, filled with some of the year's choicest jams, many of them decidedly urban.

And with much of the songwriting from Steve and Da'dra themselves, the group has never sounded more at ease with their material (read interview with Anointed).

Off the top, zoom to "Eternal Life", which is perhaps the standout track. Backed by a wonderful troupe of background vocalists, and with strings arranged by Roger Ryan, Steve and Da'dra sing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Eternal Life" would be a great song to incorporate in next year's Easter dramas at churches around the nation. But even more, it deserves heavy rotation throughout the year.

Helping things is Warryn Campbell (of Mary Mary fame) on "Gotta Move", which is one nice urban groove. Campbell knows how to add his signature funk without taking away from Anointed's style. Throw in a nice rhythm guitar and it will give you the urge to do just what the title insists.

"Gonna Lift Your Name On High" is equally appealing, with its meld of R&B and melody. Campbell again works his wonder on the song's remix, adding to the phat factor, as the album's finishing cut.

Now Is The Time

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On "Jesus Is Lord," the legendary Andrae Crouch guests, appropriately joining Anointed in this sprightly update of his own 1979 classic. Steve and Da'dra start things off, with Crouch joining the pair mid-way through.

The infectious "Trust In You" relies on a charged chorus, with plenty of pop and funky rock overtones, but propelled by Anointed's penchant for 'pull out all stops' vocals.

With all the bounce going on, Anointed doesn't forget their skill with the ballad. "Now That I'm Free" features Crawford's unique vocal mix of grit and butter textures, as he testitfies of God's mercy. The title cut, "Now Is The Time," co-written by Da'dra, is another balladic gem. Her soaring vocal presence encourages all to keep on trusting God.

Clearly, Anointed is back, and stronger than ever.

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Producers: Anointed, Roger Ryan, Warryn Campbell, Mark Heimermann album release date: April 5, 2005
Sony Urban / Columbia

— reviewed by Stan North, Dwayne Lacy —