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  50 Years: It's Been Worth It All Known quintessentially as the "World's Greatest Storyteller", Norwood has blessed the masses not just as one of the members of the legendary Caravans, but as a prolific solo artist in her own right. It's this longevity that is celebrated on her latest release, 50 Years: It's Been Worth It All.  The 13-selection project includes original material by Norwood but also some of her classic tunes also, such as "Victory Is Mine." On this current offering, Norwood linked up with the incomparable Ricky Dillard and New Generation.The project commences with the electrifying "I Thank You Lord." This up-tempo beat written by Shadrach Robinson makes you want to stand to your feet and clap your hands from its start. A true song of praise Norwood, delivers is it as only as she can —brilliantly. She makes it known she genuinely has a praise of thanks. The two-part debut single "I Wanna Go" sounds like Sunday morning at any traditional church in America. Here is where Norwood contends her title as "World's Greatest Storyteller", as she imagines what heaven will be like. Its throwback 80's feel is something sure to please the ears of those who recall that decade of Gospel excellence. The title track, "It's Been Worth It All", is a great song on testimony. Joining Norwood on vocals is Benjamin Cone III, his timbre and vocal dexterity complimenting Norwood’s and the song’s message impeccably. Norwood continues her ability to expound on a narrative in "Tribute to Mama", in which she conveys a compelling tale of her childhood and the valuable attributes her mother instilled in her. Sure to garner airplay is the emotion-stirring "Oh Bless Me." Its angelic melody by New Generation fused with Norwood’s poignant New Testament account of the woman with the issue of blood, not only tugs at the heart but fills the wells of the eyes. Ministers of music will find contemporary audiences will resonate with "I Have A Friend." Its bouncy and brassy sound grabs your attention instantly and will surely gain favored status with today’s listeners. The unexpected praise break is a nice addition. Similar compliments could be added for "I Am Yours", its accompanying organ overtones dancing with Norwood’s lush delivery making for a rousing melodic matrimony. When considering the world we live in is full of technological advancements, it’s good to know that some things remain the same. However this does not hold true for the "Victory Is Mine (remix)". Millions across the country were familiar with the original from but millions more became accustomed to the soup’d up version with its frequent airplay during the Election Day and inauguration day of President Barack Obama. Though it still holds to the initial, it undeniably has a new flair towards its resolve. Speaking of originals, those fans who loved the first "The Denied Mother" will love the live version too. Norwood re-recorded it at New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia. It is a refreshing take on the previous version but a bit livelier; still, it has all the candor and fervor of the earlier version. A half century, five decades or 50 years: no matter how you name it, that is history. However when you add the name of Dorothy Norwood to the equation, it’s called staying power. Time after time, she has continued to reinvent herself but remain true to who she is. Indeed, 50 years has been worth it all.
Email This To A Friend Malaco Records — review and interview by John Burton Jr. —
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