Greg O'Quin & iPraize (After The Storm ) - Reviews

Greg O'Quin & iPraize
After The Storm

Already, 2009 could be classified as the year of the comeback, with numerous artists releasing new efforts after a significant period of recording silence. Leading the charge is Greg O'Quin, who returns to the industry after an eight-year layoff.

O'Quin, who debuted in 1996 with his vocal aggregation, Joyful Noyze, created a reputation for applying urban tracks and group-like harmonies over a choral application, taking part in launching the modern urban choir movement. After his third effort in 2001, O'Quin left the industry and accepted the call to ministry, and founded Without Walls Church International in Dallas, Texas. With the offices of Pastor and Bishop to his credit, O'Quin returns with his latest effort titled After the Storm.

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Fifteen tracks deep, O'Quin's latest effort introduces his newest group, iPraize, who handle the vocals for the bulk of the project. O'Quin handles production for this new effort, his first project on the returning Pendulum Records.

Similar to the work of his label mate, Regina Belle, O'Quin pens the a capella radio hit "Lead Me Jesus". This old school track is a throwback to the pre-Pro Tools era, complete with a guitar, harmonica, bass drum, and vocal harmonies. The timeless nature of this track makes this an instant favorite.

An enduring strength of O'Quin's writing and presentation is his ability to pierce the heart with a relevant ballad. Once again, O'Quin delivers, this time with the touching "Convinced", "Breakthru", and "Survivor", which is the next chapter to O'Quin's lasting hit "I Told The Storm". Urban worship is the order of the day, with tracks like "Desperate 4 U" and the infectious "Let It Rain", an urban slow jam that is reminiscent of the trademark O'Quin sound.

O'Quin revisits his debut album, with the covers "Amen" and the powerful "God Can", a song that declares the limitless ability of God. Speaking of covers, O'Quin tackles the Dionne Warwick classic "I Say A Little Prayer", giving the track an urban and up tempo facelift.

This next chapter in O'Quin's career picks up where his previous works left off, complete with urban flair and lyrical authenticity. O'Quin returns with an encouraging and empowering effort designed to equip you for life After The Storm.

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Production: Greg O'Quin album release date: June, 2009
Pendulum Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —