Izzy (In Awe of You) - Reviews

Izzy
In Awe of You

In a time when urban male vocalists are on the decline, the introduction of a skilled vocal talent such as Washington D.C. native Izzy, makes you sit up and take note.

His innovative and dare we say, jaw-dropping entry, In Awe of You, marks the solo debut for the artist, on Jordan Entertainment Group.

From the opening seconds of this 16-track offering, it’s apparent that Izzy has come to make a serious impression. With the urban relevance of an Usher, John Legend or a Chris Brown, Izzy fuses heartfelt and passionate lyrics with a funky and creative presentation for a package that can’t be denied.

The opening track “All This Love” gives a fantastic idea of what this project entails, as the vocalist colorfully expresses a grateful heart for God’s limitless love. His vocal acrobatics are enough to keep any listening ear in tip-top condition, as each track excellently showcases the artist’s superior vocal ability and quality. He handles a great deal of background responsibilities as well, which is hot in and of itself.

Izzy handles the bulk of the songwriting and production responsibilities, writing or contributing on ten of the album’s songs, while providing instrumentation on nearly each track. His talents dramatically shine in this regard, for his diversity runs the gamut of genres. From the soulful title track, penned by Derek Triplett, to the neo-soul flava’d “Maintain”, to the ridiculously infectious and Latin-flava’d “Hand Clap Joint” (complete with flamenco guitar), there’s apparently no limit to the artist’s skills.

He even flies high on the hip-hop tip with “Praise Party”. Backed by an intoxicating groove and Izzy's Troutman-like talk box, this is one that can get even the staunchest of saints moving. “You Are (remix)” is another definite club-banger.

Go make an extreme effort to check out two very daring covers on this project. Izzy covers one of Gospel’s first urban hits, the popular “Heaven”, first performed by BeBe and CeCe Winans. While few would dare to touch this classic, Izzy not only tackles it, but puts it into an unbelievable arrangement that simply adds flair. Joined by Danielle Adams, the duo give the song a 21st century makeover.

Izzy also resurrects the hidden classic “Love You Forever”, first found on Fred Hammond’s second solo effort, Unconditional. The song, co-written by Kayla Parker and Hammond, is slowed to a mid-tempo groove, with Izzy giving it his distinctive imprint, as he sings of the eternal love of the Father even as His children stray away. Add a spoken word interpretation from Liza, and you’ve got a hit on your hands.

Brandon Knight joins the frey on the purposeful "Destiny". Knight's and Izzy's vocal combo is a sheer delight, with credit also going to backing vocals from Jamerice Daughtry and LaBreyia Moody. Izzy lays down the drum programming while John Paul McGee handles the rest of the instruments.

R&P enthusiasts will grab a hold of "New Life". Don't get it twisted, this is a song about the fresh and exciting relationship that Christ desires to have with us. The music is slow and chill, highlighted by Ben Fields' guitar. Izzy deals with serious issues on the musically potent “Need Him Now".

Put all of this together and you really have an amazing debut album from an artist who could easily stake his claim as one of the brightest new lights of 2006. This project will undoubtedly keep you “In Awe” of Christ for gifting the body with this outstanding talent. Call it a must-add to your 2006 collection.

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Producers: Various album release date: April, 2006
VGR Entertainment / Jordan Entertainment Group

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner and Dwayne Lacy —