Various Artists (Top 25 Gospel Praise & Worship Songs) - Reviews

Various Artists
Top 25 Gospel Praise & Worship Songs

PAJAM's at it again.

The in-demand production trio released Sing to the Lord on Integrity Music earlier this year, and now they helm Maranatha! Music's Top 25 Gospel Praise and Worship Songs, putting their stamp on some of the numerous praise and worship songs recorded on the Maranatha! label, and toss in several covers of popular Gospel songs along with some original hits.

"Lord Of All", with vocal lead by 21:03's Evin Martin, is a high-energy song written by Martin, PAJAM and Darryl Dixon, that has the edge to get a church going.

PAJAM delves into Kirk Franklin's "Hosanna" with pda (Paul Allen) taking up Franklin's role. Take another listen as pda does a great impression of the singing ad libs from the original.

J Moss adds the version of "Psalms 150" that he usually does at his concerts, but tosses in just a little bit more flair here. Karen Clark Sheard takes the lead on "We Must Praise" as Moss assumes the emcee role.

Martin leads the beautiful "No Higher Calling" while the PAJAM singers give their spin on "Incredible God, Incredible Praise". They only alter the song slightly and those who love the original hit by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will be pleased that PAJAM stuck close to the original flava.

Also included on the first disc is Fred Hammond's "This Is The Day", which after all was a Maranatha! original, along with Donnie McClurkin's version of "Lord I Lift Your Name On High".

Disc 2 starts off with J Moss and Melissa Walker tackling "The Presence of the Lord is Here". The background vocals on some parts of the song lack the power and clarity of the original, but it is still enjoyable.

Check out "He Knows My Name", led by Torrence Greene of 21:03. The arrangement is nothing like the style of the Tommy Walker original, for it sounds more like a good churchy ballad. 21:03 puts their spin on the chill "Quicken Me".

PAJAM speeds up the tempo of "Let It Rise" and even adds a new part with 21:03's Jorel Quinn weaving his ad lib throughout.

Other songs included are Jonathan Butler's "We Need You Lord" from the Gospel Goes Classical CD, and "Let Me Be Like A Tree" by Donn Thomas.

Top 25 Gospel Praise & Worship Songs will will satisfy those who love their praise tunes with a little edge to them. For the most part, these songs hit the mark, and PAJAM looks to have found their niche.

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Producer: Various, PAJAM album release date: September, 2007
Maranatha! Music

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —