"The Last Song on the 'B' Side (2)"
It's been a while since we started this continuing series back in 1999 (see series introduction). You’ve been so good to me, I’m grateful for all my blessings, Giving you all the praise. From there the song goes to a modified "Jesus Loves Me" (with solo bars from individual members) and ends with the concluding amen segment from Richard Smallwood’s masterful hit, "Total Praise". While no-one will be calling Destiny’s Child a Gospel mainstay on the strength of this B-side Gospel inclusion, one certainly can’t argue with their choice to give honor to God. Check out Psalm 150:6. Wayman Tisdale "When I Opened My Eyes" Face To Face Warner Brothers, 2001 Wayman Tisdale returns to the scene with his fourth solo bass project, Face To Face. The former NBA star is no stranger to the church arena, being the son of a Baptist minister. The renowned bass player, who has worked with artists ranging from Commissioned to Tarralyn Ramsey, continues to remember his committment to God with a song titled "When I Opened My Eyes". This track differs from any of Tisdale's previous Gospel track offerings, in that teaming with Gospel divas Out of Eden, he offers a decidely urban edge in contrast to the traditional nature of his previous Gospel tracks. Blending the ever popular talk-box with the amazing vocals of Out of Eden creates a millenial listening treat. The content of the song speaks of the happiness that one discovers upon realizing God's love and compassion. "When I Opened My Eyes" deals with those who are overwhelmed by God's committment to His promises and His divine plans for our lives. The chorus of the song speaks volumes: I could see clearly, you must be the one for me No matter what was said, you never broke your promises and I can't believe you understand me." Unlike most inspirational tracks found on secular projects, this is not the last track on the 'B' side, but rather the second track on the 'A' side, which speaks to the strength of Tisdale's convictions and his order of priorities. George Duke "Never Be Another" Cool Warner Brothers, 2000 Arranger, keys man, composer and musical director George Duke chose Anointed to caress the vocals on “Never Be Another”, the Gospel cut on his solo project, Cool. Duke takes control of the keyboard and Ray Fuller brings in subtle electric guitar, but he let Steve Crawford, Denise Walls and Da’dra Crawford write the lyrics and sing the song: And all the things that You do When I think of how your forgave me It remains true that there will never be another” Tommy Sims "100" and "Peace and Love" Peace and Love Universal, 2000 Tommy Sims has played a major role in shaping Gospel hit projects including as Cece Winans's Everlasting Love and Darwin Hobbs' Vertical (see review), plus tons more. As a songwriter, arranger, producer, instrumentalist and vocalist, he's basically got it all covered. Here on his solo debut, Peace and Love, Sims offers up a wonderfully pure, clean and honest throwback R&B project, where he lays bare his soul and his searching heart. We focus on the two Gospel cuts. "100" is a take on the '99 and a half won't do' theme, bringing a vocals focus with bass, B3 and dry percussion imprints. Guests Darwin Hobbs and Tiffany Palmer impress (as they usually do), trading leads with Sims, with The Positive Group offering soulfully rich backing vocals. Marvin Winans enters the picture on the title track, "Peace and Love". Inspirational in theme, it's a thick jam of vocals between Winans and Sims with a busy, 70's-ish, swirly, string commentary courtesy of the Nashville String Machine. No programming, it's pure song and music, expressing that faith, hope and love is the key. Brian McKnight "Come Home" Back At One Motown, 1999 Brian McKnight writes this song that speaks candidly with God, on this single from his Grammy-nominated Back At One project. Musically, "Home" is a gentle palette of keyboards, with string flourishes arranged by Bill K. Meyers. The song builds to add an appropriately basic drum track, but the highlight of this tune is clearly the words. "Home" eloquently captures the thoughts that run through our heads at those moments where we think we might have gone "too far this time", and ashamedly go to our Father to help us. During those times of discussion with God, we've messed up so bad, there seems to be no solution to rectify the wrong done. Then kind of like a homing device, that self-identification of belonging to Him offers hope, and calls us to forgiveness and healing. No matter the situation we can find hope in the promise that He has made to never leave us. He will never be more angry with us than He loves us. He will never be more disappointed in us, than He cares for us. He never desires to cast us out, but to receive us (see scripture).
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