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 Inside Out
—Duawne Starling You've heard Duawne Starling before —everyone who's familiar with the most popular of Gospel albums over the past few years has. As a versatile, in-demand background singer on albums from artists that include Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Out of Eden and tons more, Starling has shown himself to be faithful.  With his debut solo project, Starling moves from the inside to the outer circles —indeed that's the implication of his album title, Inside Out.As he stated to Gospelflava.com, the album "is a musical autobiography of the last ten years of my life, barring one song about my father. God has taken me on a journey that has sometimes been painful but always for my good. I share my heart about my failures, my fears, my worship and my praise. Inside Out is a collection of songs that minister to me. I did not set out to do an album so broad in its direction, however that's what Inside Out is. I believe it reaches some part of everybody. It is honest and it is transparent." As the first project off the blocks of new label Gospel Incorporated, Starling not only reinforces his vocal presence in the industry, he also puts his hand to songwriting and production, showing himself to be master of these crafts as well.  Things begin with "All of God's Children", which is the funkiest cut on the disc. The light-hearted lyrics about racial inclusiveness are set to an impossibly funky, neosoul vibe, courtesy instrumention from Andrew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders.The album then mellows into a collection of beautifully rendered songs, ably interpreted by Starling in ways appropriate to the variety of styles, messages and atmospheres that they bring. His tenor stylings foster a focus on the song (as opposed to the singer) —and that's just the way that Gospel should be. Starling combines his butter tones with his ability to draw out the essence of each song. "Holy Spirit" is a rework of the New Jersey Mass song from the mid 80's, with Richard Smallwood guesting behind solo piano. Starling treats the words tenderly and it's quickly apparent that this is a prayer. In speaking with Gospelflava.com, he explained that the song "is my prayer. I need the power of the Holy Spirit to do what's before me. I can't do it alone and I simply won't try because I know I will fail." Starling then redefines vocal smoothness on cuts such as, Hallerin Hill's "Crazy Love", "He's A Part of Me" (with Roger Ryan on instruments) and the acoustic "There". "Carried Away" stands as an unforgettable highlight, its gorgeous melody and snaggy rhythms reinforcing the message of God's love for us as expressed in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.  "Lord We Have Come" has Starling reprising his lead vocal role on this beautifully written praise ballad from the pen of Damien Chandler. With Madison Mission Mass Choir in support, the live-recorded cut makes a most welcome comeback.Inside Out closes with a reprise of "Worship & Praise", an infectious piece filled with chunky percussives and a grooving chorus that, like the entire album, is Duawne Starling in his vocal element. Email This To A Friend Gospel Incorporated — review by Stan North —
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