Martha Munizzi is a praise and worship leader who has crossed cultural and denominational barriers with her soulful singing, much sought after songwriting (she has had her songs recorded by Beverly Crawford, Alvin Slaughter, Clint Brown and a host of others), with an ability to lead others into God’s presence.

What or who could help take Martha’s vision to lead people into the presence of God? Why none other than Israel and New Breed!

This project was recorded at the very multicultural Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The union of the New Breed sound (see album review) and the ministry of Martha is a beautiful one that will remind the listener that great minds think alike.

Martha is joined by a truly gifted group of musicians and backup vocalists, and the album is a gem from start to finish. There is the feel and the anointing of a regular worship service, with featured worship leaders Houghton and Munizzi.

Standout songs include the tropical “Glorious” and the funky “Mighty God”. On the latter, Munizzi and friends declare how mighty and powerful God is behind an infectious bass line from Terrance Palmer and Tim Johnson’s killer synth riffs, reminiscent of Prince’s “Controversy”.

“Glorious” is a powerful song that has you dancing all over the place, encouraging us to leave our troubles behind and rejoice in God’s presence. With powerful lyrics, Spanish guitars by Derrick Horne and Israel, and great background arrangements, get ready to hit repeat until that button falls off.

The worship songs include the acoustic-driven “I Will Always”. The song has the feel of “Water Runs Dry” by Boys II Men, with simple instrumentation, allowing Munizzi and singers to take the forefront and sing the song with sheer beauty.

Other songs to check out are the “Jesus Medley” which starts off as a solo by Martha and goes into the Gaither classic “Jesus, There’s Something About That Name” Tim Johnson provides some good down home Gospel organ as Munizzi showcases her vocal pipes.

More Martha Munizzi

Click on the album cover for another Martha Munizzi album review.

One of the most powerful songs on the album is the worshipful “He is Here”. The song starts off sweetly, encouraging those with heavy burdens to give their burdens to God as He will “bless the broken”. Crescendos then make their mark, with Munizzi and the singers asking God to speak to them. Don’t listen to this song while driving because the presence of God may just overtake you.

There is a remix of “Your Latter Will be Greater” and the title track from Houghton’s New Season CD. Houghton joins Munizzi on each song; the two flow with each other as if they have been singing together all of their lives. They have fun on “New Season” as they incorporate the disco hit “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross. Don’t frown up because the words fit perfectly in this song!

The album ends with two remixes of Munizzi’s previous hits “Because of Who You Are” and “Shout” —an all out jam session that you don’t want to end even though it’s over 8 minutes long. Check out Cledell King’s drum solos.

Martha Munizzi is a powerful worship leader and The Best is Yet to Come is an album to use during individual worship times. Most of the songs are dynamically arranged vocally, but simple enough for worship teams across the world to sing. This is a must-have album.

Just when you thought that your life couldn’t get any better, remember The Best is Yet to Come!