Smokie Norful (Nothing Without You) - Reviews

Smokie Norful
Nothing Without You

As one of Gospel's brightest lights over the past few years, all ears have been bent towards the sophomore project from Smokie Norful. The singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist has been gaining momentum ever since his chart-topping I Need You Now project (see album review).

That momentum continues with Nothing Without You, from EMI Gospel.

The album should prove to be all that anyone's looking for. The twelve-song studio project is a tight set of new music that, while pulling in a bevy of notable production contributors, is sonically and lyrically unified throughout.

Norful relies on his now-familiar and formidable vocals to drive each song, settling into a contemporary pocket that never gets overwhelmed with over-finesse. And of course, his stellar piano work frequently accompanies.

The album kicks off with "Power" —literally. With Cedric and Victor Caldwell guiding production, fueled by horns and organ, a funky rhythm line, and a guest appearance by Darrel Petties, the cut is a celebratory jam that deserves the reprise it gets.

Newcomer Josiah Bell (Vickie Winans, RJ Helton, Michelle Williams) continues to impress. Here, he co-produces "Can't Nobody" with Norful, cementing the track into groove territory.

On the more balladic tip, jazz great George Duke pours his style into the title track (producing and working behind the synths), allowing Norful to turn the melodic composition into a gem that rests on every turn of phrase, every melismatic inflection.

Nothing Without You

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Norful describes "God Is Able" as a sequel to his smash hit "I Need You Now", explaining that the song describes the recent miracle of the birth of his son, Ashton (and Tré before that), both of whom were born even though doctors have told Smokie and his wife Carla that medical complications would prevent them from becoming parents. With Norful's acoustic piano in support, this ballad is pure testimony.

On "I Know Too Much About Him" (which Norful co-writes with producer Antonio Dixon), the slowly-building musical tension increases to nearly the 3 minute point, at which point backing chorus and Norful's vocal release burn the song's message into memory. Powerful.

Other notable songs include "I Know The Lord Will Make A Way", a lightly traditional rendering of the familiar church melody which has Alex Asaph Ward lending his touch to it. Then on "In The Middle", acoustic guitar rides underneath Norful's soulful vocals, as he tells how God sees us through our trials. Tommy Sims produces.

Oh, and don't miss the duet with Vanessa Bell Armstrong on "Continuous Grace", or "I Understand" with Percy Bady and Norful collaborating to create a tender Gospel groove.

Digging into Nothing Without You is pure joy. Watch for Smokie Norful to again rise to the top with this one.

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Producers: Various album release date: October 5, 2004
EMI Gospel

— reviewed by Stan North —