Joshua RogersUnconditional
Music World Gospel (release date: October 29, 2013)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound / That saved a wretch like me.”
The emotion behind John Newton’s unforgettable lyric informs the title, and title track, of Joshua Rogers’ debut CD, Unconditional,released today on Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel. The reigning (and youngest) champ of BET Sunday Bestsings in head-shaking awe of God’s unconditional love for him on other album tracks, such as “So Good,” “Your Grace,” “Never Alone,” and “The Blood.”
Rogers delivers the goods on his debut full-length album—a recording contract with Music World Records is part of the Sunday Best grand prize—with Deitrick Haddon/J Moss swagger and the frictionless and complex melismatic runs of Smokie Norful. Sometimes the frills and flowers are done to excess, but it’s likely Rogers’ fans have come to expect this from him.
Outside the pleasant and radio-friendly title track, the album’s high points are songs with playful arrangements, such as the Fred Hammond-like hand-clapper “Your Grace” and the brisk new wave Motown sound of “More than Enough.”
“You Alone” will please CCM and P&W aficionados, while traditionals will prefer Rogers singing solo to Antuan Walker’s B3 accompaniment on the interludes “Draw Me Nearer” and “As the Dear.” “The Blood” is another traditional-tinged track on which Rogers sings the stems and flags off the notes, straight through to the reprise. These selections display Rogers’ virtuoso singing that won over the BET Sunday Best audience and judges, and suggests he should consider a live album where he can open up on these and other gospel chestnuts.
Bottom line: Unconditional is unquestionably a remarkable full-length debut for Joshua Rogers.
Five of Five Stars
Pick: “Unconditional,” “The Blood.”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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He was also the first male to win “Sunday Best”. Overall, I agree with your assessment of the album because it is superbly produced. Also, I have had the great honor of hearing this young man perform live and I was very impressed. In my opinion, he is one of the best male vocalist on the planet because he can hit notes that most male singers can’t reach.