Here are TBGB’s lists of gospel’s best for 2011: CDs, Song Recordings, and Historic Reissue.
The lists are not necessarily based on chart ranking, sales or radio/Internet play but simply what TBGB felt were the best quality recorded performances of the hundreds of projects it reviewed during 2011.
Best CD of 2011:
The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson – Le’Andria Johnson (Music World Gospel)
I’ve always been a radio guy and too busy to watch much television. When I do, it’s the Weather Channel, CNN and TCM classic movies, so I missed Le’Andria’s performances on BET’s Sunday Best. Hearing her for the first time on her debut CD, I was speechless and immediately thought that with the right career direction, she could become gospel’s Next Big Thing.
The Rest of the Best (in alphabetical order):
Angel & Chanelle – Trin-i-tee 5:7 (Music World Gospel)
The Gospel Music Celebration, Pt. 2: Tribute to Bishop G.E. Patterson – Various Artists (TYMO Gospel Music)
Hello Fear – Kirk Franklin (Verity)
It’s My Time (New Traditional Thump) – The Nevels Sisters (Squeekey Entertainment/MoLife Entertainment)
Perfect Peace – Gillian Grannum Project (Rain Down Melodies)
Promises – Richard Smallwood with Vision (Verity)
Sounds of Blackness – Sounds of Blackness (Malaco)
…Then Sings My Soul – Mississippi Mass Choir (Malaco)
YRM (Your Righteous Mind) – Donald Lawrence & Co. (Quietwater/Verity)
Pastor David Wright Presents the Rev. Timothy Wright Memorial Choir: The Legacy Continues (independent)
Best Recorded Song of 2011:“Trust Me” – Richard Smallwood with Vision (Verity)
If this were a yearbook, I’d write that Richard Smallwood’s “Trust Me” is Most Likely to Become a Church Standard. It may already have.
The Rest of the Best (in alphabetical order):
“Blow Me Away” – Psalmist Doris Stokes (independent)
“Completely Amazed” – Marvalinn (Marvalous Music)
“Hold On” – Monica Lisa Stevenson (Monicaz Music)
“I Smile” – Kirk Franklin (Verity)
“I Want To Be Loved” – The Sounds of Living Water feat. Toyana Holloway (NSeason Records/Royalton Records)
“Medicine for Someone Else” – Ruben Studdard (MCG)
“Miracles on the Sea” – Macey J. Wright (Wrightway Ministries)
“Simply Amazing” – Todd Dulaney feat. Michelle Williams (Todd Dulaney Ministries)
“Yet Love” – Luther Barnes & Sunset Jubilaires (AIR Gospel)
“Your Love” – Angie Hall feat. Vicki Farrie (Angie Hall Music)
Best Historic Compilation of 2011:
This May Be My Last Time Singing: Raw African-American Gospel on 45 RPM 1957-1982 – Various Artists (Tompkins Square 2011)
Mike McGonigal’s latest triple-disc collection celebrates gospel music at the edge: mostly independently-produced selections and mostly local or regional groups who sing and play as if they have nothing to lose and Glory to gain.
Listen to samples of the lists on a special TBGB Music Hour this week!
Here is the playlist:
1. “Hold On” – Monica Lisa Stevenson
2. “Blow Me Away” – Psalmist Doris Stokes
3. “I Smile” – Kirk Franklin
4. “Yet Love” – Luther Barnes & Sunset Jubilaires (AIR Gospel)
5. Simply Amazing” – Todd Dulaney feat. Michelle Williams
6. “Medicine for Someone Else” – Ruben Studdard
7. “I Want To Be Loved” – The Sounds of Living Water feat. Toyana Holloway
8. “Your Love” – Angie Hall feat. Vicki Farrie
9. “Completely Amazed” – Marvalinn
10. “Miracles on the Sea” – Macey J. Wright
11. “Jesus” – Le’Andria Johnson
12. “Trust Me” – Richard Smallwood with Vision
Best Recorded Song of 2011:
Best Historic Compilation of 2011:
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Great stuff, Bob! That’s why you’re an authority on gospel music!
Thank you, Libra! It’s a great compliment coming from as knowledgeable a person on gospel music as you!