Shawn McLemore – One Percent Miracle Any Minute Now

Shawn McLemore
One Percent Miracle Any Minute Now
Blacksmoke Music Worldwide (2011)
http://www.gospeltruthmagazine.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Most gospel music enthusiasts know Shawn McLemore as one of the three authoritative gospel tenors on James Fortune & FIYA’s chart-topping smash hit, “I Believe.”

On that single, McLemore’s piercing, tough tenor voice complimented James Fortune’s declarative delivery and Zacardi Cortez’s traditional style. Together, they eked every available ounce of utility from “I Believe,” and it’s still on Billboard‘s Gospel Singles chart to this day.

The “One Percent Miracle” in the title of McLemore’s latest solo album, his fourth, refers to his July 2010 heart attack, when the doctors gave him a one percent chance of recovery. Not surprisingly, the artist, having recovered, peppers the album with messages of God-given hope in the midst of life’s trials.  He affirms that no matter the problem, God can fix it. In fact, “it’s already done.”

“I Believe” is included on the album, as is “Miracle,” a song and performance cut from the same cloth. “Been So Good,” one of the album’s best tracks, is an up-tempo hand-clapper with holy dancing at the conclusion. “Any Minute Now” showcases McLemore’s instinct for the preacher’s cadence as he testifies about a God whose help is just around the corner. Venturing into urban R&B territory, “My Praise” sounds a bit out of place in the midst of meaty gospel selections, such as “Mustard Seed,” which benefits from Men of Standard-esque harmonies.

Throughout the album, McLemore proffers simple statements cut from, or destined for, church vernacular, such as “If I have the faith/God’s got the power” and “transform your misery moments into miracle moments.”

One Percent Miracle Any Minute Now benefits from a battalion of top-shelf producers, including Aaron Lindsey and Ay’ron Lewis, all of whom work their magic from a handful of Houston studios. It is a strong gospel album fueled by the heartfelt delivery of Shawn McLemore, brought back from the precipice of death and making the most of his one percent miracle.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “I Believe,” “Miracle,” “Been So Good.”