TBGB Pick of the Week: December 22, 2008

“I Believe”
R. Kelly
Zomba Recording 2008
(available on iTunes)

R. Kelly is not an artist you might expect to occupy TBGB’s Pick of the Week, but think about this:

a) His “I Believe I Can Fly” (similar name, different song) has been gospelized so often that many have forgotten it was once included in a Warner Brothers cartoon film;

b) R. Kelly’s high school music teacher was Rev. Dr. Lena McLin, niece of the Father of Gospel Music Prof. Thomas A. Dorsey; and

c) “I Believe” is a stirring inspirational single.

Opening with the voice of President-Elect Obama, “I Believe” is about the power of possibilities. “The night Obama was elected I was inspired to write this song,” Kelly said. “Hopefully it touches anyone trying to accomplish something special in their life.”

This track ranks up there with Kelly’s 1998 neo-soul “If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time” as among his best work.