Heaven
FC Productions, LLC
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
First Creation of Toledo, Ohio, combines the muscularity of male quartet singing with Whispers-style R&B harmonies and contemporary gospel arrangements.
The group’s fifth and newest album, Heaven, opens and closes with evocations of the hereafter. While the title track is a laidback, blissful contemplation of the place “where every day will be Sunday,” the concluding song, “Going Up to Glory,” employs a driving tempo that speeds the walk to the Golden Gate to an all-out sprint.
Although First Creation’s sweet spot is the mellow mood, the group also likes to experiment with different styles of music. For example, the topical song “Keep It Real” borrows melodically from the Temptations’ funky “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” (right down to the bass solos) and Sly Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” Lyrically, it asks some of the same questions that “Ball of Confusion” put to the public more than forty years ago.
On the single, “Can’t Wait,” the lead vocalist calls on Jesus to take control of his life after describing the rough spot of rough spots: no money, no wife, even the dog barks at him.
Heaven’s standout selection is “Only Trust,” largely because of the understated harmonies and quiet storm vibe that builds to boiling during the vamp. A close second—again because of the soft harmonies but also for Amanda Clark’s fine cameo—is “He Is King.” Without the incessant rhythm, it sounds like an updated eighteenth century hymn.
Heavenis a CD that grows on you with repeated listening.
Learn more about First Creation from TBGB’s recent interview with Rev. Jerry Boose.
Four of Five Stars
Pick: “Only Trust,” “He Is King.”
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.