I’m His Favorite EP
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
From San Diego, the female gospel group Higher Authority—Charity, Khristi, Vennetta, and Zimika—has been singing together for more than a decade. The follow up to their 2008 Definition of a Remix is a self-produced EP, I’m His Favorite.
When not expressing vertical praise on the EP, Higher Authority concerns itself with issues of special concern for young people. For example, “V.I.R.G.I.N.” is a techno-fueled defense of abstinence. While not explicitly articulating the social pitfalls of unplanned pregnancy, the ladies believe that keeping their vessels pure is “the least I can do for the one who gave me life.” Similar in sound to “V.I.R.G.I.N,” the title track declares that, despite a popularity-obsessed world, every person is God’s favorite.
Higher Authority lightens their harmonies for “Say Wow,” a wide-eyed worship ballad that the ladies reprise in Spanish later on the EP.
In tribute to the group’s early days singing a cappella, the opening and closing tracks are sung unaccompanied. While the absence of music keeps the focus on the group’s crisp harmonies, these particular songs would be even better if accompanied with music.
Higher Authority has a nice blend and fetching rhythms, and should keep at it.
Three of Five Stars
Pick: “Say Wow.”
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.