One 4 Christ
God Can Still Use You
DA’Vine Destiny Entertainment 2009
www.one4christ.net
One 4 Christ was founded in March 2004 by Sharon Bouie, and boasts musical direction by Derral Anderson, Jr. and production by singer-songwriter Andrae Ambrose. The 40+ member group from suburban Chicago is similar aurally to John P. Kee or James Fortune & FIYA in its vocal largesse, high-energy, ample use of leader-choir call and response, and contemporary arrangements with a touch of the blue note.
God Can Still Use You is One 4 Christ’s debut CD. Guest soloists on the album include the in-demand gospel star Malcolm Williams and the formidable Min. Tim White. When White gets to shouting, he can body slam a song like quartet greats Archie Brownlee, Bob Washington and Joe Ligon, and that’s exactly what he does on the slow and bluesy “My Answer is Yes.” I don’t know anything about Natasha Robinson, but she delivers a lovely contemporary female lead on “Show Me.”
The title track and current single was penned by Malcolm Williams and states that no matter what kind of person you are, “God Can Still Use You.” “He’s Been Good to Me” is an appropriately fast-paced Chicago-style church rouser. Though not selected as a single and sounding for all the world like the reprise to the previous track, “Greatness,” the anthemic “I Bow” provides the album’s most delicious harmonic progressions.
The liner notes list a Willie Jones on organ – might he be one and the same as the Chicago gospel announcer and second vice president of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild?
One 4 Christ doesn’t till new musical ground on God Can Still Use You, but for those who enjoy a contemporary choir that isn’t afraid to put on its shoutin’ shoes every once in a while, the album is sure to satisfy.
Four of Five Stars
gPod picks: “He’s Been Good to Me,” “My Answer is Yes.”
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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.
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This cd is a MUST for your gospel music collection! LOVE IT!
Much love and success to the One 4 Christ family. I truly believe this is a group of anointed ministers of the Gospel. All praise belongs to God and big ups to Sharon and Derral. Im so ready for your next level. Be blessed O4C!
God Can Still Use You is an awsome CD, I thank GOD for One 4 Christ and i pray that he continues to bless One 4 Christ so that they can continue to bless other through their music. listening to GOD can still use you sends you into that worship that takes you behind the veil. awsome, awsome, awsome
God Can Still Use You is an awsome cd. I listen to it everyday, powerful lyrics. I pray GOD continues to bless One 4 Christ so that you can continnue to bless other through ur music. listening to the cd will send you into that worship that takes you behind the veil. this cd has truly been a blessing to me and i can only pray that it has been a blessing to others as well be blessed