Pam English
Real Good
K2K Publishing, Inc./Micah Management, Inc. 2009
www.pamenglishmusic.com
After years of recording with, and writing songs for, other artists, Pam English has earned her time to shine. In fact, the Detroiter sparkles on her debut solo project, titled Real Good. And it is. Real good, I mean. In fact, it’s extraordinarily good. Head-shakingly good.
The singer-songwriter and vocal producer’s fascination with recording began in 1977 when she waxed her first disc as a member of the Unity Baptist Church Youth Choir. Since then, she has racked up a stack of appearances on record, television and in live programs with talents such as Virtue, Lexi, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Diana Ross and Take 6. Her song, “Beautiful,” written for the Nevels Sisters, was reviewed in April by TBGB.
Real Good benefits from smart production, courtesy of a stable of strong producers, notably Tommie Walker, Marcus “DaHeatMizer” Devine, Randy Scott and Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors. They provide Pam with a dazzlingly intense, compelling sound akin to fellow Detroiters Damita and Deitrick Haddon, Daniel Young, and J Moss. The tech-savvy urban contemporary wall-of-sound gospel vibe these artists have in common could easily be considered the “New Detroit Sound.”
The album is non-stop energy through track seven. “He Is I Am” is a song of praise for God who was taking care of business long before our problems (e.g., broken heart, lost fights, danger) started. “Wonderfully Made” is known as the “women’s anthem.” It concludes that what does or does not constitute conventional beauty means nothing when one is “perfect in your eyes.” “I don’t want to be the next top model/I don’t want to be America’s idol,” Pam sings in the chorus, because “I’m wonderfully made.” Amen!
Unlike the hymns of old, which praised from a respectable distance, Pam’s lyrics reflect a very personal relationship with her Savior, as if she were thanking her best friend for being there whenever she needed help.
The nearly seven-minute “I Don’t Remember” is the only weak spot in an otherwise superb debut effort, principally because the extended high tessitura pulls Pam out of her vocal comfort zone and strains an otherwise fine and confident voice. But a strong ending, courtesy of the infectious “The Champion,” makes all well again.
Pam English is an artist who truly deserves her season. Real Good is a CD that truly deserves to be played at maximum volume.
Five of Five Stars
gPod picks: “Real Good,” “He Is I Am,” “Wonderfully Made,” “The Champion.”
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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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Hey World Pam is the real deal! I love this project. You know you have something nice and well balanced when your wife and 16 year old ask who is this and can I “borrow” this cd. Stay focused and be blessed. Mark, MR.
It’s an AWESOME ALBUM…long awaited and does not disappoint:)
This CD rocks!!!!!! from beginning to end. I cant stop listening to it. My son, and even my niece, who is eight years old, has purchased their own copy. It’s to good to share. Please don’t stop making music to keep the people of God praising!!!!!
REAL GOOOD!and I do mean REAL GOOD! Powerful PAM English delivers on this CD! Everyone that gets in my car wants to know “Who is this?” Well now with her debut CD the world will know it is Pam English praize’n Him!
-Session
This CD is not real good…Its GREAT! I love every song. Pam English has a voice that is a gift from God and Im so glad she is sharing it with the world.
Sophia
You were a light at wmu and your light is shining ever-so-brightly now! Bless you for staying true to your gift! May the Lord continue to bless you for your obedience.
It’s great to hear not only about Motown artists but also the gospel artists like Pam English that represent the city of Detroit in a positive light!
This debut ablum is…. AWESOME! Someone bought my copy and I must purchase another one for my libary. Be blessed and keep up the good work. Love you!
THIS CD IS HOTTT!!!! Pam is the real deal!!! Definitely glad I found out about her because she does not disappoint! I’m telling all of my friends to purchase this because this cd is Real Good!!
Way to go Pam. I always knew that your wonderful talent would take you far. May God continue to bless you.
Very proud of you Pam. You’ve always had a lovely voice and your talent continues to grow. May God continue to bless and keep you.