“Declaration of Praise”
Angela Hearns
From the CD Arise (2011)
www.angelahearns.com
Sampling a preacher to an electric beat: I often thought that would sound cool. Then Paul Simon did it, and now Angela Hearns. And it does sound cool.
Hearns’ “Declaration of Praise” opens with a minister intoning the opening lines of Psalm 34 (“I will bless the lord at all times”) as a chorus of drums resound with the incessant urgency of polyrhythm. Hearns uses the psalm as the message of her song, putting it in the context of today. She sings like a woman with something to say and nothing to lose, her biting vocal a rebuke to the sting of hard times and an exhortation to praise at all times.
Although the California-born singer recorded her first single, “Give Myself to You,” back in 1998, Arise is her first full album. What does the future hold in store? She replied, “I would love to minister for our troops or minister in disadvantaged places as well. I just want to be about my Father’s business. If His business takes me to the White House or to the jail house, so be it.”
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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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The album is awesome!!!!
Congratulations Angie!!!!!
“Arise” has strong, encouraging lyrics, and Angela’s voice is beautiful and dynamic. I love the entire album! I know you will too.
Congrats Angie!!!
This album is such a blessing to the gospel industry today and is very much needed! I am glad to say tha tthe album is WONDERFUL and is a huge encouragement to the body of christ as well as to one’s own personal life. Go out and get it, you won’t be disappointed!!!
Angela has been annointed with a voice for praise!
Nina Holliday Williams has left a new comment on your post “TBGB Pick of the Week: October 10, 2011”:
Congrats Angie!!From Nina and the Williams kids over at TDC.
I Like it sound of this artist, good interview
Her voice is awesome and her ministry is annointed. The music is produced by some of the best in the business. This album speaks to every situation in my life and each song reminds me that God is there in it with me!
I love this song! The lyrics and the message is strong. It has a very cool beat that can even be played on secular air waves which is a wonderful tool to carry out “The Great Commission”. All of the songs on the CD are great! Way to spread the gosple! Keep up the wonderful work!
I love you Angie, your family, and your dedication to the Lord. I knew you would bless many with your voice when I heard you sing at 5 years old. Keep the blessed music coming!
What a POWERFUL message! This album could not have been released at a better time! People are lost and searching for answers—and I’m so glad to know and to be reminded in times like these that…”Praise is my weapon and all I’ve got to do is lift my voice!” God bless you Angela for sharing your gifts and for being a witness—especially in times like these! Much Love!!!!
Congratz & GodBless!!!
I LOVE THE SOUND, BEAT AND MELODY. IT IS A WAR CRY, IT PUT ME ON THE BATTLE FIELD; WITH PRAISE AS MY WEAPON
ALL HAVE TO DO IS OPEN MY MOUTH AND THE BATTLE IS OVER. I WIN, YOU WIN, WE ALL WIN!!!!
Arise is my ‘morning coffee’!!! Love it!!!
Angela’s music is very encouraging from the beginning to the end. “Father”, “Breakthrough”, and “It’s You” are my favorite, they speak to my heart, and encourage me each day in my walk with the Lord. The vocals are amazing, what you hear on the cd is what you really hear when she is singing in church.