I am pleased that “Yes” is still on the gospel charts. I have wanted to write about this Stellar-nominated song since its release.
The emotion-soaked praise and worship performance by Valley Kingdom Ministries’ Shekinah Glory reminds me of the Tommies’ 1986 “Safe in His Arms” in Min. Valencia Lacy’s gentle and nurturing but nonetheless powerful vocal drama. The intensity of “Yes” ebbs and flows with the unpredictable cadence of waves of joyous weeping, and lingers in your mind’s ear long after the recording is over.
”Yes” helped me to understand that Shekinah Glory Ministry’s core competence was not just its colorful theatrical performance, with praise dancers, banner wavers, praise hoops and streamers, a kind of gospel-cum-Cirque Soleil. The song shows the ensemble has vocal power and a keen sense of delivery to boot. It also captures the emotional quality of the African-American church, not the “holy ghost party” kind of enthusiasm but a more introspective, individualized, prayerful emotion.
With Shekinah Glory Ministry, Kingdom Records proves that a small, independent label can make a big noise in the industry, even if it’s with a song that whispers more than it shouts.
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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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When I was listening to “Yes” it really touched me so powerfully that I was consumed to tears. My daughter, who is not yet 2 years old but will be in May just begin to hug me.I became so fill by the presence of our Lord that I can’t seem to get it out of my head. That song has inspired me to do the impossible and to reach for the unreachable in Christ who through Him we can do anything.