TBGB’s Top Ten Gospel Records of 2008

Not scientific, not based on radio spins, downloads or ringtone sales. These are TBGB’s opinion of the best singles of the year by simple gospel music aesthetics.

1. “Never Would Have Made It” – Marvin Sapp (Zomba/Verity)
Former member of Commissioned, Pastor Marvin Sapp of Grand Rapids, Michigan delivers a plaintive acknowledgement of the saving power of God’s grace in a masterpiece written and sung spontaneously as part of a sermon he delivered the Sunday after his father’s death. Not only does the song deserve top position for 2008, but it ranks among the most influential gospel music records of all time.

2. “Somebody Somewhere” – V.O.W. (JDI Records)
JDI Records’ new recording artist V.O.W. covers Andrew Gouche’s splendid composition originally recorded by Los Angeles Voices of Watts in 1996 and again in 2002 by Brenda Lowe. The simple and memorable melody and lyrics have the timeless quality of a hymn, and LaToya Williams’ plaintive lead could melt the polar ice cap. This is a song just itching for gospel singers to put in their standard repertory.

3. “You Never Let Me Down” – Marvin Winans, Jr. (M2 Entertainment)
Cool and modern, in keeping with the Winans’ mission statement to make sacred music universal. It’s been the family’s M.O. since debuting as the Testimonial Singers. Here, Marvin Jr.’s vocoder-drenched voice is hip and happening, the song as youthful and charismatic as it is hat-in-hand respectful and humble. An instantly memorable melody.

4. “Cry Your Last Tear” – Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir (Tehillah/Light)
A modern classic from a beautifully-paced album, aided in large part by Bishop Paul Morton’s achingly soulful lead vocals, like James Cleveland without the throaty rasp. Simple lyrics and a simple message from the pen of talented VaShawn Mitchell, “Cry Your Last Tear” harkens the return of the gospel mass choir.

5. “God is Good” – Regina Belle (Pendulum Records)
Accomplished RnB singer Regina Belle puts on her shoutin’ shoes to deliver this neo-traditional Baptist congregational song that sounds straight out of an old wooden church. Melvin Williams and Alvin Darling lead a kaleidoscope of hallelujahs and other acclamations that swirl around Belle like shouts from a disembodied Amen Corner.

6. “Sweeping Through the City” – Pastor Shirley Caesar (Light/Shu-Bel)
Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of her first solo album (1967’s I’ll Go on HOB Records), Pastor Caesar lets loose on a number she helped make famous while a member of the famous Caravans, and one she very possibly sang as early as the early 1950s, when she was known simply as “Baby Shirley.” Caesar has the uncanny ability to sound as if she hasn’t aged a day since her Caravans debut.

7. “Hater Day” – Canton Jones (Arrow Records)
Canton Jones is taking his rightful place among the most influential and fascinating gospel stars in the industry today. “Hater Day” makes its Christ-centered “love everybody, no exceptions” message go down like a spoonful of sugar with a humorous take on being kind even to life’s most annoying people.

8. “Serve Nobody But You” – Nathaniel & Necy (WOGG Records)
The simpatico married couple Nathaniel & Necy (The Anointed Drinkards) celebrates the lusciously groovy 1970s on a tuneful, accessible record that sounds like the Hues Corporation meets TSOP. From their debut CD, and a most auspicious one at that.

9. “Did It All for Me” – Aaron Sledge (Sky High Entertainment)
The year’s sleeper. Chicagoan Aaron Sledge takes a break from his smartly-rendered holy hip hop to deliver a brilliant performance of a song timeless in melody, lyric and arrangement. Textbook songwriting on a beautiful record.

10. “I Will Dwell” – Eric Spooner (PureStream Music Group)
Melodies by Eric Spooner of Baton Rouge, Louisiana are beignet-sweet, and his lyrics and laid-back arrangement ripe for praise and worship moments in church and fellowship hall. “I Will Dwell” is an excellent example of what Spooner can do. He is a songwriter deserving of much greater attention in 2009.