“Better”The ShowersA&P Records (2014)Nothing like being pushed to the edge of the fire, metaphorically speaking, to produce a good gospel song.  “I’m tired of my life / I’m tired of the pain / I’m tired of my past / the guilt and the shame,” the Showers sing on “Better,” their second single, written and produced [...]

“Only God Can”Danetra MooreTyscot Records (2014)www.tyscot.comDanetra Moore’s anthem “Only God” sings the praises of He who can do anything and everything, including move the mountains, calm the raging sea, and “take someone like me to use for His glory.”Introduced by a delicate acoustic piano, the song traverses through a robust contemporary arrangement and concludes with [...]

“Sunday A.M.”Karen Clark SheardKarew Records (2014)www.karewrecords.comI knew “Sunday A.M.” had all the makings of a fine gospel single the minute I heard Karen Clark Sheard sing it at her September 2013 live recording session in Chicago.  Unlike Mary Mary’s 2012 “Sunday Morning,” which anticipates services with tambourine-shaking glee, “Sunday A.M.” is the quiescent yearning of [...]

“Still God” sophie rain only fans leaksAngel TaylorEpitome (2014)Available from Amazon.comDressed in a sumptuous sapphire gown, the statuesque Angel Taylor of the Grammy-nominated Trin-i-tee 5:7 sang “Still God” before more than 8,000 at the Allstate Gospel SuperFest in Chicago.  This passionate love song to God, wrapped in a power pop ballad, is from Angel’s forthcoming [...]

Demetrius Woods“Nothing Without You”Available via online retailers April 29, 2014The artist formerly known as Holy Boy converts Alicia Keys’ "If I Ain’t Got You” into “Nothing Without You.”  The gospelization makes sense.  It’s a short distance lyrically between “If I ain’t got you” to “If I ain’t got you, Jesus.”  Plus, Keys’ song sounded gospel [...]