print: Beautiful God - Angela Hall | CD Review on BlackGospel.com

Beautiful God / Angela Hall

November, 2008 on BlackGospel.com
Musical Review by Christopher Heron

Palpable excitement and great anticipation usually surrounds the introduction of a new, much-talked-about artist, particularly when the person of interest is a native child and proud product of the Big Apple. Such is the case with the anointed, almost angelic Angela Hall and her accompanying new disc, Beautiful God (IMOK Gospel).

As a seasoned actress, vocal virtuoso and professional stage performer, this Brooklyn by-product was ordained to adorn her talents from the coveted stage so that souls might be saved. Angela’s strength certainly lies in her ability to deliver the divine message through song with power, presence and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Beautiful God captures Angela’s radiant gifts, while manifesting a heart that’s oriented towards celebrating the Saviour in song.

The album immediately takes flight towards Heaven on the praise-inspired Glorify His Name, written by the songstress herself. The kinetic energy is unmistakable. An exuberant spirit is unleashed on the unsuspecting listener, with a frenzy of Latin-infused rhythms, complicated vocals and a spirit that speaks the language of Life through its melody. Hands will be lifted on this joyous number.

On Jesus Saves, Sets Free, Angela brings a sombre, introspective tone through her voice that will induce tears of contrition and victory in its declaration. It’s a melodic testimony from Ms. Hall that speaks to the experience and ultimate triumph in the Christian walk.

I’ve Got Joy is a fun-filled, jazzy dance number written by that musical scribe – Melvin Crispell (Hezekiah Walker, James Hall, Juanita Bynum) – which would account for that familiar sanctuary sound reminiscent in his former works. Angela Hall works wonderfully through the tempo and transitions of the song like dilettante in her element.

The title track – Beautiful God – composed by her brother and producer, Jonathan Hall, is nothing less than a beautiful, confessional ballad that soothingly serenades you with the wonders and mysteries of an omnipresent God. The masterful orchestration, coupled with the choral arrangement and Angela’s harrowing soprano work all in tandem to create the perfect tribute song to the One above.

Other treasures on this album include the familiar church hymn – Yes Lord. The Black church standard is resuscitated and rearranged by Jonathan Hall to ensure the C.O.G.I.C. stamp of approval. Perhaps the most cherished selection on this disc is Pilgrim of Sorrow. Angela Hall exudes such raw emotion through her vocal confessions that the listener is sure to be overwhelmed with a conflicting mix of heartfelt sorrow and redemptive elation. The chilling Hammond B-3 organ roars alongside her vocal crescendo, creating an effect that will surely resonate with your soul.

None Like Him is a lively, vivacious number set in the Butch Heyward construct, bringing a lot of interplay between the songstress and the choir. While, No Other Name is a very likeable lullaby that projects peace, promise and a portion of the Holy Spirit. Angela Hall softens her scintillating vocals, to begin with, but invariably glides through a series of musical ebbs and flows to arrive at Heaven’s Gate just on time.

Trust Him is a fun trip back to old-time religion, the way a soloist would deliver a psalm to the Sunday morning parishioners. Another tried-and-true selection sung at every country steeple and every storefront church by the early morning worshippers has got to be Got To Tell It, a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, tambourine-tapping victory-in-Jesus jamboree written by her brother, the late Kenneth Hall, a selection that will have the whole church on their feet praising God well after the benediction is offered.

As a debut album, Beautiful God is a momentous musical achievement. In addition, the album introduces a formidable voice in Angela Hall. The album is a shining symbol of Brooklyn’s ability to consistently deliver music that meets the needs of the Believers.

Beautiful God blends the rich legacy of Gospel music established in the legendary sanctuaries and streets of Brooklyn, New York with the immutable word of God established centuries ago, in Jerusalem. Angela Hall can be proud of rendering a reverent work of music that will surely stand the test of time, while raising the awareness of a Beautiful God.