print: Israel Houghton - The Power Of One | CD Review on BlackGospel.com

The Power Of One / Israel Houghton
(Integrity Gospel)

August, 2009 on BlackGospel.com
Musical Review by Christopher Heron

Israel Houghton has laid down his mighty gauntlet and sharp sword as the mighty worship warrior and taken on a softer, more creative expression as the artist, on his latest musical offering – The Power Of One. Without his formidable vocal band – New Breed – at his side, Israel assumes a more refined and rhythmic tone to his studio production that pulls influences from a range of musical styles and influences.

Rather than King David who ruled Israel from his high throne, think of the more pensive and sweeter David, the shepherd’s boy, the young poet and musician in artistic mode, who composed timeless Psalms for the saints. This is the Israel Houghton we get on this album, who shares his heart and soul for Christ through thirteen treasured treats put to music. It’s an album that’s both marvellous in scope and magnificent in message.

Israel gets things started in a danceable way with Everywhere That I Go, a song that’s both jubilant in expression and Jesus-centric in theme. Israel hits the praise button on Just Wanna Say, a certifiable jam in Jesus name. There’s no denying his buoyant spirit that pours out on this beast of a song.

Israel quickly flips things on his next track, Surely Goodness, a reputable ‘riddims’ song that will find huge appeal with ‘yardies’ (Jamaicans) worldwide. The selection is given additional credibility with the cameo appearance of Kingston-native and former dancehall darling, now born-again believer, Chevelle Franklin.

The title track – The Power Of One - is further evidence of Israel’s musical pedigree that effortlessly moves from genre to genre with such proficiency and sensitivity, as he rifles off the righteous message neatly nestled within each of his selections. On this special song, Israel pours his heart into the innate and undeniable power within each of us to change the world around us. His cry is clear. His appeal is heartfelt. You’ll be a believer in The Power Of One.

The rest of the album is much of the same, which is more than you would likely expect. There’s a certain verity to his transparent voice and lyrical style. There’s enough variety to his melodic expression to appease the most cynical musicologist. And there’s enough believability to his ministry and message that he remains an unquestionable forerunner in Gospel music.

Songs like Moving Forward takes the act of praise to another level with a steady and gradual progression to euphoric praise. You’ll be left with your hands in the air and your body limp and weak in the act of worship. On I Receive, Israel follows in the footsteps of Phil Collins with a syncopated beat and moving message that points to the gracious gift of love from God.

Three more notable numbers that stick out like a salmon-colored suit in a sanctuary are the soulful collaborations of Israel with Mary Mary on Every Prayer, a lovely lullaby to whisper every night. These three voices combine to a combustible level, leaving the listener with the assurance that God is always ready to answer prayers.

Israel once again turns the tables, musically, with the help of Martin Smith and rolls out a rock-heavy, hard-hitting selection that’s alternative in sound and style but redemptive in message on the aptly titled track, Sing Redemption’s Song. I could talk about the funky Better To Believe or the grunge-infused You Found Me with Toby Mac but I’ll skip right to one of Israel’s musical mentors, Andre Crouch.

The album caps off with a remake of one of Crouch’s best loved songs, My Tribute Medley. Israel Houghton gives this classic song a modern-day makeover with his musical swagger and signature style that borrows from the Contemporary Christian mold. The end result is a wonderful way to close out an award-worthy album, giving all praise and honor to the One above. Unintentionally, Israel has revealed the potential Power Of One by single-handedly producing an album that showcases his very own anointed gifts. Now, that’s The Power Of One.