GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: Count It All Joy (Darrel Petties & SIP) / May, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

Review Of
Count It All Joy
Darrel Petties & SIP
May, 2006 on BlackGospel.com, Review by Em Fergusson

Ready for an old-time Gospel come-back mixed with hype contemporary style? The deeply rejuvenating sound of newcomer Darrel Petties and his choir Strength In Praise, is on the road to stirring hearts with the release of Count It All Joy. Discovered by EMI Gospel-recording artist Smokie Norful, Darrel and S.I.P convey a modern-day Urban sound fused with traditional Gospel. The ten-track album is filled with infectious, bluesy and refreshing Gospel tunes that can revive a yearning soul.

The young 21-year old artist overcame the hardships and tragedy of a broken home to get where he is today. Despite the trying times, Darrel sees music as one key component of the calling he has felt his entire life. His proficiency in delivering such a powerful music ministry is deeply felt on the album. The lively “Count It All Joy,” brings together a serenade of zealous-spirited voices, worshipping the Creator for the many blessings experienced daily. Darrel vocally weaves through the young singers’ voices, creating a refreshing melody of worship. Shutting away with God, S.I.P ushers in the calming ballad, “A Place.” The spirit is unmistakable on this track, flowing with deep-felt expectation for the heavenly home.

As a songwriter and arranger, who humbly contributed his talents to the album, Darrel wrote all but one of the songs on Count It All Joy. Darrel and S.I.P remain dedicated to classical Gospel on this tapestry of creative rhythms. The mid-tempo, stylistic “Thank You Jesus,” serves up a warm, traditional all-church sound, with a ministering Darrel giving Glory to God. Lending their strong mass-choir sound to “Yes Lord,” which garnered considerable radio play and recognition, S.I.P and Darrel invigorate the audience with this lively hymn.

The exciting and passionate “Glory Hallelujah,” makes way for more than a spirit-filled dance; the expressive S.I.P makes a joyful noise to the Creator. The rousing track first appeared over the airwaves as part of the 300,000-plus-selling WOW Gospel 2005 anthology. “Surely He Knows” and the soul-stirring “Lord Help Me,” create convictions within the heart: the two ballads mirror Darrel’s sentiments about reaching the unsaved and about his life in God.

“There are so many things I want to do,” Darrel says,“but nothing is more important than saving that one soul for Christ, one life at a time.”

Many will recognize the harmonious “It Is Well.” Darrel and S.I.P breathe life into The musical orchestration accentuates a unique quality to this lead, showcasing a maturity in sound beyond 21 years. Darrel and S.I.P turn it up a few notches with “I’m On My Way.” The Louisiana-styled blues song is a soul-laden, traditional spiritual on its way to spreading its contagious rhythmic hand and foot-stomping worship.

It is not every day the Gospel community meets a young man, determined in his walk with God and talented beyond his years with such an invigorating sound. Darrel and S.I.P are clearly on a straight and narrow journey towards multiple blessings. They are staying true to traditional Gospel while creating something new: merging multiple sounds together in honor of God.