So often when you hear the words “Urban Gospel” you immediately think of Kirk Franklin and his contemporaries, but avid listeners of Gospel music know that one of the first “Urban Contemporary” Gospel music artists are the collective legends known as The Mighty Clouds of Joy.  Familiar Gospel groups like the Winans, Commissioned, Men of Standard, The Neville Brothers, and many other all male Gospel singing group could probably admit that they patterned some form, style, or harmony arrangement based on what this group presented as early as the 1950’s. 

If secular artists such as the Rolling Stones to Earth, Wind, & Fire, Marvin Gaye to Aretha Franklin have been relishing this music for over 40 years, surely the bona-fide Gospel quartet fans must be yearning for their latest release, In The House Of The Lord…Live In Houston (EMI Gospel.)

As soon as the band strikes up on Been Good To Me, the foundation that has sustained The Mighty Clouds of Joy for nearly five decades is resonant in the earnest testimonies rendered in their songs.  This groovy, upbeat selection is just enough for “Mama-Dear” to tap her toe and for the teenagers to get it on.  In it you will hear a fabulous horn section that even “Maceo” and the boys (from James Brown) could take a few notes from.

Before you have chance to wonder how far into this new style of Gospel the “Clouds” have ventured, you are immediately reminded of their roots as they take you back to that hand-clappin-foot-stompin’ church out in the country part of Alabama that founder Joe Ligon often refers to on the title track House Of The Lord.

The Clouds display their diversity by featuring a remake of Order My Steps originally sung by the Women’s choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.  Although the partnering founder of the Clouds, the late Johnny Martin passed away in 1987, his legacy continues through the styling of Michael McCowin who sings on this track with reminiscent high pitches that are sung for extended lengths and that have become signature for this group.  With the background harmonies of Richard Wallace and Wilbert Williams supplying seasoned vocals, the four-member group is complete and the Clouds advance and continue to bless us with their musical gifts.

For the devoted fans, the Clouds treat them with the “throwback” chart-topping tune from 1974, Ride The Mighty High.  Joe Ligon says “We got in trouble with this song because everybody thought we gone to ‘rockin’ the road, but it was the beginning of contemporary music…we got fussed at, talked at, and everything else.”  Producers of all walks including Motown’s Berry Gordy approached them to record secular music, and offered them contracts, but even after this Top 10 R&B Hit found them on the popular dance show “Soul Train”, Ligon said “This lil’ country boy just wanna sing Gospel music.” The Clouds proved themselves in ’74 and continue to win over doubters on their ‘05 remake of this classic.  With rhythmic changes that could be comparable to the James Brown sound in the early 70’s, it is evident that the Clouds never felt any intimidation by the popular sounds of the times, as they incorporated the Gospel of Jesus Christ into their music.

The Barber Shop Quartet Association would yearn for the ease in which the Clouds sing the semi-acapella I Need A Church.  Surely the likes of John P. Kee and other self-proclaimed “country” musicians would appreciate the upbeat singing simplicity of the guitar-plucking, toe-tappin’ Lord, I Thank You that demonstrates the strength of what is known as driving the vamp with repetition of the title.

Although Gospel music is supposed to have the capability of crossing all denominational barriers through its music, it is evident that the hard-core Baptist church piano chords are the foundation of If Jesus Can Fix It.  After this “slow jam” reaches the pinnacle in its modulation, any listener should feel encouraged, inspired and convinced that the Lord will indeed fix it.

Keep On Doing It is a happy, head-nodding, shoulder-shrugging, affirmation of God’s goodness.  Traditional is the essence of the sound of this short, but spunky tune that Ligon says "We better leave it alone…” but picks right back up and repeats that the Lord needs to “Keep On Doing It…To Me.”

The reassuring God Can engages the live, Houston audience by encouraging them to affirm their faith in God’s ability by singing such crowd interacting gestures such as  “wave your hand” (a popular directive given by Gospel groups that have sung live for several years as a means of engaging the audience.)  Immediately following, Ligon segues from God’s abilities to his mother’s prayer time with the Lord, when she prayed for basic supplements such as flour and meat on Mama Prayed Us Through.

The Clouds offers Gospel fans a wonderful treat on their Urban Contemporary track I Believe In The Lord, but couples it with soulful Gospel organ chords and heart-felt lyrics that attribute their firm foundation in Jesus Christ.

The only way to leave a live show is with a bang, and that is exactly what I Made A Step does for the listener…leaving the audience with a charismatic, “four-four” timing, a classical Clouds tune complete with the roaring and redundant “Oh”, “Yeah”, and “Woo” fanfare that has become associated with The Mighty Clouds of Joy.

This project proves once again that true Gospel singers “never” retire in the words of Joe Ligon.  If anyone needs to take notes on producing a live show, how to segue from one song to another, how to interact with the audience and how to be a Christian entertainer, then one should indulge in this album.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy once again have delivered a compilation of music they are legendary at providing.  They have risen above the criticism that many Urban Contemporary artists still face.  However, unlike many modern day artists, The Mighty Clouds of Joy have experienced many, dark cloud-filled days of sadness, grief, and trouble.  During the 60’s the well-traveled Gospel group were denied rest and occupancy in certain motels and were forced to eat their meals off of greasy paper plates from the back door of hotel kitchens. 

For these reasons, the triumphant spirits are very audible in their singing today.  They have “rained” a sweet spirit upon the lives of people, offering a ‘mighty’ source of replenishing hope.  We still need The Mighty Clouds of Joy to keep providing their classic, vibrant style of Gospel music…even after 35 albums and 45 years of singing.