Sound Off

It does not even matter what genre you place Minister Kirk Franklin in or against, he is able to win you over. And while Jesus Christ pens some of the most prolific psalms of today, He uses Kirk to win over more winning souls- one listen and your life can be changed. Highlights: "Looking for You", "Imagine Me", "Could've Been Me (feat. J Moss and Tye Tribett)" and the self-titled cut "Hero".
They call him the Hip Hop Pastor, but this time around, it is hard to tell. Hezekiah Walker and his adored church chorale, Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir bring raw, Sunday morning, church church church sounds back as they are known to do. Definitely a signature Hez album.

Highlights: "Faithful is Our God", "He's Able", "It's More Than That", and "Grateful".

Latoya London, a former American Idol finalist comes with her debut album, with her crisp sounding voice. This album is very adult contemporary, a sound that is missing from radio coming from R&B artists. Good listen. Highlights: "Appreciate","Learned to Breathe" and a cover of "All By Myself".

Father Charles Hayes returns, this time tearing the roof down with the Hands Down anthem of gospel radio and mainstream stations, "Jesus Can Work It Out" featuring the elated hip hop sounds of Miss Dianne Williams. This gem would have you fired up for Sunday morning worship and it was nominated for several Stellar Awards. Highlights: The title cut, "Jesus Can Work It Out/Remix" and "All In His Hands".

Eric Benet returns with an album that should have been a tour de force at this year's Grammy nominations for Male Urban or Contemporary artists. He really poured his soul out on this one, having taking a few years off. The lyricism and his crooning voice are enough to stand on its own. A must have for the grown and sexy. Highlights: Title track, "Hurricane, "Man Enough to Cry" and "I Wanna Be Loved".