Sound Off

Trey Songz' debut generally speaks for itself- "I Gotta Make It"- With enough vocal punches on this set that will solidify his sound in contemporary R&B music. He can definitely sing, which is not a question, nothing like the uber-Usher wannabes with similar signatures dance moves. Definitely a must have. The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has even placed her stamp on him and the album as well in an introduction and an outro. Highlights: "I Gotta Make It" feat. Twista (title cut), "Gotta Go" and "Make Love Tonight".
Mr. Anthony Hamilton returns with his sophomore studio album, garnered with sincere songs and a hopeful hot commercial success. Let's hope this time around for him, he is able to pull off another platinum-seller to add to his discography. If you really dug the old school sounds a la Bill Withers, Sam Cooke or Al Green, his crooning voice does them justice- "nobody should be worried."

Highlights: "Can't Let Go" and Pass Me Over" also "Sista Big Bones"

The Rose of Gospel deserves all the accolades as all her other sisters from the legendary gospel sensations, The Clark Sisters. Dorinda Clark-Cole, the underrated voice of today and in traditional gospel history. Who can sleep on her sound, she definitely knows how to work her tunes around any song. Check this out! Highlights: "So Many Times", " Nobody But God" and "Everything He Promised".
The Princess of Hip Hop/Soul, Ashanti, puts together all her chart-topping "Collectibles" on this set with a few collaborations to go along. (Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, Cadillac Tah, Free {formerly of 106&Park}) After a little hiatus for her label, The Inc. Records, courtesy of Universal/Def Jam, we can expect more music from this starlet. Highlights: "Focus (Remix)" , "Breakup 2 Makeup" and "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)"J. Moss needs not any introduction on this "project". He comes also from a family of harmonious voices. The cousin to the world renowned gospel female quartet, The Clark Sisters, son of Bill Moss (of Bill Moss and the Celestials) and the nephew of the late Mattie Moss Clark. It doesn't get any better than that and this CD does not disappoint from start to finish. I could list the entire album as all hits which is rare. Definitely the best gospel male vocalist of 2005. Highlights include: "Work Your Faith (studio version), "Psalms 150", " We Must Praise", "Don't Pray and Worry", "The More I Think and "Unto Thee".