There Will Be a Light

Modern gospel, with reggae, R&B, doo-wop, and bluegrass influences. Suffers from overproduction, and many of the tracks with multiple vocalists feel perfunctory, but some of the simpler songs really shine. I liked: 3, 5, 6, and 11. No FCC’s.

Track 1: Technically proficient but unsurprising percussion, funk-lite electric guitars. Lacks the euphoria present in many good gospel songs.
Track 2: Sounds like a pale sad echo of a Janis Joplin song.
Track 3: **Mellow 1950’s-style accompaniment is nothing remarkable, but the vocals on this track are sensitive, surprising, and heartfelt.
Track 4: Reggae-tinged.
Track 5: ** Meditative instrumental, with an Indian feel.
Track 6: **Dark and simple. Allusive lyrics about poverty of spirit.
Track 7: Opens with a muted organ that’s supposed to sound heavenly, with a steel guitar coming in to give a sort of Sandals Resort Caribbean feel. Reminds me of slimy televangelists.
Track 8: *Relentless rhythmic percussion and vocal backup. Emotion builds and ebbs nicely.
Track 9: *A cappella. Lovely chanted harmonies.
Track 10: *Sweet R&B style, with soloist and chorus. The surprising twist and the end of the refrain saves it from utter blandness.
Track 11: **Opens with a rousing tambourine. Bouncy country-style rhythm. Infectious.

-Kathryn