Donald Lawrence releases another great album | Posted October 10, 2013
Donald Lawrence continues to amaze and blaze trails in Gospel music. His songwriting and choral arrangements cannot be denied while he constantly and consistently stays on the charts. He releases Best For Last, which is a basically an album to celebrate his 20 years as a Gospel recording artist. He features the likes of Faith Evans, Kelly Price, Natalie Grant along with his current and former group, the Company and Tri-City Singers. Daniel Weatherspoon serves as co-producer and music director for this one.
Natalie Grant does a masterful job on the gorgeous ballad, "God." It's not often that we get to hear Mrs. Herms on a live song, much less a Gospel song. Natalie does not disappoint. Her powerful chops so wonderfully mesh well with the sweet vocals of Lawrence's singers, Company. Such a powerful moment of worship.
Current single, "Best for Last" encourages those who feel that their time to do great things in life has passed. Lawrence smoothly leads this one before letting Yolanda Adams take over to do her good singing. Like many who listen to Gospel music knows, Yolanda knows how to "work a tag" with her squalls and phrasing. His old group, The Tri-City Singers, provides the background vocals and they sound as good as ever!
Another great thing about Donald Lawrence is his constant inclusion of Bible scriptures and his inspiration from sermons that he's heard. He grabs inspiration from Hebrews 4:9 which reads, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God." So Donald makes a mid-tempo gem (with a hint of the '60s) "There Remaineth A Rest," which is based on that scripture and sermon by Dr. Creflo Dollar. Tri-City are again on vocals as Donald narrates through. I cannot get enough of this one and it will cause you to open the Word and study for yourself. He stays on the subject of rest and Company takes the forefront Then things get interesting when things slows down into straight Gospel choir 101. And what do they use for the title of the next song? What else, "'Hebrews 4:9 A Rest' (Vintage Detroit Mix)."
Mrs. Coko (of SWV and wife to drummer Mike Clemons) lends her vocals to uptempo jam, "Mighty God." This is a song that Donald wrote for her on her solo Gospel album. She blazed it better on this level version than she did on the studio version. Rudy Currence is a name that many may not be familiar with. However he was featured on "Lucky Ones" from Lecrae's Gravity. To hear him weave his smooth voice throughout "Instrument" was to hear a voice that is basically doing things that you would hear an instrument do.
Though people dispute the use of "secular" artists on Gospel album, Donald Lawrence has no problems using artists who love God, but happen to sing secular music. There are songs that only "certain" artists can interpret. "Ultimate Relationship" has the stylings of Jazz meets smooth R&B. The lyrics basically lends themselves to a potent love song. The relationship that they are singing about is obviously the relationship with Christ. Lalah Hathaway works her jazzy low register and only she could interpret this song the way Donald wanted it to be sung.
Closing Thoughts:
Yes, this is a collection of old hits with a few new songs, but it just has a freshness to it. It is not a greatest hits album and do not turn a deaf ear to it. If you do, you will truly miss a great album! Well done Donald—AGAIN!
Song to Download Now:
"There Remaineth A Rest" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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