What You Need To Know
JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise has been a staple in the Gospel music industry since they exploded on the scene in 2001 with “Awesome God” on Gospelflava.com’s label, Evidence Gospel. More albums and hit songs dropped. They evolved from not only having songs for a Gospel choir but also songs that praise teams could sing as well. The consistency has to be noted in this day in age and here in 2019, they remain a locomotive that continues to build respectable momentum. Miracle Worker, on Jamestown Music with eOne Distribution, is their latest offering.

What it Sounds Like
The consistency and tendency to provide fresh and good content continues. It is a huge celebration when Nigerian singer, Tim Godfrey, blazes “Onaga” proving again that the continent of Africa has an extra special “oomph” that they bring to anything they touch. Kimberly Joye and JJ lead the call and response midtempo “No God Like You” while soprano worship leader, Benita Jones, leads us to the throne on “Have Your Way.” Masterful singing by Youthful Praise, raspy and passionate ad-libs by Jones and the tag of “have your way” makes this song one to repeat and add to your playlist. 

Spiritual Highlights
The whole album is centered around Jesus, his glory, presence, and miracle-working power. Anyone knows that there is electricity of sorts when people are gathered together for any sort of musical event. Yet, there is something extra powerful when people worship together. “Elohim” (featuring Darryl Walls of the Walls Group) sort of embodies this when the group sings what is a simple to learn song. When Darryl and Youthful Praise sing things like “Elohim, You are God forever”, then “Yahweh” and then “Hallelujah” even the staunchest of atheists would feel what they may describe as “goosebumps.” I would just describe it as the power of God. 

Best Song on the Record
Although there truly is a pick of really good songs on the album, I would have to pick the title track and lead single as the standout song. Although there is much “noise,” skepticism and cynicism embedding in today’s culture, hearing that people still believe that God still does miracles is quite refreshing. Rich Tolbert helps JJ on lead along with Jahana Jones also getting a small piece. 

For Fans Of
Jonathan Nelson, Tye Tribbett, Tasha Cobbs Leonard