Hero
Kirk Franklin
Yolanda Adams, Smokie Norful, Fantasia, TobyMac
Producer: Kirk Franklin
Verity, 2005
1 CD
Catalogue #: 71019
EAN: 0828767101927
UPC: 828767101927
You save: 20%
Personnel: Kirk Franklin (vocals, rap vocals, keyboards); Dorinda Clark-Cole, J. Moss, African Children's Choir, Stevie Wonder, Tye Tribbett (vocals); Doc Powell, Todd Parsnow (guitars); Matt Butler (cello); Paulie Cerra (saxophone); Dave Monsch (baritone saxophone); Lee Thornburg, Jamie Hovorka (trumpet); Humberto Ruiz (trombone); Shaun Martin (keyboards, drums); Jerome Harmon (keyboards); Braylon Lacy (electric bass); Terri Baker (drums); Andre Harris, Sheila E., Vidal Davis (percussion).
Though testimonies of faith and questions of morality are still at the heart of Kirk Franklin's message, 2005's HERO represents something of a musical departure for the gospel superstar. Recorded with a full orchestra--complete with lush strings and driving horns--HERO is one of Franklin's most musically ambitious outings.
Featuring guest appearances by Stevie Wonder ("Why"), Dorinda Clark-Cole ("Hero"), and Yolanda Adams ("Afterwhile"), not to mention a song that utilizes a Tears for Fears sample ( "Let It Go"), the album offers plenty of variety, and a few surprises, in addition to its large-scale arrangements. Franklin manages to integrate these new elements perfectly into the celebratory and healing music on which he's built his career.
Tracklist
Kirk Franklin
Hailing from Fort Worth, TX, Kirk Franklin was leading the choir in his Baptist church by the age of 11, and before long, he was contributing material to numerous successful gospel artists. A smash straight out of the gate with his 1994 debut album, Franklin quickly became the biggest gospel star of the '90s, a musical wunderkind who, if he was performing secular material, would probably be ranked with the likes of Stevie Wonder or Prince. Ever the crossover king, he's led a number of ensembles, including the Nu Nation Project and God's Property, to both the gospel and the pop charts.
Yolanda Adams
Contemporary gospel singer Yolanda Adams hails from Houston, Texas, where she spent her young adulthood teaching, modeling, and singing in choirs. Adams's debut, JUST AS I AM, was released in 1987, followed by SAVE THE WORLD (1989), and MORE THAN A MELODY (1995). Adams continued recording and releasing albums into the late `90s when she had a commercial breakthrough with her major label debut, MOUNTAIN HIGH.VALLEY LOW (1999). The album went platinum and netted Adams a Grammy award. THE EXPERIENCE (2001), a live album, also won a Grammy, while that year's BELIEVE, 2005's DAY BY DAY, THE BEST OF ME (a greatest-hits package), and 2007's WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME, a holiday album, continued to enjoy impressive popularity and sales.
Fantasia
The winner of AMERICAN IDOL's third season, R&B singer Fantasia Barrino, is a relative of members of the early-1990s vocal group Jodeci. She received several Grammy nominations for her debut album, 2004's FREE YOURSELF, a tour de force of slow, romantic jams and powerful, melismatic vocal runs.
Related links:
Kirk FranklinYolanda Adams
Smokie Norful
Fantasia
TobyMac
Contemp. Gospel
Gospel
Verity
