by Ayofemi Hunter-Kirby 
Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience.
For more than ten years, Israel Houghton — popularly credited by his first name and with gospel collective New Breed — has brought Christ to crowds in every corner of the globe.
Through his music, Houghton has consistently shared that God is watching – there to guide, direct, and protect every step. And because he is known to infuse instruments and languages from a variety of cultures, each listener is likely able to pinpoint a sound that reminds them of home.
With Houghton's latest release, Power of One, fans of Israel and New Breed won't be disappointed. They will finish the album's last track refreshed and reminded of Houghton's spiritual convictions and vision for the world. What they will also discover is Houghton performing sans New Breed, and without the collective voice of crowds that have accompanied him on previous recordings.
Power of One is Houghton's first solo and studio recorded album. It is also the first release self-described as addressing what everyday people can do for Christ and as a result, for the rest of the world.
Though it is debatable if Houghton has alluded to this theme with songs on previous albums (see: A Deeper Level), he has slightly changed his tune and with this release, has a mission to change the world.
After a brief welcome and introduction from a youthful voice, Houghton jumps right in with "Everywhere That I Go," a joyful and lighthearted track about the relationship between Christ and his believers; a cheerful way to start the listener's journey.
"Just Wanna Say," follows. It is an upbeat song with an arrangement that rivals the best of contemporary counterpart Tye Tribbet and unorthodox rap duo Outkast.
As with previous releases, notable numbers on Power of One are anything but difficult to find. It is always a challenge to narrow Houghton's best down to two or three songs, but particularly in this case because each song has such a distinct sound.
Former dancehall queen-turned-gospel-reggae-artist Chevelle Franklin joins Houghton on "Surely Goodness," bringing a more authentic island vibe to his work than we've heard on previous Caribbean-inspired tracks.
"The Power of One (Change the World)," where Houghton encapsulates the message of his album, has a haunting melody and lyrics that challenge listeners to examine their true mission as a Christian; "What if it all depended on me to change the world / What if my only responsibility was to change the world / Let me be the one to start a revolution / Let me sing my song to the people of the world / It all begins with one / The Power of One."
Article comments
1 - Arizona Rose
Well written Clayton!
2 - Chris Houghton
Just wanted to clarify that The Power of One is not Israel's first solo record. He releases Real in 2002. Still one of my favorites.
3 - Kojo
this album is absolutely amazing as usual, God's hand is truly on Israel... and his son performs in some of the tracks aswell, and he's gonna be as big if not bigger than his dad