Those seeking a more traditional sound will gravitate toward "Every Prayer" featuring award-winning duo Mary Mary. With crystal clarity and soulful lyrics this song reaches the core of the Christian faith.
Alluding to the Houghton's diversity as an artist, "Sing (Redemption Song)" follows "Every Prayer," leaving listeners to question if Al Green possibly laid the foundation for this track that eventually develops into a sound familiar to fans of Sting to Coldplay.
Martin Smith, lead singer of British Christian rock band Delirious?, accompanies Houghton on "Sing," assuring audiences there is no doubt the heterogeneous arrangement is without flaw.
Then, "Moving Forward," a folksy ballad with a choral-like climax, rouses the brilliance of Houghton as an individual artist, and the unique sound of "You Found Me" featuring rapper tobyMac, can not be ignored.
But even with the assortment of musical genres, each song on Power of One seems to seamlessly follow the next, a demanding goal for even the most experienced artist.
The successful variety of Power of One rouses the possibilities of Houghton crossing over with artists like John Mayer or Alicia Keys, with whom he has performed with publicly. His music is celebratory, never condemning; his work never feels forced and therefore is always welcoming.
His past and current collaborations allude to the great potential of bringing the best songwriters of our time together in spite of differences, to share their talents and similar messages of social justice, individual responsibility and grace with the world.
Overall, Power of One is a quality album and one for both Houghton fans and those unfamiliar with his work to add to or start a collection. With Power of One, Houghton continues to balance the transcendence of believing in Christ as an individual and how through this faith, an individual becomes a part of something much greater than his or herself.
Israel Houghton is currently on a multi-city tour with Chris Tomlin. Power of One will be released on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Learn more at the label's website.
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