Donnie McClurkin (We All Are One ) - Reviews

Donnie McClurkin
We All Are One (Live In Detroit)

It's been nearly four years since we've heard recorded music from Donnie McClurkin. As one of gospel's most recognizable vocalists and personalities, McClurkin has remained both busy and visible during this hiatus, juggling pastoral duties with a daily radio show, among other responsibilities.

McClurkin's new recording comes with great excitement as the New York-based pastor's seventh solo effort, We All Are One (Live In Detroit), mixes both studio cuts and work recorded at a live session at Straight Gate Church in Detroit, Michigan in its 14 songs. The end result is another masterful presentation from the two-time Grammy winner.

In addition to being a skilled vocalist, McClurkin is an accomplished writer and producer, penning and producing all but one of the album's songs. Assisting his production efforts are famed producer Alex Asaph Ward, Kenneth Shelton, and L. Trenton Phillips.

The only song not produced by McClurkin is the orchestral masterpiece "Purple", which is handled by Darin Atwater. The song expresses the beauty of God's love with McClurkin's vocals supported by the Atwater-conducted Soulful Symphony.

This effort has no shortage of impressive vocalists lending their gifts. Karen Clark-Sheard partners with McClurkin on the powerful and moving lead radio single "Wait On The Lord". The mid-tempo track "When You Love" sees the all-star combination of CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, and Mary Mary add their color to a song that focuses on the joys of giving all forms of love.

The ballad "All We Ask" features Duawne Starling, Andrea Mellini, Sherry McGhee, and Stellar Award nominee Nancey Jackson-Johnson on lead vocals with McClurkin on piano.

Throughout the project, McClurkin excels at fusing the familiar while moving forward in some new directions. McClurkin's trademark sound is found in the praise jam "Trusting In You" and the soon-to-be-Sunday morning favorite "The Great I Am".

The pop/rock-flavored "Choose to Be Dancing" showcases McClurkin in a new but comfortable musical environment. The unifying nature of the title track really showcases the pastor's desire to see unity within the entire body of Christ, from church life to the music industry.

Once again, McClurkin presents a body of work filled with excellence in both musical and lyrical presentation. Chalk up another hit for Pastor McClurkin. It's another worthy add to your library.

Email This To A Friend

Production: Donnie McClurkin, Alex Asaph Ward, Kenneth Shelton, L. Trenton Phillips album release date: March 31, 2009
Verity Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —