Sound of the New Breed (Freedom) - Reviews

Sound of the New Breed
Freedom

There has always been a buzz around the ultra-talented roster of singers of New Breed. Well, the group gets to showcase their talents on the first of a new series of albums entitled Sound of the New Breed. Freedom is the first off the blocks, with Israel Houghton producing with Buddy Strong, and adding Daniel Johnson as the vocal producer.

Like Fred Hammond's popular In the House series, Sound of the New Breed is set to offer reworkings of familiar Praise and Worship songs, including, of course, some of Israel and New Breed's most popular pieces.

Daniel Johnson leads a more syncopated version of "I Am Free" (compared to the original) —sure to reel in those not familiar with the song, and cause those who do know it to appreciate it all the more. "How Good and Pleasant", also featuring Johnson on lead, is a grooving version of Tommy Walker's original with that New Breed vocal touch that is so sweet without being a distraction.

Israel has always been strategic and purposeful in including people from different nations in his projects, and Freedom is no different. South Africa's Neville Deidrick wonderfully leads "Arise", a song about wanting God to take His place in the midst of praise. Meant as a piece of celebration, the African feel imparted to it is perfect. Deidrick is a vocalist/musician who shows promise, and may be destined to make waves in the United States with his Butleresque vocals.

The New Breed group also remake "Freedom We Know", made popular by Australia’s Hillsongs, and keeps the global mission and connections going strong.

Jamil Whiting's sweet alto vocals weave throughout "Made Me Glad" and the cut is so soothing as Stacey Joseph and Johnson bring it home. It flows into the pop-flavored, but still worshipful "Breakthrough" in which Joseph and Johnson masterfully share lead duties.

A New Breed project would not be complete without Danielle Stephens. She leads the title track, which is more R&B flavored than the original so she takes the opportunity to slather on her special "butta" vocals to bring this one out. Oh yeah, Daniel Johnson puts his two cents in on vocals.

Freedom is good from start to finish and the praise and worship is awesome all the way through. Big ups to Integrity for bringing forth this series, for the world needs more of the Sound of New Breed.

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Production: Israel Houghton and Buddy Strong album release date: May 2006
Integrity Gospel

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —