Alvin Slaughter’s voice warms and excites like none other. Its richness brings to mind warm rolls with butter or sitting by a fireplace. It as readily exudes the intensity of a football game.

Add to that the fact that the man is singing of Jesus, and you just might have a struggle on your hands. Do you curl up with a blanket or lift your hands in high praise?

On his latest release On The Inside from Integrity Gospel serves up some variations on one constant —the voice of Alvin Slaughter.

Kevin Bond’s hands are put to the production plough, and once again plants seeds and prepares the ground for a plentiful harvest. In a winning writing and producer-singer partnership, Bond and Slaughter each shine in their respective areas. With such ominous individual talents, they remarkably don’t overshadow one another.

Son Sean Slaughter joins in the mix on “Power”. Rap flows come from the junior Slaughter (see album review), punctuated by BGVs from Duawne Starling, Leanne Palmore and Jovanne Woods on this uptempo groove (see Sean Slaughter's tribute to his dad).

The Hymn-structured “I Call The Name” aptly showcases Slaughter’s rich voice. Lyrics paint the dichotomy of Christ. Not to slight Slaughter’s powerful delivery here, but Bonds keyboard tracks could stand alone. Thanks to his production sensitivity we get to hear them together.

“Lord Please Draw Nigh” is similar. Both songs give the feeling of Slaughter standing at the piano with friends. Church choirs everywhere will doubtlessly embrace this approach (see also Slaughter's Rain Down album review).

“Speak To The Mountain” is an uptempo song of faith and encouragement. Background vocals are clean, alternating Starling and Slaughter, with Jonathan Dubose, Jr. appearing on guitar. Dubose’s contribution on V. Michael McKay’s “Grace” is to be noted as well.

On The Inside

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Praise team favorite “Shout Hallelujah” gets a makeover. Penned by Tony Wilkins, the song is the title track to Bishop Clarence McClendon’s intense Integrity release from 2000 (see album review). “Love Is”, co-written by Slaughter and Bond, speaks directly from 1 Corinthians 13.

Slaughter’s own testimonial “I Believe” is among the favored songs on the project. Delivered with a simplicity that focuses on the lyric, it offers affirmation through his declaration of who Christ is as well as reaffirmation of what his promise is to those who believe on Him. The backing vocals team is joined here by the New Birth Chorale, with The Nashville String Machine lending an illustrative hand.

“Passion” joins Slaughter and Bond in unadulterated balladry and pulls together critical musicians such as Jason White on piano and Chris McDonald in arranging the stings. The result is a glistening ode, with the plainness of Slaughter’s call vident and beautifully illustrated.

In his personal testimony, Slaughter’s most endearing quality is his transparency. His openness about where he has been and where he is today bolsters the already undeniable voice and ministry. On The Inside, affords us a compelling musical soundtrack to the story.