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 "The Last Song on the 'B' Side (3)"
My life begins and ends All that I am I surrender to you I’ve never felt so weak and yet so strong... Mary J. Blige "Ultimate Relationship (A.M.)" Love & Life Geffen Records, 2003 
This project is generating a great deal of fanfare, it being Mary J. Blige's famed reunion with her original producer Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. The 18-track set is a real reflection of her current status and newfound relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout the album, Blige makes numerous references to this change in her life and fearlessly recognizes the Lord.Naturally, it makes sense that she moves into new territory with the first definitive Gospel cut of her career titled, "Ultimate Relationship (A.M)". The song speaks of the love that she has for Christ and the way that He speaks to her in the morning. (Click here to check out the lyrics from the chorus.) This song is about as real as it gets, and features only acoustic guitar, played by the ever talented Joey Woolfalk. With the music actually recorded by Fred Hammond's musical director, Daniel Weatherspoon, the song is as musically sound as any track on the project. Co-written by hitmaker Donald Lawrence and also co-produced by Lawrence along with P. Diddy, this dream collaboration, coupled with Blige's genuine passion, makes the song a collector's item. The story is the authentic change that has occurred in Blige's life. Kirk Whalum "Another Beautiful Day" Into My Soul Warner Brothers Jazz, 2003 
Saxman Kirk Whalum knew he needed one more song for his latest solo jazz project, Into My Soul, but he also knew he just 'didn't have it in him'. He says as much and then explains that the song was "in direct response to a prayer I whispered the moment I accepted the challenge; 'Lord, I need You'. There's no question in my mind who wrote this one." And so the glidingly melodic "Another Beautiful Day" with keyboards from John Stoddart was born as the album's lead single.Confessing that he and the others on the project 'prayed before every writing session and every recording session that the living Lord Jesus, the Great Musician, would write and then play a melody through us that would impact each listener (as opposed to us merely 'impressing' them)", Whalum again lets himself be used as a vessel of the Living God, even if this project, a tribute to Memphis soul music, won't be found in the Gospel section. Look for contributions from Isaac Hayes, Kevin Whalum, Wendy Moten and others. Brian McKnight "One of the Ones Who Did" Uturn Motown, 2003 
Brian McKnight is back with his latest album, U-Turn. Consistent with his previous albums, McKnight provides a worthy Gospel offering with the song "One of the One's Who Did". At first glance, one might think it's a remake of a Winans classic, but no, not really. McKnight teams with Kirk Franklin on a touching ballad which speaks of the dependency that we all have on Jesus to pull us through difficult times. The song is socially relevant with references and dedications to our troops and reflects the need that we have for the peace of Christ during these war filled times.McKnight brings his trademark smooth vocals and tight harmonies to this track. Kirk adds his ad libs and McKnight produces. You'll be singing this one for quite a while. Kelly Price "You Brought The Sunshine" Priceless Motown, 2003 
Anytime Kelly Price grabs the mic, you've just got to pay attention. When she teams with The Clark Sisters for a remake of their classic "You Brought the Sunshine", you have to listen. Certainly this combination does not disappoint. With Warryn Campbell at the production helm, the timeless classic gets a welcomed update with a touch of that "Baby Dubb" trademark. Karen, Twinkie, Dorinda and Jacky are all participants and occasionally trade a run or two with Price, and though the song has updated production, it is still very true to its original format. Plus it's a marvelous six and half minutes long!Through Price, a new generation will be exposed to this classic song which lives up to the hype.
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It's been a while since we started this continuing series back in 1999 (see 
God has a wonderful way of using hardship and trial to show His love, goodness and care.
From lead singer of L.T.D. back in the day, to solo R&B sensation, Jeffrey Osborne has been a class act in the land of soul for some time, but has made himself rather scarce of late. On From The Soul, released on JayOz Records, the veteran crooner digs into a set of classic soul, 10-cuts deep, and reminds everyone what good music is all about.
As Ruben Studdard wooed millions of viewers weekly on Fox's American Idol Season 2, the anticipation grew for the artist's debut release. While many were exposed to this exceptional talent weekly, few knew of his love and admiration of gospel music or his admiration for gospel legends Fred Hammond and Commissioned. So, how fitting it is that on Studdard's debut project "Soulful", he features many of the elements that he was influenced by. With Eric Dawkins of Dawkins and Dawkins, co-writing and providing background vocals on two tracks on the project, the Commissioned influence is all over this project.
The Holmes Brothers swing back into secular territory on their latest blues/roots/soul offering,
titled Simple Truths. Wendell Holmes, Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon have more than made their
mark in Gospel over the years, generating a large following with their relentless, memorable and
raw live performances that show themselves to be masters of the fusion of the essence of blues with
the beauty and passion rough-edged Gospel soul.
Yolanda Adams gets the 'Darkchild treatment' on "I Believe", a new song that finds itself on the soundtrack to the hip hop movie, Honey. Amidst an album filled with the latest in R&B bounce and jams, Adams shines with her bright, energetic vocals, finding her comfort zone in soaring ad libs.