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 Gotta Have Gospel!  The dual disc CD set, along with a limited time bonus DVD (containing music videos and electronic press kits), contains masterworks from artists ranging from Yolanda Adams to Kirk Franklin, to CeCe Winans to Israel and New Breed.Divided into an “On The Street” disc and an “In The House” disc, the compilation can be roughly divided along the usual contemporary / traditional lines, although the traditional set also tends to veer towards contemporary, for the most part. Leading the way is the new song from Mary Mary. “Dance, Dance, Dance” is exactly what we’ve come to expect from this duo —joyous, beat-laden Gospel that dares you to throw down with them. There’s a newly mixed version of “Shackles”, where producer Warryn Campbell makes some subtle changes exclusively for this package. Kirk Franklin’s “Don’t Worry” first appeared on the His Woman, His Wife, The Soundtrack, and resurfaces here. It will be like a first time hearing for many; the song has all the hallmarks of Kirk’s great ballads — soulful worship and impeccable timing and vocals from 1NC. Ty Tribbett II with “Superstar” delights the ear with its laidback urban stylings. Tribbett sings “I just love You, oh Lord I just love You for who you are. That’s all, I’m not trying to be a superstar….” Not a newcomer to those with an ear on the East coast in the past while, Tribbett finally gives us a taste of what to expect on his upcoming Columbia release, Life. R.J. Helton, the American Idol finalist, hints at what he’s got cooking with GospoCentric on “My Devotion”, another simmering urban ballad where the pride of Cummings, Georgia lays down his testimony and explains that at the root of his being, he is devoted to God. Raymond & Co. have been creating waves in Europe, having signed to Integrity’s international division. They’re set to cause a stir on North American shores in 2004 with their release Playing Games, and demonstrate that here with the contemporary uptempo sizzler, “No Limit”. Several other labels contribute hits from their artists, including ChurchHowse Music with the pared down, vocally funky “Thank Him” from Ted & Sheri.  A few songs from the original Woman Thou Art Loosed project make a return, including Vickie Winans with “Mighty God Medley” and Bishop T.D. Jakes with “Give Thanks”.There is an art to sequencing a compilation project, and Gotta Have Gospel! is a good example of how it should be done. The timing and mixing of songs is such that the back to back songs not only complement each other musically, but even enhance meaning. CeCe Winans’ “Anybody Wanna Pray”, which follows “Dance, Dance, Dance” does that, as does Israel and New Breed’s “Who Is Like The Lord” which follows Kirk Franklin’s “Hosanna”. Also on the compilation is Stephen Hurd with his soulful take on “There Is None Like You” and J-4 Twenty3, a new trio featuring the fine vocals of Harold Moore, with their version of the praise and worship classic “Above All”. Throw some Lisa McClendon (“Soul Music”), some classic Trin-i-tee 5:7 (“God’s Grace”), some Bryon Cage (“There Is A Name”), some Alvin Slaughter (“Holy Spirit Rain Down”) and lots more, and Gotta Have Gospel! is a recommended pick. Integrity Gospel / GospoCentric Records — reviewed by Stan North —
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