The Voices of Citadel (No Joy, No Strength) - Reviews

The Voices of Citadel
No Joy, No Strength

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to church with James Hall? Wonder no more as the Professor takes you to church with the first release from his church choir, The Voices of Citadel.

Titled No Joy, No Strength, the album also serves as the introduction of Hall’s new imprint, Music Blend Records. Centered in Brooklyn, New York, the choir is the musical wing of The Citadel of Praise & Worship, pastored by prolific orator Dr. Kevin Bond, the voice behind many of Hall’s memorable recorded songs.

While traditionally serving as front man for his vibrato-intense chorale Worship & Praise, Hall turns his attention to his church choir to grant the world an 11-track album that may get you packed on a one-way trip to Brooklyn.

With Hall’s Worship & Praise band backing him, he leads The Voices on a journey that blends the familiar with a tinge of diversity, trading his trademark complex harmonies and eclectic compositions for more accessible material that could be successfully replicated by church choirs nationwide.

Songs like “Since I Laid My Burdens Down”, “The Lord Is Right There”, and the title cut will awaken the Pentecostal flair in any listener.

“Nothing But The Blood” is a Brooklyn-based groove that will keep you talking while the Tye Tribbett-penned “I Don’t Know Why He Loves Me” shows what might happen if Stevie Wonder ever dropped his flava on an East Coast choir.

Top it off with “I Will Dwell In The House of The Lord”, a worthy cover of the Youthful Praise hit “I Shall Praise” and you have a sure-fire hit on your hands.

For those who have missed Hall’s presence in the game, The Voices of Citadel will certainly scratch that musical itch and keep you asking for more.

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Production: James Hall album release date: May, 2006
Music Blend Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —