EMI Gospel is streaming the full audio from Smokie Norful's Limited Edition EP on SmokieNorful.com. Be sure to check it out while you can!

Smokie Norful has taken the gospel industry by quiet storm. His debut solo project I Need You Now on EMI Gospel was easily the sleeper project of 2002 (see album review), but was vigorously awakened from its rest by a brisk shake from The Hopeville Tour.

Norful was gifted with a brief solo spot that allowed the headliners to segue, and introduced many to the powerhouse talent and anointing of Norful. His smash single “I Need You Now” has propelled him to the top of the Soundscan charts and, perhaps unpredictably, is seeing some mainstream airplay.

Norful’s latest release is a treat to his fans and a sort of snack to hold them over until his next full release is ready to drop in 2004. However, a full sized helping of any snack food will make you full and that’s exactly what Smokie Norful: Limited Edition does.

Co-produced by Norful and Myron Butler, many of your favorites from I Need You Now are redone live. Recorded in a session at his home church of Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Chicago, songs like “Still Say Thank You” are allowed to linger a little longer than the previous studio versions.

Pastor Jamal Bryant delivers a loaded sermonette that effectively intros “He’s All I Need”. The tune has a repetitive hard driving vamp that gives Smokie a field to run through. Hand clapping and foot stomping abound on “Praise Him”. Derrick Buckingham glides through the musical mix with a notable lead guitar. Pastor Marvin Wiley also stirs the crowd up with an aural interlude.

And of course, no limited edition of Norful’s would be complete without “I Need You Now”. Captured from a live rendering at Bishop Jakes’ Manpower 2003 in the Georgia Dome. The freedom Norful has to deliver affords an extra personal delivery. Norful adds in traditional hymn “I Need Thee” and a few other twists and turns.

A favored Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” is a surprise treat. A precursor to the holidays that are soon upon us, the song’s strength is in Norful’s lower register. It paves the way for a simpler sound for him, the hallmark of a well-rounded and skilled singer. Production on this track is seamless, by Cedric and Victor Caldwell.

Though much of the material is familiar, this release still manages to offer a fresh presentation of what people are clear they want more of —Smokie. As he shines his way into the hearts of gospel music fans everywhere, don’t miss your chance. Make sure you get your copy of Limited Edition, before they are all gone! (They don't call it 'limited' for nothing).