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The Rebirth of...Beating TimeTHE REBIRTH OF... Kirk Franklin is one of the biggest selling artist in Christian music. His 1997 album sold over two million copies and the subsequent two have sold over a million each. After a year or two sorting out some unfortunate contractual problems with his record company, he's back. There are hints of R&B, hip-hop and reggae. But in the end, this is 'black gospel' resplendent with an incredibly talented choir (check out 'Hosanna' for some spine-tingling moments!), funky band and plenty of motivational hollering. Most of the album was recorded live but there are also a couple of studio tracks thrown in. Mind you, with so much post-production on the live parts it's often difficult to tell the difference. That, for me, is one of the problems with this album. It's all so polished, so perfect, that something of the sparkle and excitement of a live recording has been lost. Franklin may be many things: artist, songwriter, rapper, producer, preacher and worship leader but great singer he is not. Part of his success is due to his recognition of this fact and his decision to stick to what he's good at. Consequently, he has plenty of guest vocalists from the world of gospel music to help out on this project. The somewhat controversial Bishop T.D. Jakes is superb, as is the Jamaican rapper Papa San. A couple of the others though seem as interested in hyping up the audience as leading them in worship. It seems Franklin's contractual problems took their toll on him, and he sees this album as a return to his musical and spiritual roots - a rebirth. He has a simple message to convey through this album. That God has given him the ability to make sense of life's hardships, drawing from the strength that he provides and by looking forward to his heavenly destiny. Aside from some theological vagueness: 'We're gonna be just like Jesus (in heaven)', lyrically, this album is pretty good: 'When I look back on all my mistakes / If it hadn't been for your grace / I don't know where I'd be / Who can love me like you do / And who can hold me when I'm going through it' ('Lookin' Out For Me'). At over 78 minutes, this album is certainly value for money. Plenty of uplifting moments but perhaps a little inconsistent as a whole. Jon Mason© Evangelicals Now - June 2002 |