Israel Houghton - The Power of One

Producer: Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims
Record Label:  Integrity Music
Website:  http://www.newbreedmusic.com

Israel & New Breed have been at the forefront of modern worship music for several years now.  The group, led by award-winning songwriter and producer Israel Houghton, has managed to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary as well as white and Black Gospel music.  His songs - like “Friend of God,” “You Are Good,” and “Again I Say Rejoice” - have become staples in worship services across the country.  The group’s last album - Live In South Africa showcased more world music influences - with Israel admitting that he feels called into a greater role of making music from all around the world.  Israel Houghton is now stepping out and recording a solo album - The Power of One.  This new album finds Houghton taking the world music theme to a whole new level - showcasing everything from Black Gospel to reggae and rock to pop - showing all the different musical sides of Houghton.  However, much of The Power of One falls flat on its face as Houghton is an extremely talented vocalist - but that doesn’t mean he can tackle every vocal style with triumph.  “You Found Me” (featuring tobyMac) is an outright disaster musically, while “Saved By Grace” feels like it came from the 80s pop music handbook.  “U R Loved” feels like a left-over from Carman’s R.I.O.T. album - nothing there the least bit memorable musically or lyrically.  There are some bright moments - such as the reggae of “Surely Goodness,” the current pop flair of “Sing (Redemption’s Song),” and the Gospel flavored and corporate sounding “Everywhere That I Go.”  Overall, most of The Power of One feels like Israel was trying to be something he’s not.  Experimenting musically is definitely encouraged at this site - but not to the extent that it causes the listener to be totally turned off.  The Power of One is nowhere near Houghton’s finest work.  Let’s hope he goes back to some of what made him so popular in the first place on the next release.

Track listing:
1.  My Name Iz
2.  Everywhere That I Go
3.  Just Wanna Say
4.  Surely Goodness
5.  The Power of One (Change the World)
6.  U R Loved
7.  Moving Forward
8.  I Receive
9.  Saved by Grace
10.  Every Prayer
11.  Sing (Redemption’s Song)
12.  Better to Believe
13.  You Found Me

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