Its not the same kind that my folks and my grandparents used to listen to back in the day. Its got a hotter, hipper sound to it now. More Michael Jackson, less Mahalia Jackson It's certainly come a long ways, which is a good thing


21:03 "You"



Krystle Meyers "Make Some Noise"
I dont know if she'd be classified as gospel tho, she's got more of a rock sound.


Mary Mary "Get Up"

It's not always a good thing. It seems that some of the acts have forgotten the reason gospel music was created. On the other hand, a lot of it is more inspirational than gospel. "Gospel" is to tell the good news of Christ. "Inspirational" is just music to inspire.

Kirk Franklin started all of this with "Stomp." Others will say it was the Clark Sisters with "You Brought The Sunshine," one of the first, if not the first, gospel songs to play on secular stations.

Stomp


You Brought The Sunshine

daPrettyman said:

True, however these artists and their songs are classified as 'Gospel'--they have that label attached to them, even tho their sound is more mainstream and inspirational sounding. I guess that's because they mention the name God or Jesus in their songs, that differentiates them from the other inspirational songs that are out there.

I can understand them wanting to reach out to a wider, more mainstream audience tho. To appeal to today's audience they have to at least have an updated sound. What I also like is that it seems that Gospel music is diversifying it's sound. You've got the crooners, rockers, pop singers, etc. A little something for everyone.

shesoffthewall said:

The Clark Sister song reminds a lot of Stevie's Master Blaster (Jammin')

Twinkie Clark did admit to using inspiration from Stevie's song. I don't think he got credited for it though.

shesoffthewall said:

I remember when Kirk Franklin came out with "Stomp". Everyone was going crazy over it as if it was the best gospel song ever recorded, but I was more like :rolleyes: Whateva! I wasnt all that impressed with it and didnt think it was all that great. Yet it seems like the mainstream first started paying serious attention to the gospel music genre when this song was released.

Now I love the Clark Sisters "You Brought the Sunshine". Now that's a classic I'll give them the credit for starting the modern gospel music movement.

I recall my friend telling me that they were playing Stomp at a strip club she went to.

That says a lot.

Here's three of my favorite artists, Dietrick Haddon, Tonex and TobyMac. The best in the biz IMO


Dietrick Haddon, Ruben Studdard & Mary Mary "Love Him Like I Do"



Tonex "Personal Jesus"


TobyMac "Boomin"
[Edited 10/29/08 10:44am]

NaughtyKitty said:

Some of these people aren't doing it to reach out. Some of these people are doing this for the check and not the message. I think people like Kirk started out to spread the message to a new audience, but as they grew in popularity, they became about the money. Not saying that was a bad thing, I just think it sends the wrong message to some.

I take comfort im my "Say Amen Somebody" soundtrack and my old school Mississippi Mass Choir recordings

nammie said:

Are they "old school"?

I guess I'm getting old, because I think Old School gospel is James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, Mahalia Jackson, etc. I think of the MMC as recent (even though they've been recording for around 20 years).

daPrettyman said:

Some of it is, regarding MI Mass Choir, it is the closest I can get to James Cleveland. As far as the "Say Amen Somebody" soundtrack that IS as old school as you can get!!

I dig old school gospel.

Most of the new gospel I can't dig but I did love Mary Mary's "Shackles" when that came out.

daPrettyman said:

I agree. Some of it is good, some of it is like "well what the hell is the difference between this music and secular music"? Yeah Kirk Franklin has put out a few decent songs, I remember his first album was the "it" album to have...but now, he samples just as much as rappers do. I do appreciate the efforts in reaching the younger generation by the new sound, but when I'm feeling down and out (and I most definitely have been going through some strong storms, trials and tribulations in my life right now) nothing soothes me or comforts me or inspires me more than putting on some Mighty Clouds of Joy (I've Been In the Storm Too Long, Walk Around Heaven All Day), Mahalia Jackson (Amazing Grace, Walk in Jerusalem), and even Aretha (How I Got Over, Getting Ready to Go).

I do like the new Mary Mary song (Get Up)...its good for rejoicing in the Lord and appreciating life, but its like a Christian club anthem or something. I don't know.