Essential Gospel: A Soul-Stirring Journey You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re into gospel music with a funky twist, Essential Gospel by Various is one of those albums that sneaks up on you and sticks around. Released back in '96 (yep, the 90s were wild for more than just grunge), this US-born gem blends soulful vibes with gospel truths in a way that feels both timeless and refreshingly raw. The label, CGI Gospel LLC, teamed up with some serious talent—executive producers Michael Murphy and Steve Devick, along with producer Ken Wishner—to craft something special. And honestly? They nailed it.
Now, let’s talk tracks because there’s no way I can cover all of them without rambling forever. Two songs stood out to me like neon signs at midnight: “Heaven” and “Right On Time (Introduction From Kim McFarland).”
“Heaven” hits different right from the start. It's got this smooth groove that makes you wanna close your eyes and sway, even if you’re standing in line at the grocery store. The vocals are rich, layered, and kinda make you forget where you are for a sec. Like, whoa, wait, is this heaven already? That’s what makes it memorable—it doesn’t just preach; it pulls you in emotionally. By the end, you might find yourself humming it while folding laundry or stuck in traffic. No judgment here.
Then there’s “Right On Time,” which kicks off with an intro from Kim McFarland that sets the tone perfectly. Her voice has this warm, conversational vibe, like she’s sitting right next to you sharing wisdom over coffee. When the track fully kicks in, it’s uplifting but not cheesy—you know, the kind of song that makes you think everything might actually work out okay. There’s a sincerity here that’s hard to fake, and trust me, I’ve heard enough auto-tuned nonsense to appreciate when something feels real.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going with tracks like “Angels” and “I Will Trust In The Lord,” each bringing their own flavor to the mix. Some lean heavier into funk, others stay firmly rooted in traditional gospel sounds, but they all share that same heart-on-sleeve energy. Even quirky little intros, like Allen Wiggins’ bit on “A Blazing Grace,” add personality and keep things interesting.
What strikes me most about Essential Gospel is how unapologetically human it feels. Sure, it’s polished enough to sound professional, but it never loses its soul. These aren’t just songs—they’re stories, prayers, and moments of hope wrapped up in melodies that stick to your ribs.
And here’s the kicker: listening to this album made me realize how much we need music like this today. In a world full of noise and chaos, sometimes you gotta hit pause and let something as simple as a gospel choir remind you what truly matters. Plus, isn’t it kinda cool that an album from nearly three decades ago still resonates like it does?
So yeah, give Essential Gospel a spin. Whether you're religious or just love good music, it’s worth every second. Just don’t blame me if you catch yourself singing “Heaven” in the shower tomorrow morning.
