First of all, as a European, when I hear the term gospel music, I think of those 'movie - ish' church choirs with all those beautiful singers, screaming their lungs out, dancing and praising the Lord. So as I started listening to The Murrills' album Family Prayer, this was the kind of image I had in mind. The Murrills are Darwin, Damion, Donnell, Andre, Roger and Arnetta, a singing family based in North Carolina and just like the Detroit based Winans, they convert classic gospel music into contemporary tunes without ever denying the true roots of this Afro - American religious music though. Family Prayer opens and closes with One mo' Time, introduced by a bluesy harmonica it perfectly sets the tone for the record with some tight vocal harmonies and opens up for what I believe immediately is one of the album highlights Better. With this track you really get a clear view on what The Murrills are all about : contemporary music with deep southern gospel roots. As mentioned this album undoubtly is gospel music ... but with a disco twist in Friend of Mine, with an old school sultry soul vibe in Long time Comin' or Don't let me Fall. From nu - soul in How I feel about You, Be the One or Survive to African traditional sounds in Siyahamba. That's what makes this album so fantastic. None of the seventeen tracks sound the same and each cut carries that little unique element that keeps you hooked constantly. Lyrically, The Murrills sing about the problems of modern times. Domestic violence, abuse, depression and to quote Bob Marovich : "it's not your typical grandmother's gospel, but then again, it's not your grandmother's world. Still troubles are troubles and The Murrills remind the listener that, while the issues and beat may have changed, it's still about the one that never changes." Family Prayer stands for me as a very accessible album. I'm not a fanatic gospel fan nor gospel connaisseur, but The Murrills intrigued me from the first song. A modern, qualitative album that should easily enchant traditional gospel fans as well as modern music lovers. An extra credit also for the retro artwork of the CD that makes it even more appealing. A highly recommended album.

A Teach review

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