Stellar production and songwriting join forces in Here Is Our Praise, the sophomore release from Freda Battle & the Temple Worshippers. Freda transitioned from a regional artist to a national artist with her debut rele... more »ase, Serious Praise, in 2002. She is now preparing to go global with her collaboration with internationally recognized artist & producer, Israel Houghton, on her latest offering. Houghton infuses Freda?s signature worship songs with a sound that elevates Here Is Our Praise to ?another level?, exuberant and unrestrained gospel music that will move you beyond your own experience in praise. Featuring thirteen tracks that are poised to redefine the worship experience, Here Is Our Praise is already one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2006.« less
Stellar production and songwriting join forces in Here Is Our Praise, the sophomore release from Freda Battle & the Temple Worshippers. Freda transitioned from a regional artist to a national artist with her debut release, Serious Praise, in 2002. She is now preparing to go global with her collaboration with internationally recognized artist & producer, Israel Houghton, on her latest offering. Houghton infuses Freda?s signature worship songs with a sound that elevates Here Is Our Praise to ?another level?, exuberant and unrestrained gospel music that will move you beyond your own experience in praise. Featuring thirteen tracks that are poised to redefine the worship experience, Here Is Our Praise is already one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2006.
CD Reviews
GREAT PROJECT
Holla Walla | New York, NY | 06/29/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After 25+ years in Gospel Music & ministry, i truly see the growth spiritually, and musically in Freda Battle. I've been familar with Freda's music for quite awhile now. Dating back to Family & Bay State days! Even though this is Freda's sophomore project on the national scence, she's recorded over 10 projects in her career!! This being the third (3) coming from the Temple Worshippers. Dating back to 1998 when she founded the Temple Worshippers, a collection of singers from the Boston area!
This project, is her best effort yet, collaborating with mega producer Israel Houghton!! A very radio friendly, contemporary cross-over project!! Which will be loved by those not familar with her. For those whose been familar with Freda for sometime might be hesitant at first or this project might take awhile to grow on due to not really capturing the 'Freda Sound'! I truly believe this project is going to put her on the map as one of the pre-eminent female worship leaders in America alongside (i.e. Judith McAllister, Martha Munizzi, CeCe Winans, Junita Bynum)
Another hit for Freda was the guest appearances by Israel Hougton on 'I Know The Plans' alongside April Thompson, who has tremendously grown vocally! Not to mention her sister Deborah Thompson on 'Great Is Our God'! Gospel luminary Parkes Stewart did a wonderful job on 'Right At Home/I Love'. It was nice to hear Boston native Clarence Powell on 'And Praise' a favorite of Freda and on 'God Has Ascended'. Another remake on 'For All You've Done' took me a minute to get used too with clashing vocals between Freda and Kerry Strong! It would've been nice to hear more from Kojo Littles who had a short cameo guest appearance towards the end of the song!
The only thing i really miss from this project is the lead vocals of soprano Shirley White! As well as group newcomer tenor Jason Hardy, whose has yet to show the world what he's capable of!
WONDERFUL PROJECT! GREAT SONGS! EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM THIS GROUP!!!"
A Stellar Project
AKingdomchild | Boston, MA | 06/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What do you get when you combine stellar writing with stellar production? A Stellar project that is anointed with the gifts of Freda Battle and Israel Houghton! This project gives the very best of praise and worship and ministers to the heart and soul. Songs will find their way to your worship services, along with song after song that will usher you into reflections of just how good God is. Most times there are only a limited number of great songs on a CD, but this project hits it with high marks on all cuts. Favorites are: Here is our Praise and Right at Home, a groove you'll listen to over and over. Highly Recommended!"
THE BEST ALBUM OF 2006 THUS FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maurice | Washington, DC | 06/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow!!!! What can I say about this album, very regularly do find an album that you can listen to from beginning to end without skipping tracks!!!!!! This album is a must have any all gospel listeners! Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers have been around for awhile and I believe this is their big break!!! Stellar production from Israel Houghton really cut it for them!!!!!
Hit Songs: Sing For Joy, For All You've Done, Here Is Our Praise, Great Is Our God, Over & Over Again, I Know The Plans (featuring Israel Houghton), and Right At Home!!
Do I hear Stellar Awards?? Dove Awards? and Grammys!!!! YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!"
LIVE & IN LIVING COLOR
P. V. Thomas | NEW YORK | 09/18/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF HEARING THE GROUP PERFORM LIVE AT MY CHURCH IN MAMARONECK, NY & I WAS VERY IMPRESSED. NOT ONLY IS IT CLEAR THAT THEY LOVE THE LORD- THEY CAN SANG(NOT SING). I WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS CD, BUT EVEN MORE IF YOU CAN GET TO ONE OF THEIR CONCERTS OR PERFORMANCES- DON'T DENY YOURSELF- GO AND ENJOY THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND HIS ANNOINTED VESSELS."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1