New Direction / RAIN Review - ChristianMusic.com
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New Direction: Rain Review

Missions Statement: Percy Gray Jr.- "More than anything, New Direction has always been about winning young people to the Lord through music. We want them to know they can be modern and aggressive with their music, and still live and witness lives that have been saved by Christ."

2. While the music of the New Direction Choir has always strived to bring the Gospel to young people in a form they can understand, the songs on RAIN are aimed at everyone from all generations to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to life in a meaningful way.

Spiritual Meanings Found in the Songs.....

The songs explore a variety of themes dealing with the character of our Lord and the choices we have in our relationship with the Lord. The importance of praising the Lord always , being grateful for His love and faithfulness, depending on Him, obeying Him and the importance of intercessory prayer for others as well as ourselves are explored in the music. Here are some examples of the themes found in this wonderful collection of songs.

The title song; RAIN - Explores what obedience entails.

A SONG - Power of music in a believer's life.

I'M GONNA WAVE MY HANDS - Be thankful and praise the Lord for His blessings and for His gift of Jesus.

HEAL THE LAND - Only Jesus can heal impossible divisions and the tremendous pain of human suffering. Also brings out the importance of intercessory prayer.

I CAN MAKE IT - Praises the Lord's unfailing faithfulness.

FIRE - Power of the Holy Spirit.

THANK YOU & HANDS UP - Reminds the listener to be grateful to the Lord always; Remember the blessings.

I'M IN LOVE WITH JESUS - Celebrates a loving relationship with Jesus.

I'M READY - Put the Lord first, step out in faith in service as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

HAVE YOUR WAY - Everything we do should bring Glory to God.

Reviewer's Conclusion:

Because of the marvelous, creative way these songs are composed and presented to the listener, one can get easily hooked on the energy, feeling, musical inspiration, spirit, and message of these songs, despite the style or combination of styles the songs are composed in and is a must for anyone's Christian Music collection. The listener will be energized, uplifted and encouraged in their walk with the Lord, and blessed by the songs presented on RAIN, as this reviewer experienced while reviewing this CD.

CD Dedication: This CD is dedicated to the memory of Anthony Harmon.

Songs on the RAIN CD...

* * * NEW DIRECTION - Words and Music by Charles Miller

Lead vocals by Curtis Busta Brown

A contemporary, high energy Gospel Praise song that begins this inspiring Album. It is described as the group's affirmation of faith and their purpose in their music ministry, and is often used as the opening song for the choir's live performances. Belonging to Jesus leads a person in new directions as following our Lord and developing a relationship with Him transforms our attitudes, our priorities; turning our lives in new directions.

What a combination! Bright melody, strong lead vocals, full choir sound produced by 40 + talented, enthusiastic choir members and a dynamite Gospel band; Electrical guitar, organ, keyboard & a sharp horn section which belts out the syncopated counter melody, at a level that impressed this reviewer.

* * * Bridge: Full choir sound, with nice segues into key changes at each step.

Jeral Comments: "We've tried life on our own human terms long enough; this way, that way, every way...and it hasn't worked. So now we're ready to try it the Lord's way, and we're most definitely going in a new direction."

Scriptural References: (Romans 12:2 & 15:13, Matt. 6:33, James 4:14-15, Prov. 4:11)

Lyrical Samples:

I'm headed in a new direction, I'm headed in a new direction, I'm headed in a new direction, I don't wanna go the same ole way.

Chorus: I'm headed in a new direction, I've been that way, I'm going the other way. I'm headed in a new direction, I don't wanna go the same ole way. Repeat

Lord I wanna have a closer walk with Thee. So that I can live, live eternally. Life without you Lord, nothing seems to change. But life in you eternally I will gain. Chorus

Bridge: I'm headed, You know that I'm headed. Repeat

Chorus

* * * + + I'M GONNA WAVE MY HANDS -Words and Music by Percy Gray, Jr.

Lead vocals: Kerlin Vasser

Favorite praise song of this reviewer! An exciting, exuberant, full bore, roof raising Hip Hop beat Gospel Praise song, interestingly mixed with elements of traditional Gospel praise as well. Song has the effect of washing over the listener, and jolting any discouragement, negative feelings, sadness out of one's being, as the joy and thankfulness to the Lord to what he has already done in our lives takes over and settles into the listener's psyche, transforming attitudes, if it doesn't get the listener dancing around the room in joyful praise! Gospel band cooks precisely along, the syncopated counter melody introduced by a hot guitar riff and horns in the introduction, as well as throughout the song itself.

Scriptural References: (Thess. 5:16-18, Phil. 4:4-7)

Lyrical Samples:

Chorus 1: Leader: What cha gonna do when you get saved? Choir: I'm gonna wave my hands! (4 times)

1) Lead vocal: While you have a chance...you ought to wave your hands, The Lord's been good to you, you ought to give Him praise. Get up, jump up on your good foot, Let's show them how. The devil don't like it when you give God the praise.

Chorus 2: Leader: What cha gonna do on Sunday morning? Choir: I'm gonna wave my hands. (4 times)

Repeat verse 1.

Chorus 3: Leader: What cha gonna do when you get paid? Choir: I'm gonna wave my hands.(4 times)

Hook: All together: Raise up! Send the praise up! Everybody....Raise up (repeat)

* * + THIS IS THE DAY - Words and Music by Anthony and Tony Tidwell

Lead Vocals: Hezekiah Walker

Comments: An energetic Praise song to pump up any listener, performed in the Urban Gospel / HIP HOP genres, done in New Direction's unique style. Again, song features great lead vocals, full choir sound, crisp syncopation, and fine key change segues which add sparkle to the song.

Scriptural References: (Psalm 118:24)

Lyrical Samples:

This is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice. This is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice.

Clap your hands, Stomp your feet, Let us rejoice. Clap your hands, Stomp your feet, Let us rejoice.

* * * HEAL THE LAND - Words and Music by Vincent Gray

Lead vocals: Cedric Sean Hodo

A lovely contemporary Gospel prayer hymn ballad, asking Jesus to heal all those hurting from violence, hatred, and the ugliness produced by human kind's fallen nature. Features piano and strings, and soulful lead vocals of Cedric Sean Hodo, and the lovely harmonies of the choir in Chorus & Hook which one is treated to on this CD.

Scriptural References: (Galations 5:19-21, Rev. 21:4, Romans 5:1-5, 1 Peter 5:7, John 14:1)

Lyrical Samples:

Innocent blood, in the land. So much killing, in the land. People are dying, in the land. My prayer, heal the land. There is hatred, in the land. There is crime, in the land. No love, in the land. My prayer is, heal the land.

Chorus: Heal the land, heal the land. My prayer is, to heal the land. My prayer is, to heal the land.

So much trouble, in the land. Guns and drugs, in the land. Gangs are on the uprise, in the land. My prayer is, to heal the land. Chorus.

So many crises in the land. There is no peace, in the land. There is no love, in the land. My prayer is, heal the land. Chorus

Hook: Heal the land, Heal the land, Heal the land, Heal the land. My prayer is, to heal the land. Come on Jesus, won't You heal the land? (Come on Jesus, won't You heal the land?) Repeat Heal the land. (Heal the land)

* * * + + I'M IN LOVE WITH JESUS... Words and Music by Percy Gray Jr.

Lead Vocals: Percy Gray Jr.

Favorite worship song of this reviewer. A lovely contemporary Gospel prayer/ worship hymn, a love letter to Jesus, that would be at home in any denomination. Features full, sweet choral harmonies which vocally flow nicely, providing an excellent vehicle for the melody and meaningful lyrics. Fine lead vocals by Percy Gray Jr. Very nice piano and strings help support and carry the melody. Dynamics build slowly throughout the song.

Jeral Comments: "No matter how far we stray from the Lord, when we finally come back to Him, He still loves us the very same. He's forgiven me more than a brother, and I just love Him for holding such an amazing love for me and all his children. That's a genuine, superhuman kind of love, and when people hear the song, it really ministers to them, because it's something that's offered to us all equally, and that we've all shared in."

Percy comments: "The song deals with our relationship with God. No matter how far I stray, He still loves me, and I love Him. So it's a relationship song, a love song. A love song to God."

Scriptural References: (John 4:19, Ephesians 3:18-19, Romans 8:38, Psalm 136, Matt. 22:37)

Lyrical Samples:

Every time I think about You, Every time I read about You, Every time I hear Your name, I start to smile. Every time the sun starts shining. Every time the winds starts blowing. Every time I feel Your anointing, I start to smile.

Bridge: Let me take the time to say I love You. Let me take the time to say I care....

I love You Lord. Every time I think about You. I love You Lord. Every time I read about You. I love You Lord. Every time I hear Your name, I start to smile. I love You Lord. I love You Lord. Every time the sun starts shining. I love You Lord. Every time the winds star blowing. I love You Lord. Every time I feel Your anointing, I start to smile. I love You Lord.

I'm in love with Jesus. And He is in love with me. I'm in love with Jesus. And He is in love with me.

Hook: Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes. I'm In love with Jesus And He is in love with me. Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes,Yes. I'm In love with Jesus.

 

* * * + FIRE - Words and Music by Jeral Gray Sr., Percy Gray Jr/Levi Stewart

Lead Vocals: Natahsa Robinson. Rap: Levi Stewart

A great combination of Hip Hop, Rap, and Urban Gospel, describing the effect of the Holy Spirit, which helps us accomplish in various assignments given to us by the Lord, and keeps us strong in our spiritual struggles.

Band really cooks and sets the spirit of the song, from the intro to the end, with plenty of dotted eight note/syncopated rhythm, and counter melody, which the vocals pick up and propel the driving melody and lyrics, all to fine effect on the listener. Strong lead vocals once again and nice harmony by choir. The Rap segment is clear as a bell, and said with feeling. The listener will be lifted out of any nasty attitude one is suffering and focus on the Holy Spirit which inspires, encourages, and empowers us to step out in faith.

Scriptural References: (Jer. 20:9, Acts 2:3, 1 Peter 4:11-13, Phil. 1:6 & 2:15, Ephesians 6:10-18)

Lyrical Samples:

Chorus: I can feel the Fire, Shut up in my bones. Like Jeremiah, It won't let me alone. I can feel the Fire. Shut up in my bones. Like Jeremiah, It won't leave me alone.

Female vocals: There's something down inside of me. I can't hold my peace. All I know it feels good to me, way down in my bones. It makes me wanna run, scream, and throw up my hands. I'm feeling something special, that you may not understand.

I got something that will keep me. I got something that will make me strong. I got something that will hold me, And it won't leave me alone. I wanna run, I wanna scream, I wanna shout and throw up my hands. I'm feeling something special, that you may not understand.

Rap: I can feel the fire moving deeply down into my soul. Warming up my elements where my spirit was cold. It got my bones spiritually heated. Because I have been treated with God's holy anointing which was something that I needed. I excel to another level. Serving God and coming against this lying devil. How could I fail cause I got this whole armor on. I'll be like Jeremiah, warming up your soul and never leave you alone.

* * * A SONG - Words and Music by Percy Bady

Another gem of a song from Percy Bady. Reflects how singing can bring you closer to the Lord, and is a strong tool to keep being firm in your faith through any trial or tribulation. Music is a great way to remember the Lord's promises, His love and faithfulness, and helps to chase away the doubts and negative thoughts.

Describe it as contemporary Gospel, which features piano, guitar, some strings, a lovely melody, strong lead vocals (Percy Bady), lovely choral support, nice segues, and dynamics and nice use of major and minor keys.

Scriptural References: (Psalm 81 & 92:1-3, Acts 16:19-25, Phil. 4:4)

Lyrical Samples:

Lead: A song can change the whole atmosphere, Move you to tears, stir up joy within. A song can speak when trouble weigh you down. Encourage your faith, chase away your doubts.

B- Section: Do you have a song? Do you have a song? (when you are down and out).... etc.

Hook: Don't lose your song, just keep on singing. When things go wrong let the melody keep ringing. Deep in your heart, there's a song that you feel. Let it ring, lift your voice just sing.

B-Section /// Hook

* * * HANDS UP - Words and Music by Percy Gray Jr.

Vocals: Features New Direction Choir

A snappy, HIP HOP Gospel praise song, sure to get the listener out of any blue funk, as it puts the focus on praising the Lord for all the little and big blessings we experience daily and for His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who loved us enough to die on a cross for our sins. Music accompaniment really cooks with syncopation used in its lively rhythm and melody, brought forth by the piano, sax, horns, guitar, organ, percussion, all elements of a contemporary Gospel band, playing HIP HOP. The melody and message are brought to light by spirited full choir sound, with great harmonies, great diction, great spirit.

Percy Comments: "All you have to do is wake up in the morning and see the bright sun shining, and it starts you thinking how God has been to you. And when You're grateful to God, it's a natural reaction to lift your hands to praise Him and give Him glory."

Scriptural References: (1 Thess. 5:16, John 3:16, Ephesians 1:4-8)

Lyrical Samples:

When I woke up...This morning....My family was doing fine.... Then I looked.....Out my window.....I saw the bright sunshine.... My hands went up... I started praising God... For giving me another chance, yes, (repeat).

Bridge: My hands went up... My hands went up...

Hook: When I think of what He done... And all He's done for me....When I think of how He died.... Back on Calvary... My hands go up....My hands go up...

* * * + RAIN - Words and Music by Jeral Gray and Alisa Gray

Lead Vocals: Angel McSwain

A strong favorite of this reviewer. This CD title song can be described as a flowing Contemporary R & B Gospel hymn, about a person accepting the work that the Lord wants her to do for His kingdom. Features the sweet vocals of Angel McSwain who sings the verses, strongly carrying the melody, and leads the choir in the chorus of the song. The chorus interestingly rises in half step intervals, adding interest and emphasis to the song. Softer sound of acoustic guitar and strings help support the main melody.

Scriptural References: (2nd Cor. 12:9, Phil. 2:13-15 & 3:12 & 4:13)

Lyrical Samples:

I can hear Your voice calling me. Telling me that I have work to do. Even though I know that I'm not worthy. But I'm willing Lord, whatever You say.

Chorus: Rain down, Oh rain down. Oh rain down, On me. Oh,Oh....Repeat.

I know it won't be easy Lord. To tell a dying world to repent of their sin. I don't want to wait too long. For You're coming back again. Chorus

Hook: Rain down. Rain down. Rain down.

* * + I GIVE YOU PRAISE - Words and Music by Percy Gray Jr.

A spirited contemporary praise song that cooks with Latin rhythm and style, and does a wonderful job praising the Lord for his love and faithfulness, which results in getting the listener pumped up and in a spirit of thankfulness. Features an energetic female ensemble group, carrying the melody with well-written harmonies showcase the spirit and life of the song, supported by strong piano/keyboard work, horns, and guitar, and of course a peppy Latin percussion beat. Dynamics slowly build throughout the song.

Scriptural References: (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 2:5, Psalm 105:2, James 3:13)

Lyrical Samples:

Every time I hear ya, Every time I feel ya, Every time You talk to me I get excited. No one can love me, No one can hold me close. Nobody but You Lord I get excited.

With my hands and my feet, I praise Ya. With my heart and soul, I praise Ya. With the fruit of my lips, I praise Ya. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord I give You praise.

* * * I CAN MAKE IT - Words and Music by Percy Bady

Lead Vocals: Alisa Shaunta Gray

A strong favorite of this reviewer. Lovely contemporary, soulful Gospel hymn, well crafted by Percy Bady and sung beautifully by Alisa Gray, and the new direction choir with strong harmonies, great dynamics, meaningful lyrics that can be found in Bady's work. Features strong piano, organ and keyboard work.

A strong declaration that the Lord is always faithful and can be depended upon to be with us, seeing us through what ever life throws at us.

Scriptural References: (Hebrews 6:19-20, Phil. 4:6-7, 13 & Romans 15:13)

Lyrical Samples:

I can make it, I can stand. Stay with me hold my hand. You are my peace, You are my joy, I can make it, I can stand...

I can stand, stand, stand (I can do all things through God) etc....................................

* * * THANK YOU - Words and Music and Lead Vocals by Percy Gray Jr.

Another bright praise hymn with elements of jazz, Urban Gospel and R& B melded into the composition and delivery of the song. Percy leads his own song, with the choir on their toes musically as usual. Interesting vocal styles are good examples of new school singing, but the form is still in a Gospel format with the leader leading the choir. The message of the song clearly reminds the listener to be grateful to the Lord for his love and faithfulness during trials and every day life.

Scriptural References: (Hebrews 13:5-6, Deut. 33:27, Psalm 27:1, 5, John 10:27-30)

Lyrical Samples:

Every time I stumble, (Every time I stumble), Every time I fall (Every time I fall), You came to my rescue, When no one else.. I really wanna thank You. I really really do (I really really do). For showing me favor (For showing me favor), I owe so much to You. (I owe so much to You).

Chorus: Everybody say, Thank You, OH, Oh, Oh, I really really do. For showing me favor, I owe so much to You. (Repeat)

When I was in trouble, Just the other day. You showed me that You love me. You never walked away. I lift my hands to glory, I give You all the praise Right now I can say Thank You, For letting me see another day. Chorus

* * * I'M READY - Words and Music by Kirk Franklin

Lead Vocals: Emont Wilkins

This fine addition to this CD has all of Franklin's musical strengths in composing and song writing, as he glorifies and gives praise to the Lord through his musical gifts. Features great dynamics, and the New Direction choir was put to work musically to reflect their considerable talent in vocal support of the strong lead singer, Emont Wilkins, bringing Franklin's full harmonies to life as they shine in the chorus and especially the bridge, when the various harmonic parts come in one by one, building nicely to the Hook. One could describe the song as a Hip Hop urban Gospel Praise song with great syncopation highlighted by a precise horn section, guitar, and keyboards which cooks mightily along.

The total musical product in this song brings the message of these lyrics roaringly to life, which encourages the listener to put the Lord first, step out in faith in service as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Scriptural References: (2nd Cor. 12:9-10, Romans 5:1-5, Ephesians 4:22, Romans 12:2, Luke 10:27)

Lyrical Samples:

Chorus: If you're ready, then I'm ready, To be totally committed to You. I'm forgetting, those things behind me...So I can be....Committed to You, Jesus. (Repeat)

Whatever You need, Lord, You can use me. I'll give You my life my heart and my soul. (My, my, my soul). I can't forget Lord what You've done for me. By Your grace I've been changed. I'm no longer the same. Chorus

You never told me that the way would be easy. You even told me I would (Cry sometimes, but that's all right). Cause in my weakness Lord You made me strong (It may hurt for a while) But it won't last long. Chorus

Bridge: Tenors: Totally committed, totally committed .......Sop/ Alto: Totally committed to ...You Lord I'm committed.

Hook: Whatever You want Jesus, Whatever You need Jesus, I promise I'll be Jesus, committed to you I'll give You my life Jesus, No matter the price Jesus. I will, I will be Committed to YOU.

* * + HAVE YOUR WAY - Words and Music by Levi Stuart and Curtis Busta Brown

Lead Vocals: Curtis Busta Brown

A perfect song to end the CD. A lovely song of prayer and worship, with a simple melody, which changes as the song floats along. Begins simply with a quiet flow to it, which builds in intensity, emotion, and feeling.

A great song to end the CD.

Lyrical Samples:

I'll do it all, for Your Glory, so that You may have Your way. (Repeat 4x)

For Your Glory, I do it, so that You may have Your way

I'll do it all, for Your Glory, so that You may have Your way.

For Your Glory, I do it, so that You may have Your way. When I lift my hands its for Your Glory.

Lord I need You in this temple today. Lord, lift this heavy burden, Have Your way, in this place.

Oh Jesus, reign for ever, have your way.

Hallelujah

Julie Carr - Reviewer for ChristianMusic.com

To find out more about New Direction, visit the Gospocentric Web-Site

References: Material from McCain and Company, Article from Gospel City