Essential Sunday Gospel Brunch

(House of Blues)

First Appeared at The Music Box, March 2000, Volume 7, #3

Written by John Metzger

The House of Blues label has done a tremendous job at shining a well-deserved spotlight on blues artists young and old. It's too bad that the same can't be said for their recent gospel music compilation — Essential Sunday Gospel Brunch.  These are folks who should know better. Each of their venues holds a Sunday gospel service that has received rave reviews, while featuring uplifting and spiritually enlightening experiences. Unfortunately, their double-disc release Essential Sunday Gospel Brunch does little to capture this magic and would need to be trimmed down considerably in order to really be called anything close to "essential."  The problems that plague this compilation are the same as those plaguing gospel music in general. The genre has shifted away from joyous, upbeat celebrations, and instead, somber light pop ballads are being dubbed as gospel music. Just because a song is religious in nature hardly makes it fit the mold.  That's not to say that there isn't some memorable music on this disc, and with a bit of reprogramming, the problem could be solved. However, that still doesn't excuse the House of Blues for reinforcing a terrible shift in direction for a once proud style of music.

Of Further Interest...

Dixie Hummingbirds - Music in the Air: 70th Anniversary Celebration

Ollabelle - Ollabelle / self-titled

Michelle Shocked - 2 Heaven U Ride

Essential Sunday Gospel Brunch is available from
Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!

Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2000 The Music Box