Product Reviews
Last go-round, Kirk Franklin was dark and cathartic for The Fight of My Life, but for 2011's Hello Fear, despite the title, Franklin sounds much more positive (but still dedicated). On the cover, he stands at the edge of a rocky cliff, looking serious, ready to confront any obstacle. (After all, saying hello to fear is a welcome and not a withdrawal.) Inside, although Franklin definitely sounds a sober note during his spoken word narrative "The Story of Fear," the music is different: hopeful, inspired, encouraging. The album title is especially ironic given that Hello Fear features some of the most uplifting material Franklin has written in several years, including "Give Me," "Today," and the lead single "I Smile." Elsewhere, he reprises his 1998 classic "Something About the Name Jesus" with a part two that includes contributions from Rance Allen, Marvin Winans, and John P. Kee, and welcomes Marvin Sapp for "The Altar." The closer, a celebratory old-school bounce track called "A God Like You," is the perfect capstone. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Product Notes
With this 2011 release, Kirk Franklin continues to prove why he is the top selling urban Gospel act of all time. Once again he delivers an array of spectacular music for Gospel music lovers young and old. The album challenges believers everywhere to stop, turn around, and face whatever fear might be hiding in their lives. Kirk delivers his signature songs as only he can - 'Before I Die' is a rousing chant with a go-go beat that s sure to be a hit with the younger generation; 'I Am' is a soaring ballad with beautiful melodies; and 'I Smile' is classic Kirk a mid-tempo R&B laced track that is sure to become a universal anthem. And, as only he can, Kirk bridges the generation gap as well. He teams up with Gospel luminaries Rance Allen, Beverly Crawford and Marvin Sapp, then flips the switch and partners with newcomer Mali Music. Once again, Kirk Franklin has managed to tap into the pulse of what s on people s minds and set it all to music.