Israel Houghton - Jesus At The Center

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Title:
Jesus At The Center

Type:
Album

Released:
13 Aug 2012

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I could listen to Israel Houghton sing for hours, he has always had this style and vibe when he is leading that you just get sucked in to. His voice drags you in and you can't escape spending time worshipping with the music.

This album was recorded with thousands of worshippers at Pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Texas back in February. The album itself is made up of a double-CD and features a staggering 17 live songs plus 3 bonus studio recordings.

It was only a few months ago that we were looking back at a decade of music from the...
Read More I could listen to Israel Houghton sing for hours, he has always had this style and vibe when he is leading that you just get sucked in to. His voice drags you in and you can't escape spending time worshipping with the music.

This album was recorded with thousands of worshippers at Pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Texas back in February. The album itself is made up of a double-CD and features a staggering 17 live songs plus 3 bonus studio recordings.

It was only a few months ago that we were looking back at a decade of music from the man himself, with Israel's 'Decade' album. His last studio album, 'Love God Love People' won a Grammy Award in 2011, bringing the singer's Grammy tally to four.

So this album, Jesus At The Center, is his first live album since A Deeper Love, released five years ago. I have always thought Israel is best live. Don't get me wrong, his last two studio albums were brilliant, but once you see Israel & New Breed live (as I did at Big Church Day Out), you can then see why people enjoy worshipping so much in a live context to the songs of Israel Houghton.

This album is full of songs in the style that we associate with Israel Houghton, high energy gospel soul music, starting with the tracks Jesus The Same and Rez Power.

I love the horns in No Turning Back, a great song that has a hint of Stevie Wonder about it. Te Amo reminded me of a Eurovision song, which might send shivers down the backs of some people, but actually it's a good Eurovision song! With its Spanish dance beat you will know what I mean once you hear it.

It would be really difficult to sit here and review every song on the album as there are so many. But for every big powerful Gospel song there is a beautiful melodic ballad, showing that Israel isn't just a man who stands up the front jumping up and down to some great grooves. He can take it down to some heartfelt soulful moments like in Overflow and It's Not Over, with the latter being a top quality tune.

Of course there are one or two songs that stand out more than others, with the title track being one of them. But I found myself worshipping during the whole album, and that's what this album wants you to do. When Israel and the band sing, something special happens. One moment you will have you arms in the air, jumping up and down telling God how amazing He is, then the next moment you will be on your knees crying out to God. Wow. As Israel and his choir sing... "Our God is faithful... it's not over... it's not finished." I couldn't stop myself from standing up and shouting amen. This album is all for the glory of God and He deserves every praise we give Him.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 5 Out Of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
It's Not Over
Overflow
Jesus Be The Center

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