KiRK FRanKlin hello Fear (Verity) FOR FANS OF: Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Deitrick Haddon QQQQ Though franklin’s foremost technique has always been expanding Gospel music with a wide array of urban nuances, Hello Fear displays his production/arrangement dexterity especially well. Countering fear with grace, the musical mastermind and his smooth singing crew ease through R&B, dance, arena hip-hop and live-oriented testimony Gospel luminously. Whatever musical rules dictate other Gospel outfits have no charge over franklin & Co., making his musical strength a perfect foray for this lyrical—and spiritual—confrontation of anxiety. –Andrew Greer WE LIKE: “I Smile” nicole c. mullen Captivated (EMI) FOR FANS OF: CeCe Winans, Francesca Battistelli, Mandisa QQQQ When Mullen—famous for her “funkabilly” funk-folk hybrid—announced she was releasing a worship record i thought, Oh no! But instead of selling out to electric overdrive and sweeping synthesizers, the CCM songstress simply transitioned her clever rhymes into more straightforward and scripture-oriented verses, while keeping her diverse musical palette perfectly in tact. Producer Ed Cash (David Crowder Band, kari Jobe) excellently emphasizes Captivated’s hallowed prose within the context of her urban infections. Nicole C. worship? No complaints here. –Andrew Greer WE LIKE: “Kingdom Come” jenniFeR holliDay & Rev. Raphael g. waRnocK Goodness & Mercy (Euphonic Records) FOR FANS OF: Deniece Williams, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson QQQ in a unique CD collaboration with her pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, the original Dreamgirl marries her charismatic vocals with Warnock’s compelling sermonettes in an ebb and flow of song and spoken word. Though the concept is unusual, the final product is surprisingly effective and an irresistible hour of spirit for contemporary Gospel fans who will appreciate an album offering sustenance in the two-time Grammy winner’s excellent musical performances and Warnock’s dynamic preaching. –Andrew Greer WE LIKE: “Get Up! Get Ready!” uRBan ReviewS All release dates and album titles are subject to change. For the most up-to-date release schedule, visit www.todayschristianmusic.com/new-releases. uRBan new ReleaSeS 05.17.2011 ANDRAE CRouCH The JOuRNeY uNivERSAL MuSiC/EMiCMG 05.31.2011 TRiN-i-TEE 5:7 ANGeL & ChANeLLe uNivERSAL MuSiC/EMiCMG urban 44 CCM