Youthful Praise - After This album Review

Fortunately, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise is one of several contemporary choirs that has withstood the changing industry climate, consistently delivering great music that is current, but still anchored in a rich gospel music heritage. And it does so again with its newest album, the choir’s sixth, After This.

Hairston penned all but two of the project’s 12 tracks and explains that he was inspired to write many of the songs after hearing a series of sermons by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The project’s name was changed from its original title of Praise, Thanks and Declaration, but the same theme is clearly woven into each song.
...full text The mixing is at a quality high, I mean as I listen I so wish I was there, but the energy transcended onto disc very well. Youth Praise continues to deliver amazing vocals, their maturity and growth vocally on “After This” is fantastic! I like the whole sound and theme of the album. It doesn’t weigh to heavy on our burdens, yet it isn’t overly “churchy”, just the right balance of ‘here is your situation’ and ‘here is what God says about it, so lets praise and thank Him!!’

In case you’re a little more picky and need more convincing, first take a listen to: “My King” featuring a great gospel squalling vocal from Tiffany Andrews-Woodside, “After This” title track and a great anthem, “Grateful” feat. Minon Bolton, and “The Blood” feat Lashun Pace-CHILE!!!! Also I like “Reap” it’s a great way to bring this album to a close, but left me wanting more (so I hit repeat). ...full text JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise celebrate over 10 years of recording together with the release of their latest project, After This. Their growth and maturity is evident; the confidence in their sound comes from a deeper place. As you listen to the project, you hear the group being in one accord and the vision of their ministry being alive in each voice that participates.

The 12-tracker presents music that will be sung in churches across the globe with Hairston, Eric Davis, and John Smith providing the lyrics and musical production.

A truly gifted songwriter, Hairston continues to deliver songs that quickly become church standards. It's a role that he confesses is near to his heart.

Hairston teamed up with some of Gospel music's brightest stars on a several tracks. The title cut is an up-tempo number featuring Bishop Eric McDaniels with a wonderful declaration that the best is yet to come. The lyrics are inspiring and full of hope.
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