Sounding Off. - music reviews - Brief Article - sound recording review

CHARLIE WILSON, who has built an outstanding career as lead singer for the Gap Band, demonstrates he is worthy of all the "buzz" surrounding his solo project, Absolutely (Major Label). The title song is an upbeat tune produced by Tricky Stewart, as is the catchy "Would You Mind." Case duets on "Another Man," which is sure to be a hit with fans, while Snoop and Nate Dogg are featured on "Big Pimpin." But Wilson doesn't need help to get his messages across; with his outstanding vocals he does a great job on that front, as evident on "Can I Take You Home," the beautiful love song "Without You," and "A Wonderful One," produced by Angle Stone.

DONNIE McCLURKIN delivers a set of uplifting songs with Live in London and More (Verity). The minister and longtime gospel performer kicks off with the jubilant "That's What I Believe," then slows the pace with the moving ballad "Just For Me." Other stirring standouts are his "Great Is Thy Mercy" and "We Fall Down." The Rev. Marvin L. Winans, McClurkin's "friend and pastor," joins him on the rousing "Who Would've Thought." Then there's the delightful Caribbean medley of gospel tunes set to reggae beats. McClurkin continues the praise-filled pace with "Victory Chant (Hail Jesus)." Recorded at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England, before a packed house this recording is bursting with great songs and great performances.

She's only 18, but JESSICA makes a dazzling rookie debut with You Can't Resist (Restless). This Chicago native and All-City, All-State and All-American basketball player opted to shoot for a music career rather than accept a full athletic college scholarship. She grew up performing in her minister grandmother's church and turned heads when she sang the National Anthem at a basketball tournament. Jessica's energetic music is targeted at a youthful audience, and there are plenty of sassy dance tunes, such as the title song, "I Gotta Do It Right," and "Get Up," and songs that express her views on relationships, such as "Don't Give a Damn" and "Ain't Worth My Kinda Lovin'."

LIL' KIM is back on the charts with her saucy brand of rap and raunch with her new recording, The Notorious K.I.M. (Queen Bee/Atlantic). Hip-hop fans will find much to love among the 18 tracks. Notable tunes include the dramatic lead cut, "Lil' Drummer Boy," which features Cee-Lo; "Revolution" with Grace Jones and Lil' Cease; "How Many Licks" with Sisqo; and her tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G., "Hold On," with Mary J. Blige.

ALSO NOTED: Kirk Franklin presents One Nation Crew (B Rite Music); Bishop Clarence E. McClendon/Harvest Fire Mega Mass Choir, Shout Hallelujah (Integrity); Alvin Slaughter, Rain Down (Hosanna! Music); The Canton Spirituals, The Greatest Hits (Blackberry); Melvin Miller, Innocent Bystander (Multifarious Records); Roger Smith, Consider This (Miramar); Frank McComb, Love Stories (Columbia); William Parker Trio, Painter's Spring (Thirsty Ear); Art Blakely and the Jazz Messengers reissue, Reflections of Buhaina (Savoy/Atlantic); Brenda Russell, Paris Rain (Hidden Beach/Epic); The Dells, Reminiscing (Volt); Nelly, Country Grammar (Universal); Ruff Endz, Love Crimes (Epic); Beenie Man, Art & Life (Virgin); Shaggy, Hot Shot (MCA); Three 6 Mafia, When the Smoke Clears Sixty 6, Sixty 1 (Loud); Hangmen 3/The Wise Guys, No Skits Vol. 1 (Interscope); Donny Gerrard, The Romantic (Frequency); Cameo, Sexy Sweet Thing (Universal); Buju Banton, Unchained Spirit (Ant Inc./Epitaph); Rokia Traore, Wanita (Indigo); Bohamadia (Good Vibe); Amil, All Money Is Legal (Columbia); and Kings of Comedy soundtrack (Universal).

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