Search - Sounds of Blackness :: Soul Symphony

'Encompasses the vast spectrum of black music!

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 02/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not since 1996's "House of Music" from Tony! Toni! Tone' has an album covered the black sound in such a musically satisfying fashion. This is one production that pays homage to the past while adding rhythms and beats that can be appreciated by contemporary audiences. Much more eclectic than the group's last release, "Reconciliation", this "symphony" is a history lesson in African-American music from traditional slave songs to the bass-laden tracks of modern hip hop.

As one goes from cut to cut, the listener is taken to a place of consciousness and reflection, as well as nostalgic bliss, which only music can give. The songs, many written or co-written by group founder Gary Hines, are spiritually and morally uplifting. The group's tradition of interspersing excerpts from historic spirituals continues in the form of four "sweet" suites. The bulk of the album, however, shows the versatility of the group and the lead vocalists bear remarkable similarities to legendary greats of the industry. One thinks of Aretha or Natalie or even Jennifer Holiday when hearing the soulful cuts "Don't You Ever Give Up" or "Real True Love", both with group member Yulanda helming the lead. Shades of James Brown's "This is a Man's World" resonates in "Trouble is My Home". "Another Day" appears to be lifted from the R.Kelly songbook and does him proud. Stevie's influences can be felt in "Don't Give Up with leads Billy Steele, Yulanda (again), and Darius Ewing sounding extremely "WONDERful". Sly and the Family Stone are honored with "Children of God", a funk-driven track with a definite message for modern times. However, two of the strongest cuts are remakes: the Pointer Sisters' "Yes We Can Can" and Eric Clapton's Grammy-winning "Tears in Heaven", the latter with a guest appearance from Ron Winans. "Tears", a classic in its original form, is given the full gospel treatment here and should become of the group's most requested concert tunes. The Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences would be sorely in error should it avoid recognizing this album come NEXT year. "Soul Symphony" is, without a doubt, the BEST ALBUM of 2002, bar none."

Don't You Ever Give Up!

G. Harrison | Canada | 12/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't say enough about how much I love this album. The CD has been in my CD magazine since I bought it over a year ago.



Not only are the songs inspirational but the album lives up to its title "Soul Symphony". Take a listen to songs like "Real True Love", "Children of God", "Trouble is my Home" and the title track and enjoy not only the message in each song, but also the music! It is so reminiscent of 70's soul.



Their cover of Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" almost surpasses the original (I say "almost" because Mr. Clapton composed the tune so it belongs to him). I also love "Brighter Day" and "Don't You Ever Give Up" will make you smile and wanna dance!



I am a little biased as I am a faithful lover of Sounds of Blackness' music. I recommend it to soul and urban gospel music lovers alike. Enjoy it!"

Fantastic, underrated album

Ziontrain | London | 07/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is little known, but fantastic. Quite a wide range of music on it, but is all very cohesive. In the parts where they touch on modern R&B sound, it is truly cutting edge world class stuff. The production and songwriting is collaborative effort, much driven by Gary Hines who has worked with the Basement Boys on a lot of house music. Ex-Prince collaborator Levi Seacer is also in the group and I think he has a hand in this as well.



Much respect to these folks - they are brilliant!"