"Perhaps, along with Kirk Franklin and the Family's eponymous project, the most auspicious debut CD in contemporary gospel. This wonderful collection immediately established Donald Lawrence as one of the most gifted and promising songwriters, producers, vocal arrangers and singers of his generation. Moreover, it brought this phenomenal choir to the world's attention. The CD also is blessed with top notch solo singing, including rousing numbers by Stephanie Mills and one of the most beautiful religious love songs you will ever hear -- "the Mender" with the irresistable Peabo Bryson delivering heartfelt worship. But it is one of the choir members, Traci Drummond, who steals the show with her soaring operatic soprano on "Holy". However outstanding this recording is, it served as a warm up for even greater things to come with "Bible Stories" and, most recently, "Tri-city4.com". This Donald Lawrence/Tricity collaboration is a very special thing that all should be fortunate enough to experience, for then all too will "Dance in the Spirit"."
Wonderful Debut Album
Jay Jay | Michigan | 01/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one man that knows how to write songs for a specific point of time. I was going through my collection when I came across this album. I did not notice how many jams I had on here until I started going through the CD. From the beginning until the end this album will uplift your spirit and encourage your soul. You will not be disappointed."
Now my eyes are open
Miss Psych | Guildford, Surrey United Kingdom | 07/16/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A few years back I heard some blesssed songs such as "Glory Hallelujah since I lay my burdens down" and "You can call on Jesus", but I never knew who did them. But now I know. This album was definitely no mistake. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Donald and the Tri city singers or any one who needs to be encouraged in their walk with the Lord. Although it is not to the same quality as their subsequent hits, it is stiil very good for a debut album. The cool lead on "Holy" is not to be played with. The carribean beat on "Shut de door" is something that I have never heard Donald Lawrence do before. Yep this is a good album and it is worth looking for and purchasing."
A True Classic
U. Brandon | Puyallup, WA USA | 06/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard "A Songwriter's Point of View" in 1993 and immediately fell in love with the high energy of this CD. Donald Lawrence led the Tri-City Singers with true style and grace and I felt God on many of the songs. My favorites are "You Encourage my Soul", "The Mender" and Miracles. With help from Stephanie Mills and Peabo Bryson, Donald created a true masterpiece that is still a "must-have" for today."
The Beginning.......
S. M. Zackery | Atlanta, GA | 04/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first album recorded by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City singers. I remember when I first heard the song Miracles on the radio I instantly fell in love with the harmonious, flawless sound of this choir. And I had to purchase this album. Well that was approximately 15 years ago and I have been a Donald Lawrence/Tri-City fan ever since; having purchased all of their albums as well as his solo project (I Speak Life).
Donald Lawrence is truly a gifted, talented young man who is just one of the best writers, producers, and arrangers of gospel music of all time. The Tri-City Singers are by far the best sounding choir in the history of gospel music. And I do not make this statement lightly -- yes there have always been good/great sounding choirs out there (Thompson Community, New G, LA Mass, etc.), but, TCS are just a notch above the rest. Their sound simply cannot be duplicated; it is unmistakable and it is breathtaking.
And this is where it all begin. If you have purchased any of his projects you would want to get this one to complete your collection.
If you are a gospel music fan you should know that the era of the Tri-City Singers has come to end with the release of Finale Acts I and II. Only 2 of the songs from this their first album made it on the finale -- so you have to hear the rest."