Search - Vanessa Bell Armstrong :: Desire Of My Heart, Live

Vanessa's absolute masterpiece to date

Peace Brotha | Ohio, United States | 09/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ms. Armstrong is regarded by many as the finest female vocalist alive. Her voice is too remarkable to be described: thunderous with all the glory of The Father one moment, then a seamless transition into the meekness of The Lamb the next...with a range that has been touched by the Holy Spirit. At various points during her recorded career, her capabilities have been done justice, but not consistently. "Desire Of My Heart" captures Vanessa at her most vibrant in a TRULY live setting -- not studio applause and whoops. Let's take a brief look at each track.1) We Sing Glory -- a solid opener that lets you know that this is gonna be one good ol' concert!2) Free -- a song written by her sister Margaret. Very jazzy with an R&B flair, it makes a segue into a powerful declaration of freedom at the song's climax. By this time, Vanessa throws in some of her vocal gymnastics to great effect.3) You Alone Are Worthy -- a praise and worship song that just might catch you off guard and bring you to tears. 4) Desire Of My Heart -- Vanessa wrote this one, her personal testimony of self-examination. It's a very simple song with few lyrics, but it's developed quite thoroughly with a killer arrangement: and of course, she sings the stew out of it.5) Never Alone -- by this point, Vanessa is on fire. This heavyweight song, written by the great Armirris Palmore, is simply a perfect representation of what a person should take from a traditional gospel piece of this nature: conviction, reassurance, determination, and all KINDS of emotion! It's hard to imagine anyone singing this song but VBA. The whole song is amazing, but there's a part during the vamp in which she squalls "God will never, ever leave you: NEVER!" that will give you chills.6) Grab Hold -- Well after all that, it's time to do a holy dance! This is the song to cut your step on. Made for morning worship service!7) Yes He Loves Me -- a contemporary number whose melody will stick with you long after the music stops. Fantastic background vocals...but that's the par for this album.8) He Is Lord -- a duet with the incomparable Marvin Winans, only fitting since this was recorded at his church. You can't go wrong with a duet between Marvin and 'Nessa.9) Oil of God -- John P. Kee wrote this one. Minister Kee has been accused of writing soundalike songs, but this one is lyrically and musically different. It is a powerful song, and again...you won't be able to imagine anyone singing it but Vanessa.10) Labor in Vain -- old time "chuch" with VBA's daddy. Excellent!11) The Classics -- a medley of Nobody But Jesus, Real, Peace Be Still. I would have personally preferred a complete version of one of these songs, but this will do. Why? You guessed it: she sings the stew out of this medley.The "Desire Of My Heart" album wins not only because of Vanessa. It succeeds because the material is so consistently good, as are the band, production, sound, and background vocals. You will appreciate it more and more with every listen, and owe it to yourself to check it out."

What Can I Say!

Min. Bruce Brown (babrown1@staff.ui | Champaign, IL | 11/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say? This album instantly became my favorite after the 1st time I listened to it. I have never owned any of her other works, but this one proved to be just what my Spirit needed. She is definitely anointed of God, and you know this album was inspired by him. She's able to reach the depth of your soul, not only with her vocals, but with the very words that make up these songs. This includes the song written by her Sister, and the other's (Oil of God & Labor in Vain) featured on the album. As my grandmother says, "It cut to the quick!" In other words, it cuts deep and to the point. To the point of invoking thought about the very nature of our God. This truly is an inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting work by Sis. Bell-Armstrong. Listening to these songs of praise, worship, and exhortation automatically usher you into your own private praise and worship service with the Lord! Thank You Vanessa for letting the Lord use you! May God Bless you in and with more to come!"

Excellent Singer

Charity D. Ford | Chesapeake, Virginia | 12/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vanessa Bell Armstrong is one of the greatest gospel singers I have ever met. I had the opportunity of seeing her in Connecticut this weekend and she really ministered to the audience with Peace Be Still. God, knows I needed to hear her voice. She is an awesome singer."