The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (CD - 2002)

Personnel includes: Kirk Franklin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Bishop TD Jakes, Donnie McClurkin, Jaci Velasquez, Willie Neal Johnson, Papa San, Yolanda Adams, Alvin Slaughter, Toby Mac (vocals); Carl Goredetzky (conductor);

Todd Parsnow (acoustic & electric guitars); The Nashville Strings (strings);

Michael Robinson (piano); Jim Horn (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Doug Moffitt (tenor saxophone); Vinny Ciesielski, Quinton Ware (trumpet); Chris McDonald (trombone); Bobby Sparks II (Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Shaun Martin (keyboards); Keith Taylor (bass); Lawrence "Peabody" Ferrell (drums); Ernest "Ernie G" Greene (DJ); The Voices Of Life (background vocals).

Engineers include: Timothy Powell, Michael Hanson, Mark Nevers.

Recorded live at Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas.

This project is as close as it gets to having a true, bona fide masterpiece. The artistic genius of Kirk Franklin weaves through each of the 17 songs included on this gem. The title of this project, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, says it all. Musically speaking, he has been born again. The project effectively mixes live tracks recorded in Houston, TX, in early 2001, with some stellar studio tracks. Many naysayers have unjustly criticized Franklin for departing the successful formula of this self-titled debut project, which included the mega-hit "Why We Sing." Well, in that regards, he has returned to the traditional/contemporary-flavored mix of his early work, only with a more progressive feel. Franklin has never been noted or recognized for his singing ability, a fact that he readily recognizes, sticking ever closely to his spoken-word rap. He relies on his talented background vocalist, along with the all-star list of special guests, to take care of the vocal chores. Featured throughout are such artists as Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis, Jackie Velazquez, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, the late Willie Neal Johnson, Yolanda Adams, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, among others, with the latter joining Franklin on the track "911." There is also a hidden bonus track entitled "J Train," featuring Franklin and DC Talk's Tobymac. The true brilliance of Kirk Franklin shines again. ~ Tim A. Smith

This journey through R&B gospel phenomenon Kirk Franklin's life so far is an absorbing, sometimes traumatic, ultimately inspirational look at one man's path to finding his faith. Commencing with an introduction portraying a woman abandoning her child to the arms of her grandmother, a scenario that recalls Franklin's own infant abandonment, the album quickly takes us through an uplifting church ceremony in the rousing gospel chants of "Hosanna" and the Shirley Caesar-led "Caught Up," to "911," a confessional dialogue with Bishop T.D. Jakes about Franklin's doubts and fears since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

THE REBIRTH OF KIRK FRANKLIN is quintessential modern gospel, far removed from some of the more sanitized collections available; religious songs are used here to confront social problems and scenarios and to provide comfort, if not always answers. There's room for doubt in Kirk Franklin's world, and more importantly, room for redemption. On his past showings, the charts will sit up and take notice--hopefully the world will, too. minimize