Hero (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Kirk Franklin (piano, keyboards, mini-Moog synthesizer, drum programming); Kirk Franklin (vocals, rap vocals); Daphanie Wright, Faith Anderson, Nikki Ross (vocals, soprano); Jason Champion (vocals, tenor); Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jana Bell, Erica Davis, Anthony Lavon Evans, J. Moss, African Children's Choir, Myron Butler, Ashley Guilbert, Stevie Wonder, Tye Tribbett (vocals); Todd Parsnow (guitar, guitars); Jason Bell (guitar); Doc Powell (guitars); Katie Kirkpatrick (harp); Brent Fischer (violin, cymbals, timpani); Assa Drori, Brian Benning, Shari Zippert, Sally Berman, Robert Brosseau, Elizabeth Wilson, Irma Neumann, Armen Garabedian, Berj Garabedian (violin); Jorge Moraga, Kazi Pitelka, Karie Prescott, Renita Koven (viola); Don Smith , Earl Madison, Miguel Martinez (cello); Sheridon Stokes (flute); Don Shelton (clarinet); Jeff Driskill (alto clarinet); Phil Feather (bass clarinet, oboe); Dave Monsch (baritone saxophone); Chuck Koontz (tuba); Braylon Lacy (electric bass); Terry Baker, Terri Baker (drums); Jason Boyd, Ryan Toby (percussion); Chris Godbey (programming, drum programming); Matt Butler (cello); Paulie Cerra (saxophone); Lee Thornburg, Jamie Hovorka (trumpet); Humberto Ruiz (trombone); Shaun Martin (piano, keyboards, mini-Moog synthesizer, drums, programming, drum programming); Jerome Harmon (keyboards); Andre Harris, Sheila E., Vidal Davis (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Vincent Dilorenzo; Dave Pensado; John Jascz.

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA (07/2005); Luminous Sounds, Dallas, TX (07/2005); Studio 609, Philadephia, PA (07/2005).

Photographer: Mark Mann.

Kirk Franklin's seventh album, Hero, is special in more ways than one. The disc is his second as the sole titular artist -- no Family, God's Property, or budding protégé to introduce to the world -- and his first-ever all-out studio album, a prospect that gives him more leverage to try new things and push the envelope in ways that doing a live recording wouldn't let him. Franklin is unique in that he's more a master of ceremonies and choir leader than anything else, which means Hero's ambitious, often intricate compositions are meant for others to sing and make their own. In this case, the guest list is an endless parade of gospel luminaries new and established, including Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Tye Tribbett, and Franklin's own terrific backup vocalists. Not surprisingly, these collaborations represent Hero's churchier side, which can range from explosive ("Could've Been") and dramatic ("Hero") one moment to demure and understated the next ("Afterwhile," "Brokenhearted"). Stylistically, though, Franklin is at his best when he ventures outside of gospel into realms his peers rarely visit, like disco-pop ("Looking for You"), classic R&B ("Keep Your Head"), '80s pop/rock ("Let It Go"), and soul ("Why," featuring none other than Stevie Wonder). It's these out of the box experiments with their winsome throwback samples, horns, thumping beats, and those versatile backup vocalists that reveal the why of Franklin's superstar status in gospel: he's not just an artist, but a multifaceted entertainer, producer, songwriter, and arranger -- a tireless renaissance man who has rightfully earned his place as the best-selling artist in the history of the genre he loves. ~ Andree Farias

Though testimonies of faith and questions of morality are still at the heart of Kirk Franklin's message, 2005's HERO represents something of a musical departure for the gospel superstar. Recorded with a full orchestra--complete with lush strings and driving horns--HERO is one of Franklin's most musically ambitious outings.

Featuring guest appearances by Stevie Wonder ("Why"), Dorinda Clark-Cole ("Hero"), and Yolanda Adams ("Afterwhile"), not to mention a song that utilizes a Tears for Fears sample ( "Let It Go"), the album offers plenty of variety, and a few surprises, in addition to its large-scale arrangements. Franklin manages to integrate these new elements perfectly into the celebratory and healing music on which he's built his career. minimize