Kirk Franklin :
Hero

Three years since his last release, Kirk Franklin shows that his time has not been spent idle. Hero is a gospel/R&B/soul mix that is thoroughly satisfying, both lyrically and musically. Hero has a whole list of guest musicians from TobyMac to Stevie Wonder. They complement Franklin well, and give the album of feel of unity of purpose.

The album opens up with African orphans singing America, the Beautiful, and Franklin’s voiceover setting the tone for the album. It's one of responsibility, grace, and thankfulness. It leads right into Looking for You, a high-energy, fun and happy tune celebrating the joy of Christ and giving praise for blessings rather than dwelling on what isn't. The four minutes move quickly and it ends all too soon.

The title track is next, and starts with true stories of struggle and healing. It takes quite awhile to develop and doesn't really start to move (or move you) until close to two minutes in. But it makes up for it with a great hook and full sound. Franklin has a big sound throughout, with a choir and orchestra, yet he is humble enough to share the lead with others. On Hero, he trades the lead with Dorinda Clark-Cole at the end. She’ll give you chills as she runs up to the higher register with complete power and control.

Though the interludes are short, they are integral to the project as transitions. Interlude #1 starts with Franklin saying,"Yo, Fred, tell 'em how we feel." Fred, tell us more! There’s an old spiritual quality to Fred's a cappella part here, and its longing and pain are a good intro to the next song.

The rhythm in Let It Go holds the "rap-lite" together while the chorus (a sampled "Shout, shout, let it all out") gives it punch. There are a lot of adult themes dealt with here, and the preacher in Franklin comes through loud and clear through the lyrics. It’s a song of failure and redemption. The lyrics are important, and worth reading as well as listening to. "Church taught me how to shout and how to speak in tongues; but preacher, teach me how to live now when the tongue is done. Help me." The background vocals from TobyMac and P.o.D's Sonny are fantastic and really complete the song.

Imagine Me is Franklin's contemporary nod, and will likely do very well on the CCM charts. If cut off at 3:30, it could also be a crossover hit. Could’ve Been reminds us that "there but for the grace of God go I". But it's not a downer; instead it's a praise party, acknowledging the power and the grace of God. It's snappy, fast-paced, and begs you to move.

Yolanda Adams guests on Afterwhile. That she pulls off so much of it with voice alone is amazing. She begins by herself, then a bare piano and backup come in, followed by a choir. The song seems simple, but if you listen closely, you’ll hear the layering and timing involved. This is incredibly beautiful, and bears another (and another) listen. Every Christian can relate to the next cut, Brokenhearted, a revival praise song complete with big organ. Close your eyes and feel that packed little Southern Baptist church with the pastor in his robes and a Bible in his hand. Marvin Winans guests on this song, and gives it additional strength. Feel the healing wash over your heart and soul. Indeed, healing seems to be the theme throughout the whole CD.

Without You brings it down a notch, with Kirk and a guitar. His voice is tender, but with force, and the guitar softens its edge. It's lovely, and with the simply beautiful backups, it at times seems more a love song. Lift your hands high and sing along your love and appreciation for the only One who makes us whole. This is a hit-the-repeat-button song that should cause you to pause and reflect where your own life would be without Him.

Why brings in special guest, Stevie Wonder. Stevie's influence is definitely felt in the timbre and the lyrics of the song. The Appeal again gives others a chance to shine. Most do, but there are a few voices that don’t reach the level of Franklin’s and pull the quality down a bit. The Brokenhearted Reprise is an altar call. It's heartfelt and comes across as genuine. You get the sense that Franklin knows he is nothing without Christ. The humility from one so talented is refreshing.

Usually a child on a pop album is a death knell, but I just loved the little laugh at himself with Interlude #2. That said, the Alvin and the Chipmunks sound on Sunshine comes across as juvenile; it’s distracting and breaks what heretofore was near perfect continuity. With Sunshine’s close, the musical portion of the album is complete. But there’s more. Stand up and cheer for Outro! "I refuse to be another black statistic." Franklin's prose should be posted on the walls of every black teen's bedroom. It's a pledge of strength, and a model of manly encouragement for the youth of today.

It's so refreshing to listen to a project with such considerable length – well over an hour of music that transitions seamlessly from one song to another. It's very well produced, with a lot going on, and is gospel for the masses. This is real soul – music that lays itself bare in appreciation for the Lord. But Franklin brings a new sound that will impress not just gospel fans, many music lovers across many genres. It's fulfilling enough for gospel fans, soulful enough for R&B fans, and melodically-heavy enough for pop fans.