L. Spenser Smith & Testament

Item: Assignment No. 1
Author: Marie Asner

Assignment No. 1

(2004)

Reviewed by Marie Asner

Discogs YouTube

Label Emtro GospelThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

gospel r&b soul

Assignment No. 1 covers a great deal of musical ground. There are 14 tracks on this CD ranging from hip-hop to a South American beat to meditative moods. L. Spenser Smith leads the group Testament from Greater New Testament Church, Tuscaloosa, AL. This is the group's first release.

Assignment No. 1 features an expressive vocal group that delivers lyrics, line after line, with good intonation. Not only that, but the lyrics address such topics as getting yourself out of your rut ("Out of the Box,") knowing God is your friend ("What A Friend,") focusing on the one important thing in life, God ("Focus,") and know that you have a covenant with God and He is your closest friend ("Covenant God.")

John Jackson's songs are the highlight of this album. Jackson is the minister of music at Greater New Testament Church and has worked as a music director for American Idol's Ruben Studdard and his band. Jackson knows how to write a meaningful lyric, while Smith knows how to get Testament to express those lyrics. Together, they showcase "Because of You," which features wonderful harmonies or the quiet prayer of "Give Thanks." Jackson takes the familiar words "Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endureth forever" and adds additional lyrics, "I'll lift up my hands and I'll give You praise" for a prayerful selection. The staccato-style of music in "That's Our Praise" is energetic and inviting. "We may not praise Him like you praised Him, we dance--clap our hands--sing our song."

A South American touch is "Nobody Like Ya" which is joyful in content and reminds one of a sunny beach. The last two selections on the CD, "Covenant God" and the same song as a reprise, have warm lyrics and an emotional mood as Testament sings "You're my Healer, my Redeemer, my closest friend....You're righteous through and through makes my life brand new, you are my Covenant God."

Perhaps, the next album of Testament will be titled, Assignment No. 2, who knows? Their first album is in a musically innovative gospel style that blends close harmony with contemporary instrumentation. Assignment complete.

2.5 tocks