No Limit is a collection of standards, gospel, and original songs in an easy listening proclamation of faith and hope. Guests on the album include Norwood's daughter, Brandy, son Ray J, and father, W. T. Norwood, Sr. Guest instrumentalists are Billy Preston and Grammy Award winner Kirk Whalum on saxophone.
Oh, yes, Willie Norwood has a voice. His is not the smooth, soaring liquid tenor of some, no, Norwood has a soaring tenor voice with a rasp in the background--the rasp of life. Only maturity can give you this and it is pleasing to the ear. When he twists his voice around "I'm Gonna Make It," you can believe that not only can Willie make it but everyone who believes, too.
Keep the faith so I can say, I'm gonna make it...
Gonna make it through the rain and through the pain.
The lead song, "'Bout It" has a catchy melody and is also reprised at the end of the collection. This is a bluesy gospel piece about finding out what life is all about. The background is similar to most of the songs here, that of back-up vocals with guitar and keyboard accompaniment.
Stevie Wonder's "Have a Talk With God" is easy and relaxed, and in the same person-to-person style as "I'd Trade A Lifetime," "The Search Is Over," and "All That I Need." Billy Preston joins Norwood on "Lifetime" to emphasize the words of a man who would trade his entire life just to see Jesus and his mother.
On the other hand, Jackie DeShannon's 1969 hit, "Put A Little Love In Your Heart," has back-up vocals singing "shu, shu" against Norwood's interpretation. This is a build-up to the next two songs, "I'm Gonna Make It" and "No Limit." Both songs are about keeping the faith "through the rain and through the pain" and "nothing is going to stop me, no limit for me." The 1960's gospel sound with contemporary vocal styling makes the lyrics relevant today.
You will have to wait until the third song, "A Love Shared" (written by Angie Winans) to hear Willie Norwood duet with daughter, Brandy. This song is a pop ballad that stands out because of the contrast between his mature voice and her younger vocal styling. The saxophone interlude is a nice touch.
The nostalgic "Have Thine Own Way" is sung by not only Willie Norwood, but also his father, W. T. Norwood, Sr., and Willie's son, Ray J. The senior Norwood begins simply with verse one and piano background. Willie comes in on verse two, quietly, so as not to upstage anyone, and then duets with Ray J to inspire those not yet inspired. This is a family gospel song to be shared with family.
All in all, this collection of gospel music should place Willie Norwood firmly as a solo artist. His background of leading gospel choirs shows in his ability to sing a musical phrase and bring words to the audience. This is a good debut album that combines contemporary music with traditional gospel and treats both equally well.
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