Israel Houghton is one my all-time favorite Christian Artists. He has released multiple solo albums and numerous collaborations with finest Christian artists. Among which are Darlene Zschech (he’s a co-producer of Darlene’s Revealing Jesus), Michael Gungor, Ricardo Sanchez, Marvin Sapp and many more. There is no question to the gifts and talents that Houghton has. These have given him numerous awards and nominations including: six Dove Awards, three Grammy Awards, two Stellar Awards, and two gold albums. Truly, Israel has been blessed since his birth to Christian Music Industry in 1997.
Excellence in musicality and song writing are very rare to artists today. Either one will have the first and will lack the other, and vice versa. And I must say that these two are so much present to Israel Houghton. His musical gift is so stunning. The variety and richness of his musicality and song writing are breaking musical, denominational, and racial barriers.
“Playlist: The Very Best of Israel & New Breed” is part of Sony Music Entertainment’s “Playlist” titles. This edition featuring Israel and his founded group New Breed gathers 13 of their best songs from their previous albums. If you have all of Israel and New Breed’s discography in your collection, this compilation album will be so irrelevant for you. If ever not, it would still be the same, considering the fact that their previous compilation album “Decade” is still fresh to us. It is far better when it comes to track listing, which boasts 27 songs; you’ll probably choose it rather than “Playlist”.
On the other side, “Playlist” is still worth-having. If you are new to Israel and New Breed’s songs, this compilation is a very good introduction to you. Having been released two years after “Decade”, it brings four tracks from their “Jesus at the Center” album; such songs are not included on the previous compilation. Another thing is, it features three prominent Gospel artists Michael Gungor, Fred Hammond, and Kirk Franklin with songs “You Have Me/ You Hold My World”, “Surprises”, and “Mercies” respectively. Giving the album extra spice and flavor.
“Playlist: The Very Best of Israel & New Breed” may not be the most powerful and creative compilation album Israel and the New Breed have ever released; but still it shines the glory of our God that is being manifested in their lives. Indeed, Israel Houghton is one of the most brilliant and world-class Christian artists of all time. May God use him more powerfully to touch more lives and to bring greater glory to His name.
Catch Israel Houghton and the New Breed LIVE in Manila at Saved Festival 2014! On October 11th, Saturday, 7:30 PM, at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at Ticketnet: 911555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph. You may also call 910.5524 or 910.5352 for tickets.
Disclosure: A review copy of Playlist: The Very Best of Israel & New Breed was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.
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