I See Victory [CD]

J. J Hairston & Youthful Praise have, for over a decade, been pioneers in pushing the boundaries of contemporary worship music, integrating urban gospel with slick R&B and pop through nearly ingenious innovations for chorale. As evidenced by its pre-release single "Bless Me," with the muscular lead vocals of guests Donnie McClurkin and Greg Kirkland, this unit has reached a peak on I See Victory. There are other celebrity soloists here too, including Karen Clark Sheard,VaShawn Mitchell, and  Deon Kipping, as well as Zebulon Ellis -- who fronts the group on the anthem "It Pushed Me." The presence of guest stars isn't a slight to Youthful Praise's singers, but a testament to the kind of support only they can deliver. The proof is that there are just as many homegrown standouts here, including "Wonders to Perform," with  Brittney Wright up front, and the celebratory soul of "Good to Me," featuring Tiffany Andrews-Woodside in the soloist's role. And the stomping closer, "The Blood Still Works," showcasing the earthshaking vocals of YP's  Fondrea Lynn Lewis, is an example of modern, rocking gospel at its very best.