The Joy That Floods My Soul
Artist: Tramaine Hawkins
All My Best to You
Artist: Tramaine Hawkins
The Best of the Staple Singers - STAX
Artist: The Staple Singers

The best and most famous cuts from their glory years at Stax. Includes their massive hits "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There"; less famous but similar gospel-funk fusions like "Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)" and "Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)"; and less expected items like a cover of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." It does... Read More

Jesus Gave Me Water
Artist: The Soul Stirrers

Sam Cooke was only a tender 19 years of age when he was tapped to replace R.H. Harris as the lead singer of legendary gospel group the Soul Stirrers. Cooke's break came when Soul Stirrer baritone R.B. Robinson saw him perform with the Highway Q.C.'s and decided to take the young singer under his wing. Well, if this recording is any indication,... Read More

Peace to the Neighborhood
Artist: Roebuck "Pops" Staples

The septuagenarian Pop Staples puts a lot of younger performers to shame with his integrity-laden solo release Peace to the Neighbourhood. The founder of The Staples Singers combines joyous soul and gospel with swampy funk and blues. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have the rest of The Staples, and admirers Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and Ry... Read More

Live
Artist: Tramaine Hawkins

Traditional Black gospel belting. ~ Bil Carpenter, All Music Guide Read More

The Best of Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Artist: Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Community Score: 5.00

Verity's The Best of Vanessa Bell Armstrong collects 14 highlights from the recordings she made for Zomba Records, after she left Benson/Onyx. Musically, these songs are very close to urban contemporary, which means this is hardly traditional gospel. That, of course, won't matter to Armstrong's fans, since they already know that she's one of the... Read More