Michael Carter & 2nd Generation

Michael Carter & 2nd Generation

God Bless America

For the month of June we take a look at one of the many groups that may not be a household name, but is able to deliver outstanding traditional gospel music. That group is none other than Michel Carter & 2^nd Generation. This group is not new to the recording industry. In 2002 they released the project “When I Think About His Goodness.” In 2003 they released the project “Move On, I Got To Keep Movin' On.” There new project and the one that is the subject of our review is “God Bless America.”

The group was organized in 1997 in Monroe, Louisiana. The members of the group are second generation singers. Whether this fact had anything to do with the naming of the group, we are not sure, however, it is certainly fitting. Because you will immediately realize that these guys’ musical roots are very deep and strong. This group is very talented. Although, they are definitely a gospel quartet group, their musical style takes a page right out of the Rhythm and Blues genre and the Jazz genre – more so than any other gospel quartet group in recent times.

The project begins with “God Bless America.” This “patriotic” song has been sung by many gospel quartet groups. No matter who sings it, they seem to add their on flair to the song. And so does Michael Carter & 2^nd Generation. Throughout their version of this song Michael is in prayer to our Lord and Savior asking God’s blessings on all.

“Lord You’ve Been Good” is an upbeat song of thanks to the Lord for being so good to us in every situation. This is one of the songs that should receive significant airplay. It is definitely traditional gospel quartet. The project slows down with “Send Your Spirit Down.”

The next three (3) songs are the ones that will probably be the reason you play this CD over and over. They are "Keep on Working for Jesus,” “I’ll Do What you Want Me To Do,” and “Never Let Go Of His Hand.” These songs also confirm the fact that this is a traditional quartet group. From the hard hitting lead singer, the strong tenor, the falsetto singer, to the tight background voices, they are all present in these songs.

Next is “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus.” Now, this song will certainly surprise you. It is not a drive song. It is not upbeat. It is not a mid tempo song. It is a very slow ballad that showcases the group’s storytelling abilities.

The group borrows heavily from The Jackson Southernaires on “I Know If I Keep On Pray’n. The group, again, puts its own flair to this song and makes it their own. The group also borrows heavily from Willie Neal Johnson and The New Keynotes on the song “People Get In Hurry.” This song has the same musical arrangement as the Keynotes’ “With God I’m Satisfied.” You will enjoy “People Get In Hurry.”

“He’s All I Need,” “Trust In Jesus,” and “At The End” are the last three (3) songs on the project with vocals. If there is any weakness to the project it would be in the songs “He’s All I Need” and “At The End.” The song “Trust In Jesus’ should become a favorite with radio angels. It is upbeat, has a great message and just the right amount of instrumentation.

As with their previous projects, this project contains two (2) instrumentals. It is very impressive that the group has given us two (2) instrumentals on each of their projects. If that is their “signature” in the industry, it is a good one. The instrumentals are always of songs that are already on the project. On the “God Bless America” project there are instrumentals of “Send Your Spirit Down” and “Lord You’ve Been Good.”

With a mixture of great arrangements Michael Carter & 2^nd Generation will make waives in the industry with this project. They have certainly found their niche in the gospel music industry. On the whole "God Bless America" is definitively a great effort from this powerful group of men. We give Michael Carter & 2^nd Generation’s “God Bless America” an 8.5 out of 10. You will not be disappointed with this CD. To order this CD just visit the website www.sensationalentertainment.com. Click on the title to hear “Trust In Jesus.”

Gloryland Home