For this the last month in the year of 2002 we take a look at the newest release from quartet heavy hitters Darrell McFadden & The Disciples.  Coming on the heals of their "2 Sides to Every Story" hit recording, the Disciples continue to expand their boundaries on this latest release.  With a distinct mixture of traditional and contemporary sounds, all the creative juices were definitely flowing in the production of this project.  While many might remember Rev. McFadden from his straight up traditional days with the Sensational Golden Sons of Brooklyn, New York you are in for a treat with this and literally every other recent Disciple release. 

After the biblically based intro of "Confirmation" the project slides directly into high gear with "God Said I'm Blessed".  This song is nothing short of a foot stompin' good time fronted by the gravelly pipes of Rev. Darrell McFadden.  From the start, the Disciples let you know what their real bread and butter is.  Anyone that has seen the Disciples will know that these guys are at their best when Rev. McFadden is allowed to just let loose weaving in and out of a repetitive background.  The project retains it's upbeat character as the Disciples move into "Until I Found The Lord".  Once again Darrell is at his Spirit filled best.  Smooth backgrounds, and some real slick instrumental licks by the band are sure to make this song an easy replacement for the ever popular "Have You Heard of A City". 

Throughout this entire project the creative genius of Spanky Willmiams can be heard.  His vocal talents are amazing but what this man of God does in the background is even more impressive.  Among many other songs on this project, Spanky slides into the lead role on the smooth ballad "I Want To Be In That Number".  In fact, this selection clearly features Spanky as both lead and background vocalist.  The song's message is very clear in that the selection conveys the sentiments of every true born child of God.  We daily present ourselves before God in anticipation of the great reunion in heaven and that sense of anticipation is felt in every bar of this song.  Once again Rev. McFadden takes the lead role for the first of 2 versions of the breakout hit "That's Alright".  In a sense the song is really nothing new. It stands as an example of what a cleaver arrangement can do to something that has stood the test of time.  While the first version is a little over four minutes the Disciples included an extended version that gives the listener an idea of how the song would sound in a "Live" concert. In other words it's a rockin' almost 8 minute tour de force!!    

Other songs of note include one of my favorite songs that Darrell used to sing with his old group The Sensational Golden Sons called "Never Alone".  Once again they place an amazing arrangement on this old hit.  On top of it being a great song, you've got to love the background work during Darrell's verses.  The simulated handclaps and staggered beat help to give the song a galloping like feel.  While Spanky Williams does lead on several other selections his best lead work on this project is on the much anticipated selection "Calvary".  Set to a smooth ballad like tempo this beautiful song tells the entire story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Even more impressive is the flawless exchanges of lead duties by Rev. McFadden and Spanky on this song.  Falling right on the heals of "Calvary" is yet another classic ballad, "I Can't Even Walk".  This song never fails to draw a tear from all who have ever tried to do things on their own without the assistance of God Almighty.  Rev. McFadden handles the lead with all the care and vocal clarity of Charles Johnson himself.