Style: Traditional Gospel/R&B with a lil’ rock ‘n’ roll; compare to Mavis Staples, Georgia Mass Choir, Aretha Franklin
Top tracks: “I Believe” (Jonny Lang w/ Fisk Jubilee Singers), “Higher Ground” (Robert Randolph and The Clark Sisters), “Keep the Faith” (Jon Bon Jovi w/ Washington Youth Choir)
In a nutshell: Gospel is arguably the backbone of American music. Incorporating jazz, rhythm & blues, lots of down-home sangin’, and a little rock ‘n’ roll, the genre has thrived since pre-Civil war days when music was less categorically structured. Capturing this diverse legacy, Oh Happy Day partners Gospel’s best rehearsed choirs with genre chiefs like The Clark Sisters and The Reverend Al Green, as well as unconventional guests like Patty Griffin, Jon Bon Jovi, and Queen Latifah—all who keep the record in holy-rolling gear from start to finish. It’s hard to believe a ‘various artist’ could be this blue-ribbon, but Oh Happy Day is as creative and cohesive as any big budget release.
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