Week 8: "Hello Fear" by Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin’s 12th studio album entitled “Hello Fear” dropped less then a week ago and is already redefining modern gospel music. Themed around the obvious subject of “fear,” this album has got to be one of the single most uplifting records I have listed to, right up there with Gungor’s “Beautiful Things” that I reviewed a few weeks ago.  Disregarding the phenomenal talent of the music it is apparent that the lyrics and message of the songs did not come from Kirk because of the raw power and emotion in these tracks. This album has something for believers and nonbelievers alike because unlike many worship albums out there Kirk writes about thoughts that have been placed in everyone’s mind at some point or another. This idea is strengthened through the art of production; almost every track has some moment, small or large, where audience sounds are added in to add that extra depth to “Hello Fear.” When the song reaches climax moments you will hear inserts of amen’s or hallelujah’s that put you in that old southern church congregation.
Moving from the emotional effect of this album to the pure talent that this group brings to the record you get into the pureness of “Hello Fear.” Few albums have blown me away with the clarity of the instrumentation and production ideas. Yes this album does have some electronic arrangements added to the song, but unlike some other timbre-combined albums out there, “Hello Fear” is a perfect combination of both live recording and sampling. The most mind blowing instrumentations are that of the vocals in this album…now…being it a southern gospel influenced album I knew that it was going to have some cool parts but the album in its entirety is literally overflowing with talent and skill in every aspect to the musicians.
“Hello Fear” needs to be experienced by Christians and non-Christians alike, Southern gospel lovers and non-southern gospel lovers. I’ve said this about a few albums recently but non-more deserving then “Hello Fear.” If you have experienced hardships in life, and chances are you have, this album may be just the encouragement that you need.

 NEXT WEEK!
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