Music review: Gloria Gaynor – 鈥楾estimony鈥�
It鈥檚 been 40 years since Gloria Gaynor鈥檚 inspiring anthem 鈥淚 Will Survive鈥� was unveiled to New York radio stations and dance clubs.
The track鈥檚 pulsating vibe and uplifting message of empowerment would quickly become one of the signature songs of the disco era and would eventually lead to the New Jersey native being crowned 鈥淨ueen of Disco鈥� by fans for her impressive string of dance hits.
The 69-year-old singer continues to be a force in music with the release of her new gospel album. 鈥淭estimony鈥� is Gaynor鈥檚 latest offering since 2013.
鈥淭here was a time when I was broken/Didn鈥檛 know which way to turn,鈥� announces Gaynor on the opening track 鈥淎mazing Grace.鈥� Gaynor adds her own personal touch to the classic track about being delivered from the grip of darkness and despair through a renewed faith that comes from experiencing God鈥檚 unlimited love.
With 鈥淏ack on Top,鈥� Gaynor best describes how she has survived the many obstacles that blocked her path over her career when she confesses, 鈥淚 took some knockdown punches, but I鈥檓 still standing strong/Back in the groove/Got a whole new view.鈥�
Recorded in Nashville, the new arrangements get an added boost from several guest appearances.
MercyMe鈥檚 Bart Millard joins Gaynor on the soulful 鈥淗e Won鈥檛 Let Go.鈥� The message of reassurance in knowing that there is a solid rock that will shelter you from every storm is delivered with a relaxed R&B style that calmly replaces doubt with hope and joy.
Jason Crabb lends his electrifying voice to 鈥淪ingin鈥� Over Me,鈥� as both Crabb and Gaynor testify to the power of being forgiven and redeemed.
Mike Farris, former lead singer of Screamin鈥� Cheetah Wheelies, assists Gaynor on a cover of Bob Dylan鈥檚 鈥淢an of Peace.鈥� The cautionary tale about being on guard for the wolf in sheep鈥檚 clothing is as relevant today as it was when first released by Dylan back in 1983.
For me, the highlight of the album comes when gospel music star Yolanda Adams joins the party on 鈥淭alkin鈥� 鈥楤out Jesus.鈥� Adams and Gaynor are accompanied by a funky bass groove and occasional bursts of horns as their stirring voices deliver a rousing message about replacing the corruptive power of money, power and fame for a life focused on love, freedom and mercy.
A comforting close is witnessed on 鈥淒ay One鈥� with Gaynor tenderly closing out the set singing, 鈥淏reathe life into these weary lungs/And take me back/Lord take me back to day one.鈥�
Song after song, Gaynor鈥檚 鈥淭estimony鈥� provides an impassioned blueprint for living a fruitful life that is supported by an unshakable faith.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.