Kirk Franklin Albums (8)
What The Critics Say
In the mid-2000s, fans, critics and the Recording Academy couldn't heap enough praise on Kanye West's brilliant, visionary fusion of rap/hip-hop with classic pop textures. But long before West was dominating the pop scene, Kirk Franklin was bringing this same type of cross-genre genius to the gospel world. While he was something of a breakout superstar of his genre in the '90s, he also was creating amazing faith based projects well into the 2000s. Beginning with a boxing ring bell and running close to 80 minutes over 16 tracks, The Fight of My Life packs a multi-faceted emotional punch that might challenge fans of only feel-good, happy expressions of "God is Great, all the time" type songs. Exulting in shouts, interjections, and his trademark talk-rap style over an exuberant female choir, bright orchestrations, and edgy scratches, Franklin uses a brilliant reworking of the Kenny Loggins-Michael McDonald lite pop classic "This Is It" to fashion his upfront statement of faith "Declaration (This Is It)." Through this track, he attributes his ability to come through all his trials to the Almighty's grace, but later, he (or rather, his female entourage) reflects refreshingly on his doubts on the gorgeous, heartfelt ballad "Help Me Believe." Then comes "Hide Me," in which he feels lost in life; while not understanding God's ways, he seeks shelter to help his faith grow. More than simply, wonderfully honest, ultra-hip gospel, this is modern-day Psalming at its best. Blending grooves, horn textures, choir textures and in your face rap, the fight constantly balances trust ("He Will Supply," "Jesus") with the darker issues confronting the idea of maintaining faith in a difficult world. The angry, blistering rock guitar driving "I Am God" underscores the tension of wanting to break free while God keeps pursuing and asking for our trust; this track breaks the typical Franklin mold and sounds more like crackling, anthemic Christian rock. The message is always the artist's focus, but with so many tracks, the stylistic diversity (from buoyant, atmospheric '70s disco on "Still in Love" to the tribal African vibe of "I Like Me" and the torchy ballad "Chains") makes the disc a soul-stirring blast from start to finish. This is one fight that will leave the listener smiling through the bruises. All contemporary gospel should be this musically joyful and lyrically raw and honest. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Kirk Franklin's seventh album, Hero, is special in more ways than one. The disc is his second as the sole titular artist -- no Family, God's Property, or budding protégé to introduce to the world -- and his first-ever all-out studio album, a prospect that gives him more leverage to try new things and push the envelope in ways that doing a live recording wouldn't let him. Franklin is unique in that he's more a master of ceremonies and choir leader than anything else, which means Hero's ambitious, often intricate compositions are meant for others to sing and make their own. In this case, the guest list is an endless parade of gospel luminaries new and established, including Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Tye Tribbett, and Franklin's own terrific backup vocalists. Not surprisingly, these collaborations represent Hero's churchier side, which can range from explosive ("Could've Been") and dramatic ("Hero") one moment to demure and understated the next ("Afterwhile," "Brokenhearted"). Stylistically, though, Franklin is at his best when he ventures outside of gospel into realms his peers rarely visit, like disco-pop ("Looking for You"), classic R&B ("Keep Your Head"), '80s pop/rock ("Let It Go"), and soul ("Why," featuring none other than Stevie Wonder). It's these out of the box experiments with their winsome throwback samples, horns, thumping beats, and those versatile backup vocalists that reveal the why of Franklin's superstar status in gospel: he's not just an artist, but a multifaceted entertainer, producer, songwriter, and arranger -- a tireless renaissance man who has rightfully earned his place as the best-selling artist in the history of the genre he loves. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
'The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin'
Release Date 2/19/2002
Tracks 23
Label Gospocentric
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This project is as close as it gets to having a true, bona fide masterpiece. The artistic genius of Kirk Franklin weaves through each of the 17 songs included on this gem. The title of this project, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, says it all. Musically speaking, he has been born again. The project effectively mixes live tracks recorded in Houston, TX, in early 2001, with some stellar studio tracks. Many naysayers have unjustly criticized Franklin for departing the successful formula of this self-titled debut project, which included the mega-hit "Why We Sing." Well, in that regards, he has returned to the traditional/contemporary-flavored mix of his early work, only with a more progressive feel. Franklin has never been noted or recognized for his singing ability, a fact that he readily recognizes, sticking ever closely to his spoken-word rap. He relies on his talented background vocalist, along with the all-star list of special guests, to take care of the vocal chores. Featured throughout are such artists as Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis, Jackie Velazquez, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, the late Willie Neal Johnson, Yolanda Adams, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, among others, with the latter joining Franklin on the track "911." There is also a hidden bonus track entitled "J Train," featuring Franklin and DC Talk's Tobymac. The true brilliance of Kirk Franklin shines again. ~ Tim A. Smith, All Music Guide
'The Nu Nation Project'
Release Date 9/22/1998
Tracks 17
Label Interscope
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Kirk Franklin designed The Nu Nation Project as a revitalization of contemporary gospel, a way to bring it to an audience accustomed to the slick, funky innovations of hip-hop and rap. It's an ambitious project, and one that's not too far removed from his earlier records, simply because it finds him adding R&B production techniques and the occasional grandiose flourish, such as the cameos from R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, and Bono on the admittedly stirring "Lean on Me." Occasionally, the album feels as if Franklin is pushing a bit too hard for the mainstream audience and all that entails (namely, superstardom for himself), but the end result is every bit as engaging as his previous records, thereby confirming his status as one of the true visionaries in '90s contemporary gospel. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The success of God's Property is due to Kirk Franklin's skill as a talent scout and as a producer. Like Franklin's other records, God's Property is contemporary gospel music that isn't bland or processed; it still has soul and feeling. Not only is the music strong, but so are the songs, making God's Property one of the most refreshing contemporary gospel albums of the '90s. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
'Kirk Franklin and the Family Christmas'
Release Date 11/7/1995
Tracks 11
Label Chordant
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
It's not surprising that Kirk Franklin's second album, Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas, sold over 500,000 copies in the first 14 weeks after it was released. This album is filled with 11 Christmas songs presented in true Franklin fashion. The album begins with calypso-like music and a sincere Christmas greeting from Franklin. Then the man and his 17 backup singers (the Family) begin singing an abbreviated version of "Silent Night" before proceeding to sing about God's amazing love in "Now Behold the Lamb." Both these songs are presented in a mellow, traditional gospel style, allowing the listener to relax. Just as the listener is lulled into a sense of tranquility, the album goes into an upbeat, contemporary hip-hop song, "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season." It's a slight jolt to the system because it's unexpected, but the song is worth the little shock. Although the lyrics aren't profound, the song is entertaining and will leave the listener wanting to get up, dance, and proclaim, "Jesus IS the reason!" "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season" and "Now Behold a Lamb" are the songs that make this album. Both were hits on CCM radio, and the album is worth getting for these songs alone. Unfortunately, the album's impact decreases after the third track. The only other noteworthy song is "They Need to Know." The remaining seven songs are good, but lack the edge that drew the listener to the album in the first place. ~ Diana Moes VandeHoef, All Music Guide
'Whatcha Lookin' 4'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 15
Label Gospo Centric
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Although it isn't quite as consistent as his debut, Whatcha Lookin' 4 remains exceptional urban gospel, exhibiting passion, soul and grit. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
'Kirk Franklin and the Family'
Release Date 6/29/1993
Tracks 10
Label Gospocentric
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Kirk Franklin & the Family's eponymous debut album is a stunningly assured blend of old-fashioned gospel, contemporary soul, and hip-hop. Franklin remains, in his words, a "church boy," but he doesn't hesitate to embrace the conventions and styles of contemporary R&B, which results in some inspired, unexpected fusions. It is truly a record that updates, recontextualizes, and redefines what contemporary gospel can mean in the '90s. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
