Smokie Norful Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
With only two albums, Smokie Norful achieved what normally takes contemporary gospel hopefuls a lifetime to attain: acclaim, accolades, and album sales numbering in the millions -- not bad for a former school teacher and now pastor in the Chicago suburbs. Life Changing, Norful's third full-length, further attests that he was born to do this: everything comes to him so effortlessly, so naturally, you'd think this is the work of a veteran. A cornucopia of producers and styles are represented throughout the album, but Norful manages to keep both in check, never letting things get out of hand or out of sync with his vision for elegance in his brand of neo-classicist contemporary gospel. Even the album's most celebratory, rhythmic moments are tempered with a dose of chic and sophistication, like the joyous "Great & Mighty," a romp whose understated choral and orchestral elements give the otherwise beach-ready groove an air of grace and style that's simply breathtaking. Of course, part of this worshipful charm stems from Norful's pastoral heart, which, when coupled with his soulful tendencies, only heightens his sensitivity toward the more corporate material -- the songs that are chiefly intended for a church audience, like the Sunday-morning praise of "Celebrate" or the convocational "Right Now." When not leading the choir, Norful sits at the piano and turns into a consummate soulster -- John Legend who? -- absolutely killing a rewrite of the Whitney Houston hit "Run to You" and the showstopper, the self-penned quiet storm ballad "Run Til I Finish." It's Life Changing's fluency to transition from the pulpit to the nightclub -- figuratively, at least -- that explains how Norful has, in such a short time, managed to outclass other newcomers, putting him on the same wavelength, artistically and otherwise, as more seasoned mainstays in gospel, R&B, and beyond. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Smokie Norful consolidated his status as one of gospel music's brightest hopes with his sophomore set, Nothing Without You, a surprisingly broad-based collection of contemporary and traditional gospel. Listeners who are suspicious of Norful trying a little of everything shouldn't be afraid. The musician, arranger, songwriter. and community activist proves immensely skilled at everything he attempts here, starting with the opener, a horn-driven blast of affirmation named "Power." Percy Bady's "Worthy" is another success, a rousing gospel choir number with Norful leading the faithful while exhibiting as much fire and charisma as Donny Hathaway. Even when he moves into slower material, as on the traditional "I Know the Lord Will Make a Way" and the title track (featuring George Duke), Norful displays the same sure touch with his stirring, soulful tenor. There's only one nod to R&B, titled "Can't Nobody," but it's a success as well. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Time will tell if this new and vocally impressive Smokie Norful will ever match the influence of R&B's other great, Smokey Robinson, but what's clear is that both are in the business of miracles. Norful comes to his hip, gospel-funk sensibilities from a background as the son of an AME Pastor and an overseer of music, youth, and children's ministries in Chicago. So even as the music weaves from the crunch funk of "It's All About You" (employing the croaking "Superstition" keyboard effect of influence Stevie Wonder) to softer reflections like the title track, his heart is definitely in the spirit throughout. His goal seems to be finding a happy middle ground where Biblically based inspirations meet modern crossover hip-hop sensibilities, and practical-minded tunes like "Life's Not Promised" hit the mark. Other tunes like "Still Say Thank You" and the happy-clappy "Praise Him" have a sense of the real church experience, organ and all, and sound like they could have been recorded from the pulpit. A rich experience that avoids many of the clichés of modern gospel and conveys the spirit without being too preachy or hokey. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
