- Interlude 1
- Just Can't Get Enough
- Pray, Praise, Fight
- He Stepped In
- Sing Unto the Lord
- Look at Me Now
- Interlude 2
- You May Not Know Me
- Love My Hurt Away
- Can't Stop Thinkin'
- You Gave Me Hope
- He Brought Me Out
- You Keep on Givin'
- It's My Pleasure
- I Won't Complain
Everyone loves a good redemption story, from the beat-the-odds cancer survivor with the green-light to give up chemo for good, to the underdog football team that scores a touchdown in the final seconds of the fourth corner. Considering the tempestuous backstory of Wess Morgan, a worship leader for Celebration of Life Church in Nashville, the musical response to his redemption is all the more profound.
Morgan grew up a preacher's kid, making rebellion all the more appealing. By 15, he was abusing cocaine. Two years later, he was charged with armed robbery and actually threatened a group of people with an axe when he was high on valium. A stint in a Biblically-based rehab program soon followed.
After pursuing college studies at a Christian university and getting married, everything seemed to be on the right course—until Morgan was tempted again by drugs. But while high on cocaine one afternoon, a car accident actually saved his life. When a driver wouldn't let him merge, Morgan started chasing him, accelerating to a speed of 85 to 90 miles an hour before hitting a concrete wall. Needless to say, life wasn't looking promising for Morgan. But his time behind bars after the accident led him to rededicate his life to Christ … for good.
Given his dramatic testimony, it's no surprise that
With a husky voice that's a cross between Michael McDonald and Israel Houghton, Morgan adeptly handles everything from gospel to blues to jazz. Much like Houghton or the Winans' brand of gospel in their heyday, Morgan isn't afraid to span the genres, whether it's the salsa-infused romp of "Sing Unto to the Lord" or the soulful Earth, Wind, and Fire-influenced "Can't Stop Thinkin.'"
The album's best moments are when Morgan sings about being set free. In "You May Not Know Me," Morgan sings out about his past substance abuse with a passion that listeners won't soon forget. His stunning vocal range shines, delivering bracing lyrics that reminds the listener just how sweet amazing grace can be.
For more about Wess Morgan, visit his official website at www.wessmorgan.com.
Christa Banister
Attn: Independent Christian Artists
300 E. 4th St. Suite 406
St. Paul, MN 55101