My Change Has Come

Sounds like … traditional gospel along the lines of John P. KeeAt a glance … it's nice to hear a group doing traditional gospel, and doing it wellTrack ListingMy Change Has ComeOpen My HeartOpen My Heart (Reprise)Caught UpWelcome In this PlaceWonderfulWonderful (Reprise)I Will Bless the LordOld Rugged CrossI Thank Ya'Song In My SpiritI Just Want to WorshipRighteous Promise (Re-Mix)No Turning Back

My Change Has Come is Earl Bynum's second album, following 2000's Just For Me. It features the Virginia-based Bynum and the 12-member ensemble As We Are.

The album, infused with live energy, opens with the title track, which showcases Bynum's authoritative lead, high-energy horns and lots of drive. "Open My Heart," about being aware of others' needs, features full-bodied background vocals while Terry Liverman's rich, fulsome lead is reminiscent of Vickie Winans.

"Wonderful" is a classic hand-clapper that promises to have the congregation on its feet by the end of the first verse, and the powerful while "I Will Bless the Lord" includes artful lead vocals by As We Are members Vonda Warren and Velda Creekmore.

An up-tempo arrangement of "Old Rugged Cross" gives the song a cool flair and features an enjoyable vamp. "Thank Ya" and "Righteous Promise (Re-Mix)" are reminders of God's faithfulness and provision. "Song In My Spirit" addresses worship beyond corporate settings, and "No Turning Back" is jazzy and sweet, with a choral finale.

Duawne Starling joins Bynum and As We Are on the praise-and-worship "Welcome In This Place," and Chris Willis lends his clear tenor to "I Just Want to Worship."

All in all, it's nice to hear a group doing fairly traditional gospel, and doing it with such strength and quality. Occasionally, a song seems very similar to others that have floated around a few years earlier — like those recorded by John P. Kee — but "My Change Has Come" is a good listen.