Donnie McClurkin

We Are All One (Live In Detroit) just might be the quintessential Donnie McClurkin album – certainly his most satisfying effort to date. In the past, Donnie McClurkin has released studio albums that failed to capture his vibrancy, and live recordings that sometimes sacrificed artistry for a ‘live worship’ sound. Happily, on We Are All One (Live In Detroit), we get the best of both worlds, with McClurkin at full-strength both live and in the studio. This generous fourteen-song album clocks in at over seventy minutes and doesn’t waste a single one of them.

On this project, McClurkin has managed to cover many bases while still keeping inside the Gospel genre. Everything from ballads, to hymns, to old-school and even some urban and rock can be found throughout the tracks, all interlaced with McClurkin’s soulful, sophisticated yet visceral touch. Unlike the fine, if unorthodox, recent projects by Marvin Winans and Israel Houghton, McClurkin doesn’t stretch to break new ground but creates a synthesis to absorb the myriad of musical styles and textures at his disposal: indeed, in a musical context, he accomplishes what the title-track proposes in a theological context – he breaks down the barriers.

In an industry crowded with Gospel artists, McClurkin stands apart as that unique performer who entertains, ministers and inspires in a way that doesn’t come off as calculated or self-serving – a class act and the real thing, McClurkin generously shares the spotlight with such stellar names as Karen Clark-Sheard, Mary Mary, CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams, as well as relinquishing center-stage to his own back-up singers on the beautiful hymn-like “All We Ask,” which closes the album. McClurkin produced or co-produced all of the songs on We Are All One (Live In Detroit), and is the writer on all but one (“Purple”).

“Trusting In You” starts the album off with an explosive barrage of drums introducing an up-tempo Gospel jazz/funk/ pop track laced with old-school smarts that’s about as tight and funky as it gets. This is an album full of great moments and excellent songs: highlights are many, but here are a few:
“Wait on The Lord” is a powerful duet with the mighty Karen Clark-Sheard. Two more powerful voices in gospel music would be hard to find and the combination of Sheard’s vocal pyrotechnics and McClurkin’s impeccable phrasing (especially when he gets into those Walter Hawkins-like upper registers) is explosive. The dynamics within the song, as well as between the two vocalists, creates a stirring tension that thrills the soul – and when Karen and Donnie drop out of counter-point and sing a line in harmony it’s a moment to be treasured.

McClurkin goes old-school and takes us to church with piano, Hammond B3, drums and bass on “The Great I Am.” If this song doesn’t get you on the good-foot, you don’t have one! “Let The River Flow,” gives us a refreshing, worshipful six minutes that act as the ‘Selah’ does in Psalms – a musical moment to pause in the middle of everything and think about what you’ve just heard. And “Choose To Be Dancing” stands out as a potential cross-over single, with a universally-accessible musical flavor, mixing rock, urban, pop and gospel elements into an infectious groove. McClurkin sounds like he’s having fun with his vocals even while delivering an inspirational message about looking around and being grateful – choosing to dance.

To go into each of the 14 songs would only serve to tease and wouldn’t do them justice, anyway. Suffice it to say, the music is well-produced, full of hot percussion, horns, tasteful orchestrations, and – of course – the amazing vocals of Donnie McClurkin. Whether sweet as honey or shouting like it’s quarter-to-twelve at Sunday morning service, McClurkin’s voice is an instrument to treasure, and this time the package is well-balanced. Even though the album isn’t totally live, McClurkin has mixed the studio and live elements so seamlessly, and with such style, that the over-all effect is of a live worship experience. All fresh – no canned goods.

Tagged as: Donnie McClurkin, We All Are One (Live in Detroit)

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