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Deitrick Haddon Crossroads (Verity)
Released August 2004
reviewed by LaTonya Taylor
Sounds like
funky, futuristic soul gospel for fans of Montrell Darrett or Tonéx.
At a glance
Crossroads is full of interesting, enjoyable gospel music that goes in a truly different direction.
Track Listing |
1. 7 Ds (Intro)
2. 7 Ds
3. God Is Good
4. U.N.I.T.Y.
5. Had Not Been
6. It's Over Now
7. God Didn't Give Up
8. What Love?
9. You Have a Friend
10. Amen
11. Don't Wanna Let You Go
12. Crossroads (Interlude)
13. Crossroads
14. Everytime
15. Won't Stop Praying
16. Trusting God
17. Stir the Gift
18. Prayer Changes Things
19. Happy
20. Walls Are Tumbling |
Deitrick Haddon has built a growing following over the last few years. As the leader of Voices of Unity and as a solo artist, he's known as a musician who blends the traditional with funky R&B to craft a unique, familiar-yet-futuristic sound, similar to that of labelmate Tonex. Other comparisons include Montrell Darrett and mainstream artists Raphael Saadiq, Joe or R. Kelly.
Crossroads is full of old-school gospel meeting soul, slick and rich as Motor City oil. The album starts with "7Ds," featuring the playful voices of children over a bass line, reminiscent of early Jackson 5. "God is Good" is party-worthy, with layered vocals and lots of interesting changes and modulations. "U.N.I.T.Y." is high on funk, with an absolutely amazing young-Michael Jackson-meets-Stevie Wonder vibe. It's insane, the kind of song you put in and hit repeat until you've heard all of what's going on-and there's a lot there.
Rance Allen brings his molasses-sweet, throaty lead to "Had Not Been," which features a smooth, updated take on the well-loved, plodding quartet sound. Songs like this demonstrate why this form is enjoying a resurgence among the Gen X gospel crowd. It's got the sho-nuff old school vibe, with a little something extra. "Amen," a ballad about accepting God's will, features the youth choir from the Haddons' church over driven strings.
Other noteworthy songs include the title track, an enigmatic rock/R&B;/gospel song about points of decision in one's life; "Everytime," with a clubworthy step sensibility; "Won't Stop Praying," with retro synth horn, sax and flute; the pensive "Trusting God"; and "Prayer Changes Things;" which mixes a classic quartet sound with handclaps, foot stomps, and a twittering vocal reminiscent of Bobby McFerrin.
Deitrick Haddon Crossroads (Verity)
Released August 2004
reviewed by LaTonya Taylor
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