Israel Houghton’s first solo studio album, “Power of One,” contains the raucous energy of a jam session. Without his ensemble of New Breed singers, Houghton’s priorities move from creating eminently singable refrains to exploring a variety of musical expressions, from rock to reggae, with conviction and flair.
It sounds like Houghton picked all of his favorite musical friends to join him on the album. Invited to the party are multi-instrumentalist Akil Thompson, Toby Mac on the gritty head-banger “You Found Me,” and Mary Mary on the comforting ballad “Every Prayer.”
The live drums, rockin’ synthesizers and funky arrangements reflect more artistry and complexity than his live albums with the New Breed. The result is a collection of tight and well-crafted songs that only productive time in the studio with like-minded souls can yield.
The album’s title track is about harnessing the power of an individual to change the world. But the real focus of the album is on having a rollicking good time musically and lifting the spirits of all who hear.
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Israel Houghton
“Power of One,” (Integrity/Columbia)
Genre: Christian
Grade: B