If your taste in gospel music tends to lean more toward the urban / R&B side of the coin, the Top Urban Gospel Albums is a countless place to detect CDs that you simply don’t want to miss.

‘Hero’ - Kirk Franklin (2005)Gospocentric Kirk Franklin has been the poster child for Urban Gospel over the past divers years. So at the time that he debuted his own label, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, his first album on the label would bear to be beyond untarnished. didn’t let anyone down. Kirk was his usual amazing self and the roster of guest talent was as phenomenal as it was unusual. Dorinda Clark-Cole, J. Moss, Pastor Marvin Winans, Sheila E, Sonny Sandoval (P.O.D.), Stevie Wonder, tobyMac, Tye Tribbett and Yolanda Adams all helped out on , lending their impressive talents to the dispensation.

Listen For …

“Without You” - Purchase/Download “Sunshine - Purchase/Download “Afterwhile” (featuring Yolanda Adams) - Purchase/Download

Purchase/Download

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‘One Church’ - Kurt Carr (2004)Gospocentric If this album had to be summed up in human being word, abundant would be that word. On , Kurt Carr seems to do the impossible, successfully blending traditional history of christ and urban R&B with a South African choir, Scottish bagpipers, an Armenian accordionist, an Indian sitar, and a full classical choir.

Listen For …

“My Time For God’s Favor (The Presence Of The Lord - Remix)” - Purchase/Download “Psalm 68 (Let Our God Arise)” - Purchase/Download “God Blocked It” - Purchase/Download

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‘Limited Edition’ - Smokie Norful (2003)EMI GospelThis collection of cool favorites performed live was the Dove Awards Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year in 2004 for good reason. The live performance of “I Need You Now,” recorded at T.D. Jakes’ Manpower 2003 Conference in Atlanta, by one’s self is enough to make this album worth every penny.

Listen For …

“It’s All About You” - Purchase/Download “Praise Him” - Purchase/Download “I Need You Now” - Purchase/Download

Purchase/Download

‘Incredible’ - Mary Mary (2002)SonyMary Mary had a lot of work to do in order to top their critically-acclaimed debut, . Depending on who you ask, some people say that they carried on the tradition through , while others say that they missed the mark. The sophomore release didn’t have totally the same amount of polish that their debut carried so well. It seemed more basic … retro meets raw.

Listen For …

“Incredible” - “Ordinary People” “Thank You”

‘Thankful’ - Mary Mary (2000)ColumbiaMary Mary (sisters Erica and Tina Atkins) made the world stand up and take notice with their 13 pathway debut. The album features a visitant appearance from Destiny’s Child (on “Good to Me”) and had a song heart heard in boxing rings when boxer Michael Grant selected “Shackles (Praise You)” as his entry music.

Listen For …

“I Sings” (featuring B.B. Jay) - Purchase/Download “Joy” - Purchase/Download “What a Friend” - Purchase/Download

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‘God Can & God Will’ - Dottie Peoples (1999)Atlanta InternationalDottie Peoples delivers a tried and trusty traditional gospel groove on . When you add in the voices of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Choir and of the Peoples Choice Chorale, you’re probably getting a little taste of what Heaven will sound like.

Listen For …

“Faith Is” - Purchase/Download “Nobody Can Do Me” - Purchase/Download “Oh What A Time” - Purchase/Download

Purchase/Download

‘Healing - Live in Detroit’ - Richard Smallwood with Vision (1999)VerityRichard Smallwood and the 21-member Vision had critics calling the “with most propriety Richard Smallwood project to date.” The Gospel Music Association agreed, and was named the Traditional Gospel Album of the Year in 2000.

Listen For …

“You Did It All” “You’re Not Alone” “Holy Spirit”

‘Pages Of Life: Chapters I & II’ - Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ (1998)ProvidentThis two-disc set features the best of the two worlds: a studio CD with plenty of worship, as well as a live CD with tons of praise. With a totality of 29 songs in all, there are truly songs in there for everyone.

Listen For …

“You Were Much Closer” - Purchase/Download “Your Love” - Purchase/Download “Your Steps Are Ordered” - Purchase/Download

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‘God’s Property From Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation’ - Kirk Franklin (1997)Brite Music was my chief Kirk Franklin CD and decision always hold a special acceptance in my heart. In a day long before Gospel artists were ever “crossed-over” on secular radio, I was thrilled to actually hear “Stomp” played on a limited R&B station. I wasn’t the only one who loved it. The Gospel Music Association named the Dove Awards Urban Album of the Year in 1998.

Listen For …

“Love” “My Life Is in Your Hands” “Stomp”

‘Whatcha Lookin’ 4′ - Kirk Franklin & The Family (1996)ZombaSome reviewers believed that wasn’t “quite as consistent” as his debut release, further all agreed that it was any exceptional album. The winner of the 1997 Grammy Award for the sake of Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album and the Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year, this album had more thumbs up votes than thumbs down votes.

Listen For …

“Whatcha Lookin’ 4″ “Melodies from Heaven” “Savior More Than Life”