"I always get asked the same question," says Yolanda, who takes an appreciative but modest attitude in regard to her ever-widening audience. "'Will you get tired of gospel?' 'Is there a temptation to do something else?' My answer has always been the same. No way. I'm a gospel artist. There's no confusion about that. I like to sings songs that in the end touches everybody. There's a humanity to these songs that gets in your blood. , christian music hillsong, top christian music bands, hillsong christian music "Believe runs deep with that humanity. Emboldened by another lineup of great producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, (who also produced her multi-format smash hit "Open My Heart" which spent most of 2000 at #1 on Billboard's gospel and Contemporary Christian charts), Shep Crawford, Kevin Bond, Mike City, Warryn Campbell and Buster & Shavoni - Yolanda raises the musical bar on this one, strengthening her own formidable song writing skills to meet the challenges she places on herself. "I like to work with great people because it makes me work harder," she says. , christian music hillsong, top christian music bands, hillsong christian music Yolanda points out that working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis was a long awaited reunion. The superstar duo helms three songs on the new disc "I'm Gonna Be Ready," "Never Give Up," and the album's in-your-face closer, "I'm Thankful." The angelic, inspiring "Never Give Up" shines as one of Yolanda's most tender ballads, singing heartfelt lines such as: /Keep the dream alive don't ever let it die./ "It was a joy to write. Getting together with Jimmy and Terry was like having a reunion with your big brothers," she says. "They have such great spirit and heart. I believe we'll be collaborating for the rest of my career. When we get together, it's so natural, it's like OK, I have this title - I have this verse - what do you have?' "On Believe, Yolanda switches musical gears from song to song with an amazing ability to complement each producer's unique style. She talks about some of the diverse ingredients on Believe. "There's Mike City ("A Song Of Faith," "Unconditional") who is very good with taking risks, he's a young cat who you know is going to bring some real progressive ideas," she says. "And then you have someone like Shep Crawford ("I Gotta Believe," "Fo' Sho") who lets you get in there and really express yourself." The latter song features a duet with gospel legend and recently signed Elektra artist Karen Clarke Sheard of the Clarke Sisters. "I have been a fan of hers since I was 11 years old," says Yolanda. "I was so thrilled that she could contribute something to this record. It's so wonderful when you have the opportunity to actually show your appreciation to one of your influences." Yolanda's incredible rise has been about honoring those influences, but also never being afraid to - as she puts it - "spread my wings." /christian music videos, christian music video, music christian videos, christian music videos online,christian music videos, christian music video, music christian videos, christian music videos online,christian music videos, christian music video, music christian videos, christian music videos online christian music hillsong, top christian music bands, hillsong christian music, christian music hillsong, top christian music bands, hillsong christian music, christian music hillsongs christian music christian music hillsong, top christian music bands, hillsong christian music, christian music hillsong, top christian music bands, hillsong christian music, christian music hillsongs christian music |
