Oh Happy Day

Product Details

At the heights of its power, this uniquely American art form connects the spirit of the writer, performer and listener with a truth much higher than presents travails. The notes, rhythms, and lyrics paint a picture of the ongoing tale of struggle, persecution, redemption and freedom. Blues, rock and roll, r&b, country and even modern hip hop and rap music have all been influenced by the sound and soul of gospel. It has faced down the bleak days of slavery, depression, violence and fear with a tear in its eye and a promise on its lips.

On Oh Happy Day, a wide array of contemporary artists has been paired with some of today's leading gospel voices and legendary choirs. Together they explore a batch of gospel standards and main-stream hits that were clearly inspired by the old soulful sound and feel of gospel.

It's an all-star celebration that just might take you someplace higher if you let it.

Track listing:

1. I Believe - Jonny Lang (with the Fisk Jubilee Singers)

2. Presence Of The Lord - 3 Doors Down (with Soul Children of Chicago)

3. Higher Ground - Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters

4. Keep The Faith - Jon Bon Jovi (with Washington Youth Choir)

5. People Get Ready - Al Green & Heather Headley

6. Waiting For My Child To Come Home - Mavis Staples & Patty Griffin

7. Storm Before The Calm - Michael McDonald (with West Angeles Cogic Mass Choir)

8. Redemption Song - Angelique Kidjo

9. A Change Is Gonna Come - Aaron Neville (with Mt. Zion Mass Choir)

10. Oh Happy Day - Queen Latifah (with Jubilation)

11. This Little Light Of Mine - Joss Stone & Buick Audra

Product Reviews

(5 stars) - Fun listening for young and old.
Great new recordings of old favorites. My favorite track is People Get Ready with Al Green and Heather Headly. This is sold at Wal Mart only I found out after I ordered.

(5 stars) - OPh Happy Day !
Great CD -- I really was expecting more input from Aaron Neville who is a fabulous gospel singer -- but am pleasantly surprised with the quality and diversity of the CD.

(5 stars) - Oh Happy Day an All-Star tribute
Higher Ground is absolutely my favorite song on this album.. Truly amazing vocals on the Clark Sisters with my favorite steel guitarist Robert Randolph.. I cant stop listening to the track..Stevie Wonder would be proud of the Detroit home girls!

(5 stars) - Make a Joyful Noise, for I Can't Set Down!!
This CD is simply a heck of a lot of fun. I remember when "Oh Happy Day" first hit the charts in the late 60s, and recall that Edwin Hawkins and crew caught a lot of flack from area church officials for performing in secular venues, not to mention that there were petitions to rock stations not to play the song, since, evidently, sacred songs should not be contaminated by association with such devil's music.

But my, how the times have changed!! God is not dead (as was touted back then in that famous slogan ripped off from Nietzsche), the devil does not have a monoploy on good tunes (he never did--read the psalms) nor rhythms (not to mention the rich, moving, even sensuous voices), and genre-melding is no longer the no-no it once was. Even if you're not a gospel fan, this compilation will have you tapping your feet at the very least, especially if you enjoy classic soul and R&B. Smart, sassy arrangements, songs of verve and hope, and a well-paced sequence makes this CD a winner. I want MORE!!

(5 stars) - Good Collection
Patty Griffin and Mavis Staples absolutely NAIL it! The Al Green and Heather Headley is a winner too, and Queen Latifah's Oh Happy Day is worth its while. The album is worth it just for the Patty/Mavis track, for sure.

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