Shirley Murdock's "Live: The Journey" isn't merely an album of 17 gospel tracks, it's an inspirational Sunday morning at church, complete with short sermons and a rollicking gospel choir led by Murdock's velvety voice and down-home charm.
Murdock, a singer/songwriter best known to secular audiences for her R&B ballad "As We Lay" and for her vocals on Zapp's "Computer Love," has been performing gospel music for more than a decade. She has the kind of strong, soulful voice you can't get enough of, and even if her Christian messages don't resonate, she ensures the album can be enjoyed for its pure musicality.
Murdock's flawless vocals make catchy tracks like "Upward Way (with Regina Belle)," "Winner in Me" and "God Can Do Anything" some of the best and most accessible. Adding to the church service quality is the album's smooth continuity, flowing from Murdock's brief affirmations before some tracks.
CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: On "Someday," Murdock is joined by Belle, Kelly Price and Beverly Crawford for a sweet mix of powerful voices.