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Willie Norwood

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October 2002 Rock Pop Alternative

Written by Joe Hartlaub

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8.0

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Artist: Willie Norwood
Title: Bout It
Label: Atlantic Records

There were only two musical genres in 2001 that experienced an increase in CD sales over the previous year. They were...country music, which experienced a growth of one percent (not much, gang, but growth is growth) and...Christian music, which had an increase into the double digits, my friends. This might explain the newfound renewal of Atlantic Records' interest in gospel music, which has prompted the release of Willie Norwood's debut CD, 'BOUT IT. No matter: regardless of your personal beliefs, this is beautiful, optimistic, joyful music.

Norwood's joyful noise of a voice is a treasure trove of influences which ultimately reveal the wellspring from which soul, funk, and rock came. The title track begins with a soulful, funky B-3 groove, that builds and...yeah, what the heck, it rocks, but without sacrificing its message or its roots. Similarly, "Have Thine Own Way," a ballad, is stirring, even through a narrative that would be out of place anywhere but here. While there are a gaggle of talented guest artists here (Brandy and the underappreciated Kirk Whalum on "A Love Shared" and "Put A Little Love In Your Heart," Billy "The Fifth Beatle" Preston on a stirring "I'm Gonna Make It" and the title track), there presence is treated as just that; they're guests. Rather than try to hijack the project, they are merely a supporting presence. Even Norwood, whose voice soars in joy and reverence throughout, continually acknowledges that he is merely an instrument of the object of his own faith. His obvious humility coupled with his undeniable talent simply makes the latter shine forth all the more.

Norwood's unabashed spirituality will at the least bring a smile to your face; at most it will bring you to your knees. And that, I think, may well be his ultimate aim. The man has enough talent and ability that he could be a starring presence in any genre he might choose; if he chooses to regard himself as merely an instrument in a grander plan, there is no question that he is one of the finest of those. If you don't have any gospel music in your collection, 'BOUT IT would be a good way to fill the void in your collection, not to mention your soul.

Willie Norwood -- Bout It
Official Artist Website: http://willienorwood.com

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