Chosen (2007)

One might wonder how it came to be that the first sofng selected when initially listening to Mike Turner’s recent release, Chosen, was the breathtaking “By the Word of God,” particularly because the song in question is track number ten on the album. However, it became apparent to me without a doubt that there were no coincidences on that New York morning as I sat in traffic. God knew precisely what I needed to be blessed with at that very moment, and popping in Mike Turner’s Chosen was the best move I could make. The first sound heard on that specific song is a lone church organ. Initially commanding your attention, the song then featured the vocals of Mike Turner, regurgitating words that I had spoken at some point in my own life. “By the Word of God” touched me so deeply that as the song came to a close I realized that tears were running down my cheeks. The song itself is captivating as it challenges its listeners to be less judgmental as we step out of the way to allow God to mold and transform us into the souls He desires us to be.

After that opening experience it was apparent that, though the name Mike Turner was unfamiliar to me, I needed to lend my ear fully to Chosen. The title track was the next song to play in my rotation. Delivering a message to a person in need of encouragement to build a trusting relationship with God, “Chosen” provides the perfect blend of horns, piano, drums, coupled with Turner on lead and a few background singers to also make it one of the most compelling songs on the album. As is with most of the other songs on this wonderful album, there are no massive choirs to overshadow the lead vocalists; there are no musicians playing so loudly that it makes it difficult to decipher what is being sung; this collection simply highlights Turner’s vocals and songs that can be easily applied to the average worshipper in search of music that inspires and uplifts.

Those random selections that morning fed my spirit more than I could have imagined and have continued to do so as the album remains in my personal rotation. Chosen is an album comprised of praise and worship songs of varied styles (from smooth and mellow to dance, reggae or jazz influenced) that can easily fit the daily struggles we encounter. Highly recommended.

by Detrel Howell

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