The Book of David: Vol. 1 The Transition

Autobiography has always been the preferred musical aesthetic that one Dave Hollister, former originating member of Teddy Riley's Blackstreet, has happily employed throughout his decade-plus career.  Scoring hits like "One Woman Man," from his 2000 release Chicago `85…The Movie, Hollister has made singing about his life; whether discussing marriage, his childhood, or music industry woes, the norm.

Hence, it's no surprise that on his fifth release and first gospel full-length recording, The Book of David: Vol. 1 The Transition, Dave takes a very personal look at his relationship to God and family. What is surprising, however, is how well he does it…evoking sincere, palpable emotion throughout this stellar, thirteen song epic devoted to redemption, both his and our own.

After a short preface, "Nothing But God" opens the book on an upbeat note, featuring lyrics and production by the gifted Mike City. The song is a satisfying, mid-tempo gospel R&B banger.

Warren Campbell and Eric Dawkins wrote the next full-length track, "Help Me," where Dave tellingly sings, "What's wrong/With clubbin' on the weekend/Or missing church/Cuz I wanted to sleep in." The track, with its heavy bass lilt, is a plea of sorts to the Creator, for the strength to live righteously. "So Many Scars" follows, and delves into Dave's childhood past, seeking to explain the dysfunction that lead to questionable life choices. "Questions" is pretty much in the same lyrical vein, another  mid-tempo shuffler, featuring a memorable hook.

Still, it's not till Dave speaks directly to the listener about his divorce, introducing this chapter through the appropriately titled interlude "Drama,"that the CD really hits its musical peak. "Divorced" utilizes an R. Kelly storytelling style that is quite effective. The lyrics are self-penned and the sincerity of his emotion clear. He follows logically with "The Settlement," which recalls a pivotal day in court during his divorce proceedings. Current single "What Do You Do," takes the singer to that hope-filled optimism after the drama, and also gives him a slower arrangement where he's able to really flex his vocal muscles. Hollister has always been a gospel-tinged singer, and the remaining cuts like "The Potter" and "I've Changed," really underscore how idyllic this musical and spiritual transition has been. Here's to counting the days till Vol . 2 arrives… Highly recommended.

By Jerome L. Langston 

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