The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack Reviews

I find that like most of the critics, that this album is definitely divided into two distinct halves.

PART 1

The fluffy pop part is as predictable as whitney gets-big ballads about believing in yourself and dance-pop grooves-however "step by step" is made more palatable by the Teddy Riley remix as well as the interesting fusion of Whitney and Annie Lennox's voices, despite dull lyrics. It needs more remixes.

THE big ballad is also predictable (I Believe In You and Me). But why did it need two versions?? - one is enough.

The Babyface-penned "My Heart Is Calling" makes for interesting listening, Whitney's vocals being reminiscent of the gravelly "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" though I don't understand why the backing vocals need to be so deep. Otherwise the groove reminds me of "sittin' up in my room" by Brandy.

So far I have only heard negative comments about "you were loved" but this is less bland than "i believe in you and me" and Whitney really makes it her own -- I like it!!

But the puke inducing "something bigger" really is NAFF. Bobby sounds awful, whilst the others try hard-props to Monica and Ralph T.!! The rap is crap, whilst the song does not flow. This should have been an all female affair-along the lines of "Freedom" on the Panther soundtrack. A good hiphop groove wouldve made unnecessary the rap and amateur dramatics by some of the singers -- still a remix may work wonders.

PART II

In the gospel part of this album, Whitney really kicks arse, to remind us how second-rate and contrived acts like Madonna and Mariah Carey are. All the gospel tracks work well in one form or another the most invigorating being "I go to the rock" and "hold on".

BUT THE KILLER CUT has to be the spiritual orgasm inducing version of "joy to the world" -- pure ecstacy, with Whitney saangin' like she means it -- shouldve been the Xmas single -- it would've reached the same heights as any previous world no.1 the choirs are all excellent throughout the album sometimes covering for Whitney's mistakes. Last but not least,"who would imagine a king" is a mix of old hollywood, pop and gospel-potentially huge and shows that Whitney can handle delicate vocals.

I think Penny Marshall sums up the gospel tracks well on the albums line notes. Whilst the pop tracks could have been -- but don't hit the mark: more R&B was required!!!

Submitted by: Sadiq V.