DANNY GOKEY’s album ‘Rise’ debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums Chart, #9 on the Top Current Albums Chart and #32 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. His fourth studio album, Rise follows Danny’s latest studio album Hope In Front Of Me which also debuted at #1 and crossed 50 million cumulative U.S. streams today. Drawing from his own experiences with grief and adversity, the album offers a powerful message of hope and triumph.
DANNY GOKEY : Hope in Front of Me. (BMG Absolute : ABMGCD4)
Danny Gokey came to prominence in the US a few years ago, when he was a finalist in the American Idol TV series. He released a smash hit album called “My Best Days” and now, after four years of creative development and production, has unveiled his second album. Gokey himself calls it “songs of hope and entertainment.” That describes it perfectly as he mixes songs of a religious background with secular songs of love. Musically, it’s a similar style to Take That crossed with One Direction. There are plenty of songs here that would match today’s chart material, including the title track. It opens proceedings and the production sees everything but the kitchen sink thrown into the mix. “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” is almost a ballad about how God works for your good in your life, even when you’ve hit rock bottom. The electro funk on “Better Than Gold” bears more than a passing resemblance to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”. My favourite song has to be “This is What It Means”. It’s head and shoulders above anything else on the album. A song about being in love, the lyrics are well written by Gokey and Stephanie Lewis, and the music, expertly put together. I can see this album appealing primarily to people half my age but, saying that, there was still enough good material for me to listen to. 8/10.
BMG Recording Artist DANNY GOKEY celebrated his chart-topping hit “Hope In Front of Me” at a surprise No. 1 bash following the Dove Awards – this is an award ceremony held in Nashville recognizing Christian and Gospel music. To commemorate the event, Danny received a No. 1 plaque for his single, which spent four weeks on the top of the Christian radio chart, and the album, which debuted at No. 1 on multiple Billboard Christian charts last year. Gokey made an indelible first impression with 2010’s record-breaking debut album, “MY BEST DAYS.” Now, after four years of creative development and production, the multi-talented artist/performer is ready to unveil his stunning second album, a moving and deeply personal collection that marks an immense leap forward in craft, performance, and emotional impact. Described by Gokey as “songs of hope and entertainment,” “HOPE IN FRONT OF ME” sees him joining forces with some of today’s most honoured songwriters and producers. The album is set for release on August 21st. www.dannygokey.com
