The Review Zone – Danny Gokey : Haven’t Seen It Yet? @dannygokey

DANNY GOKEY : Haven’t Seen It Yet? (Capitol Christian Music Group)

America watched closely as Danny Gokey battled tragedy and won millions of hearts on his way to the finals of American Idol Season 8. His story was no secret: a onetime truck driver from Milwaukee, he’d married his high school sweetheart Sophia only to lose her, a victim of surgery gone bad, just a month before auditioning for the smash hit talent show. That was enough to transfix viewers week after week. Add to that his singing — expressive, soulful, driven but yet in command of emotions that would have overpowered practically anyone else. The result was a performance that moved audiences to tears and inspired many to face adversity with greater courage. Today Danny Gokey stands at a different place, wiser, stronger. He’s married and has become a father. Once paled by clouds, his world now bathes in a brighter light. “Don’t lose hope in your prayers. Maybe you just haven’t seen it, because all His promises are up ahead.” These are just some of the words of this new release from Danny. It a smooth, uptempo, R&B groove, that fans of artists such as Smokie Norful and Kurt Carr will appreciate. It’s radio friendly and full of good hooks. An excellent single. 9/10.

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Once in a Lifetime Tribute for Michael W Smith

With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, MICHAEL W. SMITH has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nod recently with a nomination for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his latest worship effort, ‘Surrounded.’

“Celebrating Michael W. Smith” is a once-in-a-lifetime tribute event, promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, friends and fellow musicians will pay tribute to Smith on April 30, 2019, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Celebrating his remarkable 35-year career will include Amy Grant, Bob Goff, Brian Littrell from the the Backstreet Boys, CeCe Winans, Chonda Pierce, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, Francesca Battistelli, The Gatlin Brothers, The Isaacs, Jars of Clay, Jason Crabb, Jim Brickman, Jordan Smith, Jordin Sparks, Justin Flom, Laura Story, Lee Greenwood, Mac Powell, Matt Maher, Matthew West, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Newsboys, The Oak Ridge Boys, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Russ Taff, Sandi Patty, Scott Hamilton, Vince Gill, Wayne Kirkpatrick and the Original MWS Band, Wynonna and more to be announced soon.

Dubbed ‘35 Years of Friends: Celebrating The Music of Michael W. Smith,’ music lovers will experience over 35 artists, from all genres, performing a set list to include many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. In addition, 2018 marks the 35th Anniversary of Smith’s Top 10 single “Friends,” which helped introduce his music to both secular and non-secular audiences.

“Michael is a Christian music icon and we can think of no better way to celebrate him than with this star-studded lineup we have put together,” says Outback Concerts’ Morgan Carney. “It’s going to be an event not to be missed, and will be a fantastic celebration of one of the greats.”

The Rise of Danny Gokey

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.

Review Xtra – Danny Gokey : Hope in Front of Me @dannygokey

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.

Songs of Hope and Entertainment from Danny Gokey

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 21^st. www.dannygokey.com