You don’t have to be addicted to the TV series, nor do you have to be a regular member of an inner city church, to enjoy and get inspired by the 14 songs that make up the soundtrack for Greenleaf. I’ve never watched a single episode, but the music, and the spirit of the music, speaks for itself.
Modern black gospel music delivered by some heavy hitters like Deborah Joy Winans, Dotie Peoples and Mavis Staples among others fills up this female-dominated worship service. Along with a rich choir, Winans testifies on “Testimony” and brings the church a pumping on “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Staples rolls down the aisle with a choir and rhythm team that includes Willie Weeks/b, and the McCrary Sisters dim the lights and light the candles on “Ring Them Bells.”
A few traditional spirituals are modernized, as Shirely Caesar throws the devil into the pit on “Satan, We’re Gonna tear Your Kingdom Down” and Desiree Ross comforts the flock with “(We’ll Understand it Better) By and By.” The music and singing is contemporary, but the message is eternal.
Malaco Music Group