Back in the early 1970s, the legendary soul label STAX created an offshoot for pure gospel sounds, called The Gospel Truth Records. This essential two disc collection puts together all of the 17 singles, A and B sides in a rich package, with all of the albums from that period being reissued digitally. From 72-75, the label put together a wide array of Sunday morning musical messages, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s People’s Choir of Operation Push for a mix of Motown and motivation on “He Included Me” and “I’m A Child of the King”. Joshie Joe Armstead, a former backup singer for James Brown, BB King and Ike and Tina Turner, testifies on “Ride Out The Storm” and “I Got The Vibes” while flagship vocalist Rance Allen gives a baptism to a Temptations hit on “Just My Imagination (Just My Salvation)” and revisits a classic spiritual on “Up Above My Head”. There are also some holy rollin’ choir performances by Rev W. Bernard Avant R. & The St. James Gospel Choir along with Reverend Maceo Woods & The Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir on swaying pieces like “God Is What You Let Him To Be” and “Jesus Is Waiting” while Louis McCord preaches it with organ backing on “There’s No Need To Cry”.
The overall sound is very similar to the soul movement of the time, with some sizzling horns, foot stomping backbeat and gritty grooves. The lyrics mix salvation, assurance of victory and a vision on the eternal, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Put this on a few times in a row to get a change of perspective in life!