Mercy

Description

Mercy is the debut album by the American gospel singer and songwriter Darwin Hobbs, released on EMI Gospel in 1999, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was produced by Fred Hammond, Cedric & Victor Caldwell (tracks 2, 9, and 10), and Chris Rodriguez (track 5).

You’ve heard Hobbs before as a guest vocalist on Michael Card‘s more recent projects. Sporting a smooth gospel sound some are calling “churban” (church + urban) music, Mercy is an invigorating album that easily stretches to the heights of contemporary music. Benefiting from the skilled hands (and ears) of producers like Cedric and Victor Caldwell and Fred Hammond, Hobbs’ uniquely rich vocals shine from beginning to end on this album. Hobbs starts with a funky, soulful blast of praise in the call to worship, «You’re the One». Not long after is a Commissioned-style R&B prayer, «Hold On», a song with a gently percolating beat – just in case you feel like swaying to the music. Next is the worshipful ballad, «Hero», with its almost whispered vocals that point to Jesus as the ultimate model of heroism.

Moving into the second half of the project, you’ll discover a quiet fire of praise in the title song, a broken cry for heavenly shelter in the Peabo Bryson-style melody, «I Will Run to You», and a mesmerizing worship tune in «I Can’t Live Without You». Then, when the disc unexpectedly spins its last, you’ll realize your Hobbs-led church service has ended too soon. That’s when you’ll want to do what I did: Hit the “play” button and start it all over again. [Mike Nappa, CCM, February 1999]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/mercy/724003143)

CD tracklist:

01. You’re The One
02. Come And Go With Me
03. Hold On
04. Hero
05. Wonderland
06. Mercy
07. I Will Run To You
08. Secret Place
09. I Can’t Live Without You
10. Your Will

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