Decisions

Description

Decisions is the fifth album by the American contemporary gospel/R&B quartet The Winans (brothers Marvin, Carvin, Ronald and Michael), released on Qwest Records in 1987, manufactured and distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Marvin Winans with Barry Hankerson, Carvin Winans, Michael Winans and Ronald Winans co-producing.

Know what? This is great music! ‘Decisions’ distinctly displays the artistic growth, both as songwriters and producers, of these talented brothers from Detroit. The album starts off at the gates kicking with the opening song «Ain’t No Need to Worry». The cut features some strong lead vocals from Marvin Winans and special guest vocalist Anita Baker. The LP version incorporates a stronger gospel feel than does the commercially-released single, thus adding credence to the message conveyed in the song. Michael McDonald adds his gruff style of blue-eyed soul to the message of brotherhood delivered on the cut «Love Has No Color».

Those who have been Winans fans from the beginning will hear traces of the groups earlier sound on «Millions», a cut which places greater emphasis on the strong lead vocal and the patented Winans tight harmonic vocal blend and arrangement than any other on the album.

There is not a weak tune on the set, partly due to the roster of musicians appearing on it. The names read as a musicians Who’s Who: Koinonia‘s Harlan Rogers, Alex Acuna, Abraham Laboriel, Bill Maxwell, Justo Almario, and Hadley Hockensmith; Dean Parks, Andrew Gouche, Thomas A. Whitfield, and Greg Phillinganes, among others.

In a period where lyrics are being diluted to “cross over” and saturate the mainstream airwaves, It is refreshing to find a contemporary gospel album not compromising the gospel message of Jesus for crossover’s sake. Thank you Winans! [Tim A. Smith, CCM, November 1987]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/decisions/1170834530)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Ain’t No Need To Worry” (feat. Anita Baker) – 5:43
A2. “Millions” – 4:19
A3. “Breaking Of Day” – 4:43
A4. “What Can I Say?” – 4:41

Side Two
B1. “Right, Left In A Wrong World” – 6:08
B2. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – 4:30
B3. “Love Has No Color” (feat. Michael McDonald) – 4:13
B4. “Give Me You” – 4:46
B5. “How Can You Live Without Christ?” – 4:23

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Qwest Records.

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