Speak

Description

Speak is the first major studio album by the American singer and songwriter Jimmy Needham, released on Inpop Records in August 2006, distributed in the US by EMI CMG Distribution.

On ‘Speak’, Jimmy Needham presents twelve choice cuts of genre-spanning tunes wrapped around his smooth and soulful vocals. Fans of Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, Jon Gibson, and Jason Mraz will enjoy Needham’s amazing voice and these refreshing and current sounding songs. From string-laced ballads, jazzy & R&B-tinged vocal workouts, soulful folk, blues-lick and earthy acoustic pop-rock cuts… ‘Speak’ features a refreshing mix of styles that mix well together and provide a nice backdrop for his Keith Green-earnest lyrics about faith and love for the Heavenly Father and our fellow man. The production is organic and the music doesn’t overwhelm Needham’s vocal (there’s some tasty guitar/bass tone, and the producer Troy Warren Jr. lends his decent drum chops as well). Needham over-reaches vocally in a few spots, and ‘Speak’ could do with out the few spoken word and rap parts… but taken as a whole this is a CD that stands out head and shoulders from the CCM pack and deserves a listen. [Barry Nothstine, The Phantom Tollbooth, 2007]

This is really good. This songsmith from Houston, Texas has got the voice, he’s got the songwriting, he’s got the attitude – and he’s still at college. If you like your songs thoughtful, then yes the lyrics explain rather than shout for Jesus – but they are so clear in their meaning. If you like your music bright and breezy but with plenty of soul and passion then he’s your man too – gritty singing layered over quite a varied mix of jazz, pop and rock. But don’t let the style hide the no holds barred lyrics, reaching out to challenge, cajole and plead with people to respond to Jesus. For Jimmy the CD is just a part of his ministry, not having the sole focus (or desire) to become a star. So when not playing one of this 150 gigs per year he’s out there doing street evangelism which has also fed back into the songs. Powerful stuff. [John Baugh, Cross Rhythms, September 2006]

> iTunes

CD tracklist:

01. I Am New – 3:15
02. Lost at Sea – 4:00
03. Fence Riders – 3:30
04. Dearly Loved – 4:18
05. For Freedom – 4:10
06. Speak – 3:43
07. You Make Me Sing – 3:32
08. Wake Up – 3:28
09. Regardless – 3:28
10. Stand on Grace – 4:13
11. The Gospel – 3:43
12. Benediction – 1:36

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