The power of gospel music can serve the listener in several capacities: to … Read Full Bio ↴The power of gospel music can serve the listener in several capacities: to lift God in praise and worship, to teach strong morals and to encourage others to love all people unconditionally. When Anthony Brown began his ministry over a decade ago, he absolutely had all the aforementioned in mind. He was also compelled to rename his long-time vocal ensemble “group therapy” so he could incorporate a therapeutic retreat for his singers and a therapeutic frame of mind for his audience. While his ministry voice was birthed at Morgan State University when the ensemble was called Answered Prayer, Brown’s strong background of musical savvy afforded him plenty of opportunities to share his many gifts. His production, songwriting and vocal arrangement credits have played a major role in the gospel industry with the likes of Maurette Brown Clark and VaShawn Mitchell.

Now, after several years of paying dues behind the scenes, Brown finally felt his season arrived in presenting his special fusion of contemporary gospel and therapeutic vibe with GT. His original intention was to release their self-titled debut independently. However, the unwavering support of Mitchell and the strength of the debut single, “Testimony,” changed those plans in a heartbeat.

Under Mitchell’s co-executive production oversight, this worthy debut from Brown & GT on Tyscot Records is decorated with various musical backdrops and therapeutic messages. “Group Therapy,” expresses a desire to maintain a pure heart for God and has the feel of a Broadway and acoustic jazz tapestry. Dedicated to “everyone who has made it,” “Testimony,” glides on an old school mid-tempo groove a la Earth, Wind & Fire with a few hip-hop nuances. Despite the occasional auto-tune flub, the song delivers a spiritual pick-me-up. “Better Days” hints of a ‘80s electro funk while balancing a modern urban gospel pop flavor under its motivational lyric: “You don’t have to be afraid/Trouble don’t last always.” Mitchell joins Brown & GT for “I Will” with invigorating call and response, dancing brass and a generous mix of R&B and rock. On the calmer worship side, the elegantly orchestrated “The Overflow (Fill Me Again)” respectfully echoes Richard Smallwood’s classical/gospel hybrid and “Deep Enough” emphasizes forgiveness to start the healing process.

Though there is a slight hiccup with the Kirk Franklin-esque “Do It Again,” Brown & group therAPy’s debut still invokes a fresh and joyous spirit. This is one group therapy session that gospel music fans will be thankful for. Other Notable Tracks: “Harvest Song (featuring Maurette Brown Clark)” and “Beyond Beyond.”

Vocals: 4.0 stars
Music: 3.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Production: 3.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Highly Recommended

By Peggy Oliver

The Benediction
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I receive the blessing
I receive your presence, I receive your power in my life

(Now unto him)
Now unto him (who′s able) who is able
To keep me from falling, (we speak it over you)
From falling (from falling) from falling
(We proclaim this benediction)

(Now unto him)
Now unto him (who is able) who is able to keep me
(To keep you from falling) from falling, from falling

Unto you be (all the glory) all the glory
(And the honor) and the honor
(All majesty) and all majesty
You have all power (and authority) and authority
(And you proclaim) and you proclaim that
(That same power belongs to me) same power belongs to me
(So I won't worry) so I won′t worry
I won't leave the way I came
I've been changed in your presence and I′ll never be the same

I receive the blessing (I receive)
I receive (somebody needs to grab it right now) the blessing
(So I won′t worry) so I won't worry
(I won′t leave the way I came) I won't leave the way I came
(I′ve been changed) I've been changed in your presence and I′ll never be the same
I receive the blessing, I receive the blessing

Your hand is upon me
Your grace covers me
Your blood has washed me and I'm yours totally

(Say)
Your hand is upon me
(And your grace) your grace covers me
(Your blood) your blood has washed me
(And I'm all yours) I′m yours totally
(Your hand) your hand is upon me
(And your grace) your grace covers me
(Your blood) your blood has washed me
(And I′m all yours) I'm yours as receive

(Your hand) your hand is upon me
(And your grace) your grace covers me
(It was your blood) your blood has washed me
(And I′m all yours) I'm yours as receive
(Your hand) your hand is upon me
(And your grace) your grace covers me
(Your blood) your blood has washed me
And I′m all yours

So I won't worry (so I won′t worry)
I won't leave the way I came (I won't leave, oh, no)
I′ve been changed in your presence (and I′ll never be) and I'll never be the same
(I′ll never be the same) I receive
(Come somebody receive the blessing) the blessing
Ooh-ooh, oh-oh
I receive the blessing (I receive the blessing)

Hes hands is upon you
Hes grace covers you

Hes blood has washed you
So receive it, is your blessing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "The Benediction" by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy speak about receiving blessings, presence, and power from a higher power. The song emphasizes the ability of this higher power to keep individuals from falling and to provide glory, honor, and authority. The lyrics express a declaration of trust and faith in the power of this higher being to transform lives and bring about positive changes. The repeated refrain of "I receive the blessing" showcases the act of accepting and embracing these blessings in one's life.

The song conveys a sense of gratitude and surrender to the divine, acknowledging that the hand of this higher power is upon individuals, covering them with grace, washing them with blood (symbolic of redemption), and claiming them as its own. The lyrics invite listeners to fully receive and accept these blessings, emphasizing the transformative power they have within one's life.

Line by Line Meaning

I receive the blessing
I receive your presence, I receive your power in my life

Now unto him
Now unto him (who is able) who is able

To keep me from falling
To keep me from falling (from falling) from falling

From falling
From falling

We speak it over you
We proclaim this benediction

Unto you be all the glory
All the glory

And the honor
And the honor

All majesty
All majesty

You have all power and authority
You have all power and authority

And you proclaim that same power belongs to me
You affirm that same power belongs to me

So I won't worry
So I won't worry