Darwin Hobbs is especially popular for his spirit moving song 'He's able' which has taken the breath of Nigerians away. The song indeed has been an inspiration for many, many, many gospel singers.
- Sheffieldhottie
His debut solo project (Mercy) was characterized by an anointing pieced together in soulful song with the help of producers Fred Hammond and Victor and Cedric Caldwell (see review).
Darwin Hobbs turns around swiftly on Vertical, his sophomore project with EMI Gospel, by combining both some of the same, and some fresh twists too.
Production mainstays Victor and Cedric Caldwell return to the fold, and join forces with Tommy Sims, whose Positive Movement production house has blown notorious in recent years. A fascinating choice of guest artists also marks this effort.
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Crucial to the album is the groovified "Cast All Your Cares", which harnesses the writing hooks of Angie Winans and the brothers Caldwell, is powered by the guitar finesse of Paul Jackson Jr., and features a strong chorus supporting Hobb's soulful delivery on lead.
The familiar voice of Donna Summer graces "When I Look Up". It's a softly soaring AC ballad about the liberty that Jesus brings, with Hobbs intertwining his pipes with Summer's exquisite phrasing over subtle bird twittering effects and a soft rhythm track. Written by the Caldwells with up-and-comer Hallerin Hill, it's a quiet full force gale, complete with backing vocals from Angie Winans.
Continuing on the guest artist theme, former Doobie Brother turned solo artist Michael McDonald joins his husky soul with Hobbs' rich tones on the head-bob track, Everyday. Fueled by musical elements of the Gap Band's "Outstanding", the Tommy Sims composition is an urban delight. Check these lines:
Surely the mercy of your love is in this place
I know that every day, come rain or shine
That it's mine all mine.
βfrom "Everyday"
On "So Amazing", Hobbs turns the tables on those who can't refrain from constantly comparing his vocal vibe to that of Luther Vandross. With his Gospel cover of this Vandross hit, Hobbs boldly tackles this comparison issue head on. No doubt he could easily be mistaken for the crooner, but with Hobbs' spirit of sensitivity infused throughout, there's no comparison on the deeper level. Virtue softly provides sweet backing vocals.
Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald contributed vocals to a couple of The Winans' projects (Decision and Back 2 Back) back when.
He's primarily known for his work with The Dobbie Brothers and Steely Dan, plus his own solo work.
Other hits have come in collaborations with James Ingram, Aretha Franklin, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and Donna Summer (who also appears with Darwin Hobbs on this Vertical project).
Hobbs has stated that on this project, "every song was written strategically to represent some aspect of our relationship to God and His relationship to us" βhence the title Vertical, indicating that relationship.
So it's no surprise then, that the jewel in this CD jewel case is the medley of praise and worship ("Praise Medley"). It's on this soft, 8-minute, vocals-focused cut that Hobbs truly astounds with his range and selection of expression. The fact that he doesn't need vocal dramatics to do this speaks volumes to his gift. Holy praise tunes included are "El Shaddai", "You Are Holy", "You Are My Hiding Place" and "Great Is Your Mercy".
Set your alarm clock now, because you certainly don't want to sleep on this project. There's so much to love on this disk that you may not be able to handle it in one listen.
I'm still reeling.
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Better Is One Day
Darwin Hobbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Lord Almighty
For my soul longs
And even faints for you
For here my heart is satisfied
Within your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of your wings
Better is one day in your house
Better is one day in your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
One thing I ask and I would seek
To see your beauty
To find you in the place
Your glory dwells
My heart and flesh cry out
For you the living God
Your spirits water to my soul
I've tasted and I've seen
Come onace again to me
I will draw near to you
The lyrics of Darwin Hobbs's song "Better Is One Day" express a longing for God's presence that is so deep that it almost reaches the point of physical exhaustion. The lyrics use vivid metaphors to describe the sense of fulfillment that is only found in being in communion with God. The line "For here my heart is satisfied within your presence" is particularly powerful in conveying a sense of peace and completeness that only comes from being with God. The following lines "I sing beneath the shadow of your wings" use the image of a bird seeking shelter under a mother bird's wings to describe how the singer finds peace and protection in God's presence.
The next lines of the song express the belief that it is better to spend just one day in God's courts than a thousand days anywhere else. This line is a direct reference to Psalm 84:10, which says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere". This line is significant because it highlights the belief that being in God's presence is the ultimate goal of life and that nothing else can compare to it. The song then continues with a plea to see God's beauty and to find God in the places where God's glory resides.
The lyrics of "Better Is One Day" are a testament to the strength of faith and the power of belief in God's presence. Hobbs's lyrics use evocative imagery and powerful metaphors to express the sense of peace and fulfillment that only comes from being in communion with God.
Line by Line Meaning
How lovely is thy dwelling place
The place where you reside is incredibly beautiful and breathtaking
Oh Lord Almighty
My words are directed to the all-powerful ruler
For my soul longs
My entire being has a strong desire for you
And even faints for you
I yearn for you so much that I am weakened in your absence
For here my heart is satisfied
I am fully content and happy in your presence
Within your presence
In your company, where you are located
I sing beneath the shadow of your wings
In the safety of your protection and care, I lift my voice in song
Better is one day in your courts
Spending a single day within your place of worship is better than any length of time elsewhere
Better is one day in your house
Being in your home is superior to any other place
Than thousands elsewhere
Even a lengthy amount of time elsewhere cannot compete with the brief duration spent in your presence
One thing I ask and I would seek
I am fervently searching for one specific thing
To see your beauty
To have the opportunity to witness your splendor and magnificence
To find you in the place
To locate you within this location
Your glory dwells
The essence of your greatness and fame resides here
My heart and flesh cry out
Both my emotions and physical body yearn for you
For you the living God
You are the deity who is still alive
Your spirits water to my soul
Your Holy Spirit quenches my soul's thirst and provides life-giving sustenance
I've tasted and I've seen
I have personally experienced and observed
Come onace again to me
Please come to me again
I will draw near to you
I will make an effort to get closer to you
Contributed by Skyler R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@se886
This is the most relaxing rendition I've ever heard of this song.
@MsShay78
Nobody has a voice like Darwin in all the world. Such beautiful worship.
@RisingRemnant1
πWhat a blissful version for Quiet Times, Relaxing Drives or Dinners. It helps me sleep at nite, keeping evil away as I'm ushered in to peaceful sleep. Thank you for posting. Peace & Blessings!π
@StrongnBeautiful
Absolutely. I feel you. The enemy will try you while you sleep. Sometimes I just play the Word. Nobody got time for the enemies mess!
@marshadrane8778
I Love this song the way He sings it. Thank You Lord for Darwin Hobbs.Thanks for posting
@MRFRANKIEWILSON
This entire album was off the chain. I miss it. Thanks so much for posting this one.
@dojoiii
This was my 1st time hearing this song. Just loved it. This was played during our communion experience while the sacraments were being passed out. What an awesome praise song.
@authenticallyeryka6379
Love this rendition. God bless him.Β
@headcornerstone01
i love this Album, all glory to God
@MyLadyMo
I just heared this mans songs for the first time and he sure is Blessed with an amazing voice..!God is good..his voice touches ma heart.May God bless him more and more..Thanks guys for his songs.