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.
โfrom "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" โhence 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.
http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/darwinhobbsvertical.html
Come Let Us Sing/He Is Exalted
Darwin Hobbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let us shout joyfully
Come let us worship the Lord
Let us shout joyfully
He is exalted
The king is exalted on high
I will praise him, praise him
He is exalted forever exalted
He is the Lord
Forever his truth shall begin
Heaven and earth
Rejoice in his holy name
He is exalted
The king is exalted on high
Forever exalted on high
Worthy is the lamp
King of glory
You're exalted
The angels cry holy
You're exalted
Great I am mighty God
You're exalted.
The first part of the lyrics "Come let us sing to the Lord, Let us shout joyfully, Come let us worship the Lord, Let us shout joyfully" is an invitation to celebrate and worship the Lord, expressed with enthusiasm and joy. The second part "He is exalted, The king is exalted on high" is a declaration of the greatness and sovereignty of God. Through these lyrics, the singer invites the audience to join in praising and glorifying Him. The third part "Forever his truth shall begin, Heaven and earth, Rejoice in his holy name" emphasizes the eternity of God's truth and the rejoicing in His name, not only in the present but also in the future forevermore. The overall message of the song is that God is exalted and worthy of our worship and praise forever and He deserves to be magnified above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
Come let us sing to the Lord
Let us sing praises to the Lord
Let us shout joyfully
With happiness and delight, let us lift up our voices in praise
Come let us worship the Lord
Let us bow down and give reverence to the Lord
He is exalted
He is lifted high above all others
The king is exalted on high
Our King is raised to the highest place
I will praise him, praise him
I will show my admiration for him, by offering up my praises
He is exalted forever exalted
His greatness will never diminish, He remains lifted high always
And I will praise his name
I will offer up words of praise for His name
He is the Lord
He is our God, above all others
Forever his truth shall begin
His truth will last forever and never fade
Heaven and earth
Both the heavens and the earth
Rejoice in his holy name
Celebrate and find joy in His sacred name
Forever exalted on high
He will remain lifted high always
Worthy is the lamb
The lamb is deserving of honor and respect
King of glory
The ruler of all that is glorious
You're exalted
You are lifted high above all others
The angels cry holy
Heavenly beings sing out His sacredness
Great I am mighty God
All-powerful God, You are great and mighty
You're exalted
You are held up high above all others
Contributed by Kaylee C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@victordanuor1865
Who's here in 2022? This song is ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅJesus is exalted!!
@kharisiyavuyanetshilema1609
WORSHIPPER by brother Darwin Hobbs healed me in 2007-8. Would have checked into Heaven too early. You are a blessing Big Brother, and remain so.
@adewunmiajike
This, by far, is my favorite mash-up!!! It gives me chills whenever I listen to it. Wonderful Job! Truly feel blessed and filled with the spirit when singing this song!! Gods word stands firm throughout eternity, even though this song is 7 years old!! "Forever exalted on high" <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
@ChristalIPDC
Perfect praise dance song for Christmas! Darwin Hobbs never let's me down!ย
@FaithinJehovahJireh
Wow omg i love this song! Praise God
@Tammy3249956
i love this song...... let us shout joyfully
@josephufburnside8838
COME LET US SING
@aziza731
Awesome!!
@Lovesabigaili
Next ballet song!
@nathanaelfahrasmane6594
๐๐๐๐