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.
—from "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" —hence 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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Forever
Darwin Hobbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good
He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise sing praise
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever, forever
From the rising to the setting
Of the sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
In these lyrics, Darwin Hobbs expresses gratitude to God for His unchanging love and faithfulness towards mankind. The first verse acknowledges God's position as both Lord and King, reminding us that His love endures forever because He is good. The second verse speaks directly about God's greatness, saying that He is above all things, and again emphasizing that His love endures forever. The chorus repeats the word "forever" multiple times, amplifying the message that God's faithfulness and strength are unwavering and everlasting.
The bridge of the song focuses on the passing of time, from sunrise to sunset, suggesting that in every moment, God's love endures. The final verse is a declaration that despite any difficulties or uncertainty we may face, we can trust in God's love to carry us through. Ultimately, these lyrics are a celebration of God's love and a reminder of His power and presence in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Give thanks to the Lord
We should express gratitude to the Lord
Our God and King
The Lord is our almighty ruler
His love endures forever
The Lord's love lasts eternally
For He is good
The Lord is benevolent and just
He is above all things
The Lord transcends all else
Sing praise sing praise
We should rejoice and honor the Lord through song
Forever God is faithful
The Lord is forever loyal and reliable
Forever God is strong
The Lord is forever powerful
Forever God is with us
The Lord is forever present in our lives
Forever, forever
The Lord's qualities and presence are everlasting
From the rising to the setting
The Lord's love is constant throughout the day
Of the sun
From sunrise to sunset
By the grace of God
Through the unmerited favor of the Lord
We will carry on
We will persevere and endure
Sing praise, sing praise
We should express our admiration for the Lord through song
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John B Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@QuintinMcfadden
I love this song. FOREVER and always god is with us...
@goue88
god is faithful forever and he is with us..
@milenaferreira1527
muito linda essa musica ♥
@BrowardBassed
Groovy !!
@carltonjackson1967
Sweet💪
@Lm-yo5lv
snapback
@Dirah77
he Sounds Like a Gospel Luther Vandross!!
@rayetanner6207
Yes!