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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I'm In Love
Darwin Hobbs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there a reason to give?
It's the reason the father gave his son
It's the reason the savior gave his all
For us
He gave his all
For us
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
Gonna tell the world
That I'm in love with you
Who can describe
The father's love
Who can define
Unconditional
I will be the one
Who will stand
I will be the one
Who will give my all
For you
I will give my all
For you
I will give my all
For you
I will give my all
For you
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
I'm in love with you
Gonna tell the world
That I'm in love with you
What can separate me from your love?
What can separate me from your love?
What can separate me from your love?
Nothing
Nothing
Seperations: 2x
I am more than a conquerer
If GOD be for me
Who can be against me?
More than a conquerer
I'm in love
I'm in love
Sopranos Vamp
Altos vamp
Tenors vamp
VAMP everybody
What can separate me from your love?
What can separate me from your love?
What can separate me from your love?
NOTHING
NOTHING
NOTHING
NOTHING
I am more than a conquerer
The opening lines, "Is there a reason to live? Is there a reason to give?" express feelings of uncertainty and possibly hopelessness. But the next two lines, "It's the reason the father gave his son, It's the reason the savior gave his all," refer to the Christian belief that Jesus died on the cross to save humanity from sin, and in doing so, gave them a reason to live and a reason to give. This is a message of hope and an affirmation of faith.
The chorus, "I'm in love with you, gonna tell the world, that I'm in love with you," is a declaration of love for God. The lines that follow describe the singer's dedication to God, their willingness to stand and give their all for Him, and the idea that nothing can separate them from His love. The repetition of the phrase "I'm in love with you," emphasizes the depth of their devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Is there a reason to live?
Is there a purpose to our existence?
Is there a reason to give?
Is there a reason to be selfless?
It's the reason the father gave his son
The father sacrificed his son for a greater purpose
It's the reason the savior gave his all
The savior gave everything for a greater purpose
For us
For the benefit of humanity
He gave his all
The savior gave everything he had
I'm in love with you
I have a strong emotional attachment to you
Gonna tell the world
I will share my love and emotions with everyone
Who can describe
Who is capable of explaining?
The father's love
The love of the father
Who can define
Who is able to give a clear meaning of?
Unconditional
Without conditions or limitations
I will be the one
I will take on the responsibility
Who will stand
Who will stay strong and committed?
Who will give my all
Who will give everything I have?
For you
For your benefit or well-being
What can separate me from your love?
Is there anything that can come between us?
Nothing
There is nothing that can come between us
I am more than a conquerer
I am stronger and more powerful than my obstacles
If GOD be for me
If God is on my side
Who can be against me?
Who can overpower me?
Sopranos Vamp
Sopranos sing a repeated melody
Altos vamp
Altos sing a repeated melody
Tenors vamp
Tenors sing a repeated melody
VAMP everybody
Everyone continue to sing the repeated melody
NOTHING
Nothing can come between our love
Writer(s): John Brockman
Contributed by Daniel D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alycia Young
Gives me goosebumps how they belt out, "I AM MOOORE THAN A CONQUEROR"!
Clementina Petty
This is one song you can listen to over ,over ,over and over.
Desmond Johnson
I cannot stop listening to this song
BEN
Thank God for the life of this beautiful singer. I feel blessed whenever I listen to this song. So inspiring...
Cassonade
Amen!!
Lotus Devine
He has had a many toils and snares that had given him a powerful anointing. I love him very very much
Debbie Luckey
It gives me joy
Carolyn
Excellent Worship Songs. Love your music.🙌🙌
GodsButtafly
Wonderful song!
🌸A daughter of The Most High God🌸
I’ve have always and will forever love God. My love for Him just have gotten DEEPER within time because I seen Him as a healer, a protecter, a loving and caring Father, a best friend, a provider🙌🏼 and so much much more God has very great plans for you and He loves you so much!! Please If you are reading this take time to get to know Him and I promise you, you will never be the same ever again LITERALLY you will become one with Jesus Christ and a new creation 🌸🙌🏼💙🌻