Darwin Hobbs is an American gospel music singer noted for his vocal similar… Read Full Bio ↴Darwin Hobbs is an American gospel music singer noted for his vocal similarity to classic soul singer Luther Vandross. In addition to his career as a gospel artist, Hobbs and his ensemble The Darwin Hobbs Choir have also performed both studio and live background vocals for artists such as Jars Of Clay, BeBe Winans, Michael W. Smith, T.D. Jakes, Shirley Murdock, and countless others. Hobbs also played a small acting role in the HBO movie Boycott.

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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O Come All Ye Faithful
Darwin Hobbs Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Angels sing

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all ye citizens of heav'n above
Glory to God in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Overall Meaning

In Darwin Hobbs's rendition of the classic Christmas carol "O Come, All Ye Faithful," the lyrics beautifully capture the spirit of joyful reverence and adoration towards the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by invoking all faithful believers to come to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, with joy and triumph. It acknowledges the significance of Christ's birth, declaring Him as the King of Angels. The repetition of the plea to "come and adore Him" emphasizes the worship and reverence that should be directed towards Jesus, who is referred to as "Christ the Lord."

The second verse brings forth the image of choirs of angels singing in exultation, inviting all citizens of heaven to join in the song of praise. It is a call for heavenly beings to rejoice and proclaim the glory of God, recognizing His supreme divinity. The repeated plea to "come and adore Him" remains the centerpiece of the song, intensifying the call to worship.

Overall, Hobbs's rendition of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" celebrates the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ and invites believers to join in adoration and praise towards Him. The lyrics capture the awe-inspiring and triumphant atmosphere of that holy night in Bethlehem, reminding us to come together as faithful followers and honor the birth of our Savior.

Line by Line Meaning

Angels sing
The heavenly beings sing in praise and worship

O come, all ye faithful
Oh, gather together all those who believe and have faith

Joyful and triumphant
Full of joy and victorious in our celebration

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Make your way to Bethlehem, come and join the journey

Come and behold Him
Approach and see Him with your own eyes

Born the King of Angels!
He was born as the ruler of the heavenly realm

O come, let us adore Him
Oh, let us worship and honor Him

Sing in exultation
Sing with great joy and jubilation

Sing all ye citizens of heav'n above
Let all the inhabitants of heaven join in the song

Glory to God in the Highest;
Give highest praises and honor to God

O come, let us adore Him
Oh, let us worship and honor Him

Christ the Lord.
The anointed one, our Lord

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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