Beyonce gives new life to some old time gospel. I have played this for several activity at our church for both young and old members.

The great news is that this isn't completely a religious CD, it's just made up of that mostly. Most of it is upbeat or mid-tempos galore, with a little bit of pop but mostly R&B tracks mixed in.

The religious tracks are: Heaven Knows, I Know, Rain Down, To Da River, I'm Getting Ready, The Stone, Loves Me Like A Rock, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, He Still Loves Me & finally (PHEW) last but not least, Time To Come Home.

My favorites are Swing Low Sweet Chariot a gospel-tinged mid-tempo that Beyonce works and works again with her wondrous power-vocal delivery. But what else do you expect from this R&B siren, gone gospel for this track? Initially I was just touched by the outro, but the whole song is great now. Best track on the album, religious or not.

Time To Come Home is a close second though. Very inspirational and upbeat. 5/5

Rain Down is the 3rd best track. It's very fun, features a hip-hop beat that works and the vocals are good through and through, especially by Angie, the lady at the end and Montel Jordan. Very soulful but combines hip-hop (beat) and pop (feel). 4.4/5

I'm Getting Ready - another gospel track that takes you on a ride to the soul train. Nice vocals and the church-abiding piano arrangement is gorgeous. Some organ can be heard also. The lyrics are a very strong point too. 4.3/5.

Cover Art: B-
Inside Art: N/A
Songwriting: B
Vocals: B-
Vocal Emotion: B
Vocal Acrobatics: B-
Production: B-
Length: A-
Genre(s): Gospel/Church Hymns, Hip-Hop, Pop & Ballads.

Overall: B-

4-4.3 stars.

Favorite tracks in order: Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Time To Come Home, Fever, Heaven Knows, Rain Down, I'm Coming Home, Fighting Temptations and Summertime.

Throwaway tracks are The Stone and Don't Fight The Feeling.

Some good Beyonce songs. Fun to listen to when you need something different but not every day.

In reviewing some of the other's views, I myself think this is one of the best soundtracks to come along in a long time! When I first saw the movie, I said I was going to order the soundtracks. Ann Nesby's "Getting Ready", brought tears to my eyes when I played it while cleaning. I myself loved "summertime" and almost every other song on there. Obviously everybody has their own opinion, which is why we have such varities of music.

To me it was excellent; but, it only my opinion, nobody has to agree;, but if I'm wrong, who has a better right to be?

this cd was off the hook! it was exactly like the movie [which i loved & watch quite often] so i could be inspired whether working or playing. ALL of the artists were great in their own rights. i just can't get enough of their wonderful songs & lyrics. ALL of the music was done so well and is truly inspirational!!! thanks for making this one available for musical [movies/plays] lovers like myself. this was well worth the money spent. thanks much...