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ANTHONY HAMILTON takes us down South and beyond on his new recording, Ain't Nobody Worryin' (SoSo Def/Zomba), and it is a soulful, enlightening and entertaining ride. He starts out by passionately asking his love "Where Did It Go Wrong?" and then lets us know with clever lyrics and a catchy rhythm that "Southern Stuff" is what he really likes.

The cover song takes on social issues with a gritty, down-home beat and poignant lyrics, while in mesmerizing falsetto, Hamilton tells how he will "Never Love Again." The Charlotte-born Harlem resident effectively drives his message of love and commitment with earthy beats and relevant lyrics. Brother Hamilton delivers great music that leaves listeners with much to ponder. DONELL JONES' soulful, captivating voice on Journey of a Gemini (LaFace/Jive) is a welcomed relief for fans. The jamming "Better Start Talking" features Jermaine Dupri, and the party continues with a serenade of his lady on "I'm Gonna Be." Then he offers the ballad "My Apology," the soul-baring "Cry," inspired by social conditions, and the romantic "Ooh Na Na." On her second recording, Change It All (Skyblaze/ Columbia), GOAPELE continues to entertain and inspire with love songs and socially/politically inspired jams that express her convictions on many levels. Among the standouts is the easy-flowing groove "If We Knew," which is packed with thought-provoking lyrics.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning