Overcomer

Alvin Slaughter's Overcomer is surprise treat in more ways than one. Easily his most true to form gospel album to date, the worship leader ditches his predilection for CCM-based expressions of praise and makes a full-on transition to rhythmic contemporary gospel, not unlike the brand championed by Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, and Marvin Sapp. The Sapp connection, in particular, is interesting: both he and Slaughter received assistance from "it" gospel producer Aaron Lindsey (Israel & New Breed, Karen Clark-Sheard), so it's no surprise that Overcomer and Thirsty, Sapp's runaway smash, seem cut from the same mold. Where Slaughter and the pastor differ, however, is the focus of the lyrics. While Sapp wants to encourage, Slaughter just wants to gets his praise on, ushering congregants from the outer courts of the sanctuary to an intimate place of adoration. That explains why the mood goes from celebratory to worshipful in no time — once the intensity level goes down, Slaughter is careful to keep the liturgy as seamless, reverent, and churchy as possible. After a pleasant reinterpretation of the classic "Power in the Name of Jesus," the vocalist hits a plateau with "Loving Kindness" — likely one of the loveliest melodies Slaughter has led worship with. From there, Overcomer doesn't quite pick up the pace again, perhaps because the tracks go from congregational to performance-oriented — that is, the listener is not singing along, but being sung over. That doesn't mean this section of the repertoire is less effective as praise & worship goes: as early as his days as a featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Slaughter has known how to turn hearts to a higher place, even if said hearts are simply watching from the sidelines. Overcomer may fee a little bit like spectator's sport during the second half, but it still a worship album through and through: it works as a link between creation and Creator.