Not since the emergence of Kirk Franklin and The Family in the early 90s has a gospel artist provoked a buzz like the one surrounding Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. Everything about the ensemble attracts attention: their urban preppy fashions, their tightly choreographed moves, and most of all, their off the chain performance of Tribbett’s sizzling gospel music. Their second album was recorded live at Philadelphia’s Deliverance Evangelistic Church; you gotta wonder if it’s still standing after hearing the wildly enthusiastic energy of “Victory-Live.” Tye Tribbett and GA tear it up, from the opening boxing-themed "Intro," with its hearty Scriptural exhortations of “We represent the kingdom of God!”, to the final celebratory strains of the worshipful closer, “Bow Before the King.” In between they offer enough unrelenting energy, razor-sharp creativity, and impassioned faith to leave you weak in the knees.
The intro sets up the album’s premise: “Victory-Live” is an exhilarating call to take back our lives from the devil by faith and by force. “I Want It All Back” ratchets up the energy level by stepping to the enemy with a declaration of war, GA’s mighty choral work building a mountain of excitement over a muscular rhythm section. Game on now, and Tribbett never lets up for a second, working his magic through a diverse set, adding a bossa nova groove to Andrae Crouch’s “Bless the Lord,” Celtic instrumentation and precision-perfect leadership to “Hallelujah to Your Name,” and a Broadway feel to “Everything Will Be Alright.” Speaking of superb additions, Kim Burrell shows up on the latter track, and you KNOW what happens anytime Ms. Burrell makes the scene. ‘nuf said!
The piano-driven “G.A. Hymn” features the striking vocals of Aaron Camper and Angela White, who drive things from a slow sizzle to a fierce and passionate windup. DeMaris Tribbett, the featured soloist on “Seated At The Right Hand of God,” shines through Tye’s creatively dramatic arrangement. Tribbett’s leading is a triumph throughout; there is not a moment of faltering on the 16 tracks, whether he is laying down strong Scriptural truths (the full-throated emotional testimony of “Sinking”), proclaiming his gratitude against the syncopating percussions of “Still Have Joy,” or leading tongue-twisting faith chants over irresistible beats (“1-2”). The band is slammin’, the vocals tight, the arrangements inspired, and Tribbett is as appealing a leader as ever graced church doors…. anywhere! By the time you hear the quiet electric guitars of closer “Everything Part 1, Part 2/Bow Before the King,” you’re limp with release, your soul rising up in triumph and gratitude. Effervescent, electrifying, and elevating. “Victory-Live,” from Tye Tribbett and G.A. will move you deeply, body and soul. Who doesn’t want that?
