Set Me Free
Acappella is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore contemporary Christian vocal groups. Less jazzy thanTake 6and more lean and clean than the heavily multitrackedGlad, Acappella provides a solid groove and tight harmonies that are fresh and exciting yet not overtly aimed at Top 40 radio. One of the tracks onSet Me Free, "More Precious Than Gold," was even used in a national television commercial for Kodak. That track, based on Psalm 19, was written by Keith Lancaster, as was the bulk of the album. The four singers on this 1993 album, Duane Adams, Wayburn Dean, Gary Moyers, and George Pendergrass, are supplemented by a gospel choir on the title track. "Stand on the Rock" will get your fingers snapping and "Lead Me to Rest" will transport you straight to heaven.--David Horiuchi