Kanye West & Sunday Service Choir bless us with the beautifully crafted “Jesus Is Born.”

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TOP 5

5. SUNSHINE

“Sunshine” is undeniably beautiful. While the song incorporates elements from Stevie Wonder’s classic “Sunshine of My Life,” it manages to radiate its own distinct energy, impact, and message.

I feel like every single song from at least 30 years ago would sound great if it was remade by a choir.

4. ULTRALIGHT BEAM

The 2017 rendition of “Ultralight Beam” already had strong gospel elements, but the version found on this album takes the gospel essence to an even more transcendent level—it’s like a gospel song on holy crack!

In all seriousness, my soul feels rejuvenated after listening to “Ultralight Beam.” I appreciate the song’s overly dramatic nature, coupled with its rising and uplifting singing structure.

If you don’t close your eyes while listening to “Ultralight Beam,” we can’t be friends.

3. FOLLOW ME – FAITH

At the start of “Follow Me – Faith,” you encounter a serene sound that you might want to hear while taking a number two. By the conclusion of the track, you’ll feel like the song went on a diarrhea journey with you!

“Follow Me – Faith” eventually transforms into a revamped version of Kanye West’s “Fade” from his Life Of Pablo album. In my opinion, this flipped rendition brings the song to its full potential, adding the soul and pizazz that I always felt it should have had.

2. WEAK

I appreciate how “Weak” turns an already dramatic song into something even more intense and dramatic.

The singers in Weak show great confidence in their love for our LORD and savior, but at the same time, this level of vulnerability that is glaring. I love that!

1. FATHER STRETCH

While the lyrics on “Father Stretch” aren’t brash at all, the energy conveyed in the track is impeccable!

The instrumental that drives “Father Stretch” is hard-hitting, while the singing is wild and free.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (5/5)

2. EXCELLENT (4/5)

3. REVELATIONS 19:1 (4/5)

4. RAIN (5/5)

5. BALM IN GILEAD (4/5)

6. FATHER STRETCH (5/5)

7. FOLLOW ME – FAITH (5/5)

8. ULTRALIGHT BEAM (5/5)

9. LIFT UP YOUR VOICES (4/5)

10. MORE THAN ANYTHING (5/5)

11. WEAK (5/5)

12. THAT’S HOW THE GOOD LORD WORKS (4/5)

13. SUNSHINE (5/5)

14. BACK TO LIFE (4.5/5)

15. SOULS ANCHORED (5/5)

16. SWEET GRACE (4/5)

17. PARADISE (4.5/5)

18. SATAN, WE’RE GONNA TEAR YOUR KINGDOM DOWN (4/5)

19. TOTAL PRAISE (4/5)

OVERALL RATING

(A-) (91%)

I can delve into a lengthy discussion about the authenticity of this reborn version of Kanye West, but I’ll refrain, mainly because I believe Jesus is Born is a very good gospel album!

Jesus Is Born is well-crafted, creative, energetic, powerful, replenishing, and authentically gospel. Is the album for everyone? No, but if you consider yourself a musical savant, you have to appreciate it at least.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.