Jesus Is Born | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | December 25, 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2019 | |||
Genre | Gospel | |||
Length | 83:57 | |||
Label |
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Producer |
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Sunday Service Choir chronology | ||||
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Jesus Is Born is the debut studio album by American gospel group Sunday Service Choir, with American rapper Kanye West acting as executive producer. It was released on December 25, 2019, through INC. The album was released to coincide with Christmas and follows the release of West's Christian-themed ninth studio album Jesus Is King , which was released two months prior on October 25, 2019. [1]
West announced the release date of Jesus Is Born the day before Jesus Is King was released, with the group's choir director Jason White later confirming the release. The former received generally positive reviews from music critics, who often commented on West's involvement. The album charted at number 73 and two on the US Billboard 200 and US Top Gospel Albums charts, respectively.
On the first Sunday of 2019, West began the first "Sunday Service" rehearsal, where he performed gospel arrangements of songs from his discography and other songs with choir group The Samples and frequent collaborators such as Tony Williams and Ant Clemons. In April 2019, West has claimed that he was "radically saved" around the time of the group's first public performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. [2] West's ninth studio album Jesus Is King was released in October 2019, with Sunday Service providing featured vocals on the track "Every Hour" and additional vocals on "Selah", "Everything We Need" and "Water". [3]
In a pre-recorded promotional interview with Zane Lowe released a day before West's album Jesus Is King , the rapper announced that a Sunday Service album entitled Jesus Is Born would be released on December 25, 2019 to coincide with Christmas. [4] It was later confirmed that the album would be released on that date at a special Christmas Eve edition of Sunday Service by the group's leader Jason White, with him doing so while addressing the audience. [5] A video was shared by Complex that shows Sunday Service in the studio with a note marking the Christmas release. [6] On December 25, 2019, Jesus Is Born was released for digital download and streaming by INC. [7] The album's release differentiated from the release of Jesus Is King due to it undergoing no delays. [8] The music tech company Vydia distributed the album to streaming services. [9] West tweeted a link to where Jesus Is Born became available for streaming on December 25, 2019, accompanied by the album's cover art. [10] Though the album is credited to the Sunday Service Choir, Forbes , CNN and Entertainment Weekly consider Jesus Is Born to be part of West's album discography. [11] [12] [13]
Aggregate scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AnyDecentMusic? | 6.5/10 [14] |
Metacritic | 74/100 [15] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [16] |
Clash | 7/10 [17] |
Exclaim! | 7/10 [18] |
The Guardian | [19] |
NME | [20] |
Pitchfork | 7.4/10 [21] |
PopMatters | [22] |
Spectrum Culture | [23] |
Jesus Is Born was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the album received an average score of 74, based on five reviews. [15] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave Jesus Is Born 6.5 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus. [14]
NME 's Rhian Daly described the album as "a record that is gospel through-and-through, with no quantifying statements necessary" and opined that it is not essential to "believe in a higher being or have any interest in gospel music" to appreciate the album. [20] In Billboard , Bianca Gracie praised the album for focusing more on the choir than Jesus Is King, while claiming that Jesus Is Born "builds upon West's immersive reawakening." [24] Gracie also noted that the album "wouldn't be a Kanye West-led album without a few nods to his own discography" and wrote that it "balances heritage with millennial innovation." [24] Shane Cashman from Pitchfork looked at the album as where West "assembled a massive choir to channel his Christian message in a joyous, all-consuming wave of sound" and viewed him as "using the choir as a living, breathing sampler," due to West selecting old songs to be recontextualized by the choir, despite the lack of any samples. [21] Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic viewed the album as being "imbued by the influences of traditional gospel predecessors" and claimed that West's "production touches can be subtly heard throughout," despite the lack of vocals from him. [16]
Dean Van Nguyen was less enthusiastic in The Guardian , claiming that Jesus Is Born is not likable for those uninterested in the "religious rebirth" of West, though stated that "the album certainly fulfils its prayerful remit" and "is more full-bodied than its predecessor." [19] In a mixed review, Daniel Bromfield of Spectrum Culture wrote that despite the absence of vocals from West on the album being refreshing, "the lack of his fingerprints is disappointing." [23] Bromfield elaborated, noting that West "hasn't written any new songs" for the album and branded the content as "slim pickings." [23]
After a-day-and-a-half of tracking, Jesus Is Born debuted on the US Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart at number two. The album sold 6,000 album-equivalent units, 3,000 of which came from pure album sales, though it was held off the top spot by Jesus Is King with 10,000 units. [25] The following week, the latter debuted at number 73 on the US Billboard 200, standing as the second highest entry of the week on the chart. [26] That same week, Jesus Is Born sold 10,000 album-equivalent units and remained at number two on the US Top Gospel Albums chart; this was following its first full week of tracking. [27] The album entered at number three on the UK Christian & Gospel Albums chart, one place behind Jesus Is King at number two. [28]
Nine of Jesus Is Born's 19 tracks charted on the US Billboard Gospel Songs chart. This led to West's music taking up 20 of the 25 positions on the chart at once, including tracks released under his real name and by the Sunday Service Choir, respectively; the former of which are not included on the album. "Father Stretch" stood as the highest charting track from Jesus Is Born, reaching number ten on the US Gospel Songs chart, though music released under West's real name prevented the song from charting higher. [29]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Count Your Blessings" | Timothy Wright | 5:27 |
2. | "Excellent" | Brenda Joyce Moore | 3:29 |
3. | "Revelations 19:1" | A. Jeffrey LaValley | 5:33 |
4. | "Rain" | 4:48 | |
5. | "Balm in Gilead" | Twinkie Clark | 2:08 |
6. | "Father Stretch" | 5:52 | |
7. | "Follow Me / Faith" |
| 7:02 |
8. | "Ultralight Beam" |
| 3:21 |
9. | "Lift Up Your Voices" | 7:48 | |
10. | "More Than Anything" | Rick Robinson | 6:54 |
11. | "Weak" |
| 3:05 |
12. | "That's How the Good Lord Works" |
| 4:43 |
13. | "Sunshine" | The Clark Sisters | 4:14 |
14. | "Back to Life" | 3:19 | |
15. | "Souls Anchored" |
| 3:59 |
16. | "Sweet Grace" | Grier | 1:38 |
17. | "Paradise" |
| 4:13 |
18. | "Satan, We're Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down" | Shirley Caesar | 3:23 |
19. | "Total Praise" | Richard Smallwood | 3:15 |
Total length: | 83:57 |
Credits are adapted from Tidal and Instagram and may be incomplete because official liner notes for the album have not been released yet.
The Samples "Sunday Service Choir"
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
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Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | December 25, 2019 | INC | [7] |
"Fade" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song features vocals from Post Malone and Ty Dolla Sign. It was first played at West's Yeezy Season 2 show in September 2015, before later being released for digital download and streaming as the third and final single from the album on September 9, 2016, through GOOD Music and Def Jam. 11 days later, the aforementioned labels serviced the song to radio stations across the United States. A hip house song with club elements, it samples Mr. Fingers's "Mystery of Love", Rare Earth's and The Undisputed Truth's respective cover versions of "(I Know) I'm Losing You", Hardrive's "Deep Inside", and Barbara Tucker's "I Get Lifted ". The lyrics of the song focus on trying to hold on to a fading love.
"Father Stretch My Hands" are songs by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). They are split into two parts on the album: "Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1" and "Pt. 2". "Pt. 1" contains vocals by American rapper Kid Cudi and American R&B singer Kelly Price, while "Pt. 2" includes vocals from American rapper Desiigner and American musician Caroline Shaw. Prior to release, the latter was played by West for Desiigner when the two met.
"Ultralight Beam" is a song by American recording artist Kanye West from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo (2016). The song features vocals by R&B singers The-Dream and Kelly Price, rapper Chance the Rapper, gospel singer Kirk Franklin and a ten-piece choir, with additional vocals by Natalie Green and Samoria Green. It was first performed live on Saturday Night Live in February 2016.
Jesus Is King is the ninth studio album by the American rapper Kanye West, released on October 25, 2019, and distributed through GOOD Music. The album follows a Christian theme, different from his usual work. West described it as "an expression of the gospel". It features guest appearances from Clipse, Ty Dolla Sign, Kenny G, Fred Hammond, Ant Clemons, and the Sunday Service Choir. Production is included from West, Federico Vindver, Angel Lopez, BoogzDaBeast, and Timbaland, among others.
"Water" is a song by American vocalist and record producer Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song features a guest appearance by American singer Ant Clemons and additional vocals from gospel group the Sunday Service Choir. It was produced by West and BoogzDaBeast, while co-produced by Angel Lopez, Federico Vindver and Timbaland. The song came from a conversation between Clemons and West about Jesus. A psychedelic and gospel track, the song includes samples of "Blow Job", performed by Bruce Haack. It also interpolates "We're All Water", performed by Yoko Ono. The imagery of the lyrics represents the renewal of Baptism and West prays to Jesus in his verse. On April 16, 2019, the song was recorded and it was announced for release that same month.
The Sunday Service Choir is an American gospel group led by artist and producer Kanye West and conducted by choir director Jason White. Beginning in January 2019, the group has performed every Sunday as well as on Friday, September 27, when West's album Jesus Is King was announced for release. Their debut album, Jesus Is Born, was released three months later on Christmas Day in 2019.
"Everything We Need" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song features guest appearances from American singers Ty Dolla Sign and Ant Clemons, and additional vocals by the Sunday Service Choir. It was come up with during a freestyle session in the fall of 2018, inspired by a conversation West had with Clemons about Jesus and religion. The song was recorded as a new version of the leaked track "The Storm".
"Selah" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song contains additional vocals from Ant Clemons, BongoByTheWay, and the Sunday Service Choir. West co-wrote it with 11 others, while Jeffrey LaValley received songwriting credit due to the song sampling a rendition of the New Jerusalem Choir's work. A hip hop and gospel song, it instrumentally relies on military drums. The song includes samples of the Sunday Service Choir's rendition of "Revelations 19:1". Lyrically, it sees West asserting his Christian faith and referencing Bible verses. The song had originally been slated for release on Yandhi in November 2018 until the album was scrapped, though it later leaked the following year.
"God Is" is a song by American vocalist and record producer Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song includes additional vocals from Labrinth, who produced it with West, Warryn Campbell, Angel Lopez, and Federico Vindver. The producers also served as songwriters with Victory Elyse Boyd and Robert Fryson. A gospel song, it includes a looped sample of James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir's song of the same name. Lyrically, West sings of his dedication to Christianity and representation of God.
"Hands On" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song features a guest appearance from gospel singer Fred Hammond. It was produced by West, Angel Lopez, Federico Vindver, and Timbaland, all of whom served as co-writers with Hammond and Aaron Butts. West initially freestyled and envisioned the song, recording an 18-second basic track. He sent Hammond a vocal track, to which the singer wrote his verse. A minimalist gospel ballad with elements of R&B, the song features a low-key beat.
"Use This Gospel" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song features guest appearances from hip hop duo Clipse and jazz saxophonist Kenny G. It was produced by West, Angel Lopez, DrtWrk, Federico Vindver, and Timbaland, with co-production from BoogzDaBeast and Pi'erre Bourne. The song was recorded as a new version of the leaked track "Law of Attraction", which West came up with in a freestyle session. Clipse's feature on the song marked their reunion, after West requested for a collaboration. A gospel number with a maximalist style, it samples Two Door Cinema Club's "Costume Party" and includes a saxophone solo from Kenny G.
"Follow God" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song was produced by West, BoogzDaBeast and Xcelence. The producers wrote it alongside Aaron Butts, though the song's sampling of work by Whole Truth led to songwriting credits being listed for Calvin and Curtis Eubanks. It was playlisted to UK mainstream radio by the BBC as the album's lead single on November 8, 2019, through GOOD Music and Def Jam. Around the time of release, the song was the top performing track from Jesus Is King on streaming services. A religious hip hop track, it includes a sample of "Can You Lose by Following God" by Whole Truth, which is chopped up in certain sections. On February 6, 2021, a Dr. Dre Remix was leaked from the scrapped Jesus Is King II album.
"On God" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song's production was handled by West, BoogzDaBeast, and Michael "CameOne" Cerda, with co-production from Pi'erre Bourne and additional production from Federico Vindver. The producers served as co-writers alongside Cyhi the Prynce and Mustard. Cerda formed the song's melody in 2017, utilizing a Prophet Rev 2 and Moog Sub 37. Young Thug indicated an appearance, though he ultimately did not make the final cut. An electronic track with gospel and house elements, it relies on synths and features an interpolation of "Mercy" by West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz.
Jesus Is King is a 2019 American experimental concert short film written by rapper Kanye West and directed by Nick Knight. Featuring gospel songs arranged by West and material from his ninth studio album of the same name, it also serves as an album companion piece. Primarily shown through a circular eye and features differing shots of the Sunday Service Choir performing music, as well as various Bible verses, West only appears briefly and performs his material towards the end.
"Closed on Sunday" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song was produced by West, Angel Lopez, Brian "AllDay" Miller, Federico Vindver, and Timbaland. It was co-written by the producers with No Malice, Rennard East, Pusha T and Victory Elyse Boyd, and since the song samples work by Grupo Vocal Argentino, a songwriting credit was added for Chango Farías Gómez. On November 28, 2019, the song was released by West's record labels GOOD Music and Def Jam as the second single from the album. A religious hip hop song, it is based around a sample of "Martín Fierro", performed by Grupo Vocal Argentino.
"Jesus Is Lord" is a song by American vocalist and record producer Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song was produced by West, Angel Lopez, Brian "AllDay" Miller, Federico Vindver, and Timbaland. The producers wrote it alongside Claude Léveillée, who had a songwriting credit added due to the song sampling his work. A gospel track, it contains samples of "Un Homme Dans La Nuit", performed by Léveillée. Lyrically, the song features West performing a chorus that sees him echo the reaction of men and women to the Last Judgement.
"Up from the Ashes" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from the deluxe version of his tenth solo studio album, Donda (2021). The song was initially intended for West's ninth studio album Jesus Is King (2019) and previewed during listening parties in September and October 2019. The original track named was "Glade". West's singing on the song has been compared to his fourth studio album 808s & Heartbreak (2008). The song leaked online in February 2020 alongside an alternate version featuring production done by Dr. Dre.
"Wash Us in the Blood" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring fellow American rapper Travis Scott. It was produced by West, Ronny J, and BoogzDaBeast, while co-produced by FnZ and A.G., with additional production from Dem Jointz and Israel Boyd. The producers wrote the song alongside Travis Scott, Aaron Butts and KayCyy Pluto. The song was released for digital download and streaming as a standalone single on June 30, 2020, through GOOD Music and Def Jam. Will Welch teased the song during an interview with West in April 2020.
"24" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features additional vocals from Kenyan-American rapper KayCyy and the Sunday Service Choir. The rappers wrote it alongside Brian Miller, Ojivolta, and Warryn Campbell. The song is titled after the jersey number of Kobe Bryant, for whom it was recorded shortly after his death in January 2020. While the song did experience different reiterations over time, West had written its melody a day before Bryant died. A gospel song that includes church organ stabs, it is a tribute to Bryant.
"Hurricane" is a song by American rapper Kanye West and Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring fellow American rapper Lil Baby, from the former's tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features additional vocals from the Sunday Service Choir and KayCyy. It came from a jam session at Archwood Music Studio and was passed on by Chance the Rapper to West, who shared a preview in September 2018. The song was originally slated for inclusion on West's since scrapped album, Yandhi, and went through multiple reiterations prior to release, with the final version being debuted in July 2021. On August 8, 2021, it was accidentally made available via certain streaming services before being pulled less than 24 hours later, but was officially released with the rest of the album on August 29, 2021. It was also eventually sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the album's lead single on September 14, by GOOD Music and Def Jam. An R&B, hip hop, and pop jam with an atmospheric beat, it contains organs and bass.