Do you remember the 1970's Motown group Switch? How about the 1980s group called DeBarge? Do you remember El or Chico? C'mon you have to remember that soulful family with the signature sound and blinding good looks. Remember that headline song, “Who's Johnny” by El DeBarge from the movie "Short Circuit"? Does that refresh your memory? Now you remember them, don't you? Who can resist that unique falsetto that only DeBarge can pull off?
The DeBarge family brought you hits like: “I Want To Be Closer”, “Love Over and Over”, “There'll Never Be”, “Time Will Reveal”, “I Like It”, “I Call Your Name” and many more. Artists like Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Blackstreet and Biz Markie - and so many others - have sampled DeBarge to make their own chart-topping hits. They are one the most sampled musical geniuses in the business.
However, how many of you know the woman behind these soulful and creative individuals? I'm not talking about a producer or manager? I'm talking about the person who brought these creative souls into the world. And that person is none other than; Mama DeBarge.
Who is Mama D? She is the strong, inspiring, intellectual and beautiful Matriarch of these talented individuals. She is the mother of ten and the grandmother of over 50 individuals-some of which are stepping into the music industry themselves. Mama DeBarge - as she is referred to by many - has just released an album of her own and it is definitely mesmerizing. The Gospel album-“On My Knees”- is soulful and inspiring. Those DeBarge men and women had to get their talent from someone right?
The CD has been receiving rave reviews from those who have already bought it. So why be left in the dark? Why sit there and wonder what I'm talking about? As they say, the proof is in the pudding and this "pudding" - “On My Knees” - is Grade A quality. Remember when music was real and came from the soul? Remember when people would perform and sing for the love of the music and not for that dollar? Well if that's the type of music that you're looking for then you have definitely found it in this new CD.
If you're feeling down and need a little encouragement or inspiration; this album will put you in a refreshing and elevating mood. “On My Knees” is the best medicine to cure what ails you. Believe you me when I say this CD makes you feel as though you're sitting in church jamming with the choir. The songs are not just words put to music; instead they each encompass a detailed and inspirational message.
It's not your average gospel compilation, but when does anything this family does turn out to be average? If you like jazz, you will love this album... If you like today's contemporary music then you will like this album... If you like gospel then you will like this album and last but not least if you like the sultry sound of DeBarge, then you will definitely LOVE this album.
After listening to Ms. Mama DeBarge sing on the first few tracks, it will not surprise you as to why her children [and grandchildren] are so successful and talented. The woman who supported and stood by her children for years has stepped into the spotlight with a BANG! Her vocal styling is a mixture of Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle and that unique sound that only comes with those who possess the DeBarge family name.
The CD also features the vocals from some of her children; Peaches, Bunny, Randy and Darrell. They all weigh in with their own unique flavor, style and sound to make this album the masterpiece that it's destined to be.
Some of my track favorites in clue “Shine”, “Close To Thee”, “You Mean So Much To Me” and "Sho 'Nuff Be Happy" just to name a few. There is something on this album for everyone. “Shine” will make you get up out your seat with praise while the song “Sho 'Nuff Be Happy”, will make you want to dim the lights and hold your loved one close.
Mama DeBarge's CD is on sale now! It can be purchased from Cdbaby.com
, Payplay.FM
or iTunes. It's definitely worth buying and destined to be one of the classics! You can visit mamadebarge.com to take a closer look at who is Mama DeBarge.
