Virtue
“Testimony”
Integrity Gospel
14 tracks @ 57:15

            The three sisters who comprise Virtue are releasing their sixth record. Fans of Mary Mary, Out of Eden and Destiny’s Child will like this disk.  While I must admit I hadn’t heard of this group until now, I did enjoy the record.

Heather Martin, Ebony Holland and Karima Kibble cite the Clark Sisters and the Winans, among others as musical influences.  Ebony says, “We practically sang from the time we were born.  Mom taught us old hymns and every night we would have worship.

The group considers the task of encouraging young women crucial.  Heather says, “The platform that we’ve been given allows us to communicate the freedom in Jesus Christ.”

The first single, “Follow Me,” has some groovy keyboards and great harmonies while “The Sky is the Limit” is soulful R&B.  The very bouncy “123 Praise” features a guest rap from T-Bone.  “Give Him the Praise” has a very nice retro-funky bass.

You’re not paying attention if you don’t get up on your feet during the hand-clipping driven “Get Up,” which also has some keyboards reminiscent of the late Billy Preston.

I preferred the reprise version of “Praises to You,” where guest vocalist Martha Munizzi is more front and center.

This record could lead to some Stellar nominations.

- Rob S.