AMG Review of Praise and Worship Songs of Yolanda Adams

John Bush
All Music Guide

Despite her strong voice and nuanced delivery, Yolanda Adams hasn't always been one of the first choices for praise & worship audiences, since she's occasionally leaned toward secular music. This Verity compilation should rectify the situation nicely, including ten of her most focused religious songs from the previous ten years. Here Adams is intent primarily on addressing God, just as recordings in the praise & worship genre should be. Also, she keeps the arrangements simple, perfect for the worship context but also for her gifted voice to soar without any hindrance. The musical backing usually isn't up to her vocal performances, and the few attempts at contemporary R&B production ("Praise Your Holy Name") are clear mistakes. At its best, The Praise and Worship Songs of Yolanda Adams illustrates what a stunning performer Adams is when she's simply allowed to take over a song (fittingly, many of the best here are from live releases).