Just Love

Just Love By Monica Watkins, contributing editor, GospelMusicChannel.com Once again, Music World Entertainment is flexing their Gospel music muscle with debut artist Brian Courtney Wilson's Just Love. Don't let your ears be fooled; it's not the O'Jays singing on track one, the title track of the CD. But Just Love reveals a bit of Wilson's personality, musical influences and his history, as he sings of his appreciation for his church in Houston, Texas. While the track isn't a guaranteed favorite, it does stir up curiosity regarding what else Wilson may have to sing about. A well-crafted blend of pop, jazz, and R&B, all pretty standard sounds in urban Gospel, the project weighs heavy on the ballad end of the scale, but it's probably for the best. Wilson's mature, R&B style vocals seem to slide into the soulful tunes more comfortably. Some true notables are the Tommy Sims' masterpiece, "Simply Redeemed," a powerful worship ballad "Almighty God," and the gospel friendly first single, "All I Need." It's easy to guess what music Wilson grew up on, as the influence is evident throughout the project. His throwback sound may well work for or against this artist, but only time will tell. In the meantime, Just Love is certainly a satisfying debut.

In a review of JUST LOVE, Andrew Greer of Christianity Today writes, "Roll out the red carpet. It's not every day that music industry mogul and famed father Mathew Knowles (Beyonce, Trin-i-tee 5:7) hand selects a new artist for his label's tight-knit roster. But after hearing singer/songwriter Brian Courtney Wilson's smooth grooves and smokey vocal chops, Knowles signed him on the spot. Marrying slick R&B with inspirational messages and straight-up church soul sangin', the singer/songwriter makes a noticeable mark for a newcomer...With a wide appeal and high profile backing, Wilson could be gospel music's next big thing."