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.