Artist: Melissa Morris
Project Title: Above & Beyond
Label: Homeland Records
Producers: Scott Godsey, Anthony Johnson, Dirk Johnson

I can remember a time in Southern Gospel Music when you almost never heard of a soloist, much less a female soloist!  Thank goodness that the industry has evolved and now includes many talented soloists, both male and female.  One of the recent projects that has been received at the Southern Gospel Music Forum is a project titled “Above & Beyond’ by a talented lady named Melissa Morris.  It is a wonderful project that I know you are going to enjoy as much as I do!

The project starts off with “Down The Road I Go.”  What a great upbeat song that talks about God going with us down the road of life!  An outstanding song and message.  The next song is simply titled “Wonderful.”  A simple title but it is a profound message that Jesus Christ can and will make our lives wonderful!  That is right!  Being saved is a wonderful thing and this song proclaims that message very well!  “Lord It’s Me” is the next song on the project and what a beautiful message in this song about the struggles of our life and how God can help us through them.  I love the line that says “Lord it’s me one more time.  Getting down on my knee, hoping You would hear my plea.  And let me feel, Your love divine.  Flowing down over me with the comfort that I need.  All I am and ever hope to be.  Lord, it’s me!”  A beautiful message and wonderful delivery from Melissa.

“The Wooden Floor” is the next song on the project and while the title may be a little unique, the message is an incredible one about the battles we face in life that I know will bless you over and over again.  Another uniquely titled song is next with “It’s Your Fault.”  The song basically talks about the Christian life and the great examples that many of us have had to follow.  This song talks about the writer’s father and I can relate to that from the examples that both of parent’s set.  “While I’m Here” is the next song on the project and this is another wonderful song about praising the Lord even when going through a difficult time or a trial. 

Next on the project we find an up-tempo song titled “Keep On Running.”  This song encourages the listener to just keep on running in this life until we arrive at Heaven’s Gate!  I love that message!  “Someone Somewhere” is next on this project and this wonderful song reminds us that someone, somewhere is down on their knees praying for us!  If that does not encourage you then nothing will!  The final song on the project is titled “The Crucifixion.”  What an amazing song that reminds us that even on the Cross, Jesus was thinking about you and me!  The song is amazing and quickly became a favorite!

This project is a very good recording!  No project will ever be a good one without good songs and Melinda Lightner wrote seven of the songs on this project!  The songs are amazing and there is a great variety in styles and tempos as Melinda proves what a talented writer she is!  Of course, Melissa Morris is the one who sings the songs and her delivery is nothing short of outstanding as well.  My favorite songs from this project are “Someone Somewhere,” “The Crucifixion” and “Down The Road I Go.”  This project is one that is likely going to please all of Melissa's current fans and earn many new ones!  She already has at least one new fan in me!  This project has top notch vocals, incredible songs and wonderful production!  All of that makes for a great project that you should add to your music collection!  For more information on Melissa Morris, visit her website at www.melissamorris.org.