Reviewed by Tony Cummings

For those who thought black gospel produced with pop and soul sensibilities was a recent phenomenon, this timely dredge through the archives of Light Records accurately charts the history of one of the seminal pioneers of pop-soul-gospel. Every well known song from a dozen albums are represented on these three albums and show a unique talent for song writing. "Take Me Back", "Soon And Very Soon", "My Tribute" are indeed the classics volume 1 speaks of and a tribute to a man who had the ability to spot first rate singing talent in his Disciples (disgracefully not credited on these albums). Those singers, like Danniebelle Hall and Sister Sandra Crouch, as much as Andrae's pleasing but unexceptional mellow tenor voice, gave the muscle to those catchy hooks that were part traditional black choir, part-Motown and part the white evangelical Jesus music which helped lift Andrae to prominence.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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