Johnny Sanders - "Lifetime"

By Peggy Oliver

Platinum Records

A immensely gifted singer and thespian who has toured with many of R&B & Gospel's major names, Johnny Sanders finally makes the leap to the solo heights. "Lifetime" from still another fledging label, Platinum Records, takes the listener to straight-ahead worship decorated with smooth urban soundscapes. Sanders has been seen and heard in many avenues. He has toured with Ann Nesby, Isaac Hayes, Dorthy Norwood, amongst countless others. On television, appearances include Bobby Jones Gospel and a cable special, "We Remember Jesus". Sanders stage experiences are also deep with Gospel productions: i.e. "Money Can't Buy You Love", "Secret Lover". If that's not enough, he received college degrees including Journalism and Mass Communications from Miami Dade Community College, and has served in the areas of entertainment programming, marketing and advertising.

On "Lifetime", Sanders combines encouraging advice for the church body and adoration towards Christ. The intricacy of "In Your Presence O God" presents positive results when anchored and firmly connected to our Lord and Savior: "seeking Your face, touching Your grace." A trio of backing vocalists interacts throughout with lead vocals from beginning to end.

Sometime mere words get lost in the shuffle. "Because of You" cuts to the quick: "Words cannot describe this feeling in my heart." Sanders' exhilarating voice fills in the rest.

Here's another call for brothers and sisters to avoid turning our back on the hurting and the needy. "It Takes The Whole Body" states it is unrealistic to function completely alone: "No one is an island, We need each other to survive." The riveting and bouncy hook repeats: "working together."

On the title track, Sanders sums up how much time should be spent thanking Jesus: "It's going to take a lifetime to show my love for dying for me."

Throwing in a pinch of "Have A Little Talk With Jesus", "He Lifted Me" becomes a testimony that brought Sanders to a new place: "I was caught up in some crazy stuff."