Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Danny Gokey, Haven't Seen It Yet
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Danny Gokey
Haven't Seen It Yet



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop / Contemporary
Album length: 13 tracks: 45 minutes, 31 seconds
Street Date: April 12, 2019


READER RATING:   


More than a decade removed from his time on American Idol, Danny Gokey drops his fourth full-length album, titled Haven't Seen It Yet. Since his third place on the popular singing competition in 2008, he has toured with the other Idols, tried his hand at country music, and now settled into a strong presence on Christian contemporary pop radio. His first release since 2017's Rise, Gokey returns to give listeners a full dose of pop songs, brimming with encouragement.

"New Day" is a buoyant and fun way to start the album, with its strong percussion and supporting horn section. It's infectious, and danceable joy should make it near impossible to remain seated upon hearing it. At the very least, it begs you to roll the car windows down, and crank the volume up. "Love God Love People" follows with similar catchiness, and an oft communicated sentiment, though that can be forgiven while you are bobbing your head to a terrific song. "Haven't Seen It Yet" is a quality tune, and has already impacted radio as the first single released from the album. It communicates the encouragement to press on in times of trial, "all his promises are just up ahead/maybe you just haven't seen it yet." A more EDM influenced take on the song finishes the track list, and I wish he had taken the gamble to release that one instead of this radio version. The remix version contains just a little more punch and texture that would have benefited the album overall. Four standard pop offerings follow, but the next song to stand out is the dynamically interesting "Undertow." It begins slow, but builds on a bed of swirling strings with Danny's raspy voice communicating a felt earnestness. Trap beats deep in the mix hold up "More Than I Could Be" as he sings of God's love making him "more than a warrior/more than a hero/more than anything/more than I could be." It may be nothing new lyrically, but it's a good reminder carried by a fun tune nonetheless.

Another highlight, the surprising "Craziest Thing," has a certain 80's/early 90's boy band feel to it. (Think New Kids On The Block or Backstreet Boys minus the layered harmonies.) It's a nostalgia-inducing homage to an era gone by that's sure to resurface again. Lastly, Mandisa joins Gokey to bring down the house with the rousing "Tell Somebody." A gospel choir drips with passion, imploring the church to "come on and tell somebody about Jesus/and all the great things He has done/where would I be/If He had not rescued me/come on and tell somebody." Danny and Mandisa take turns to great effect, calling the church to share the love they have found with the world on what would be a fantastic concert closer.

As far as drawbacks to the album, perhaps the greatest criticisms are familiar ones: some songs do little to stand out, and the album feels two or three songs too long. Again, this isn't because any of the songs are poorly done, or lack lyrical meat, they are simply retreads of familiar territory. I found the biggest examples of this to come from the trio of songs "Wanted," "Fighter," and "Better Because Of It." All in all, Haven't Seen It Yet treats listeners to joyful, accessible songs, with a deeply pastoral approach, all carried by his raspy, soulful voice. This is an album for fans of Danny Gokey, and those looking for strong pop songs, with "New Day," "Love God Love People," and the EDM version of "Haven't Seen It Yet" being the cream of the crop.

- Review date: 4/10/19, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Capitol CMG
. Album length: 13 tracks: 45 minutes, 31 seconds
. Street Date: April 12, 2019
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. New Day (3:29)
  2. Love God Love People (feat. Michael W. Smith) (3:06)
  3. Haven't Seen It Yet (4:04)
  4. Wanted (3:55)
  5. Finish Strong (2:44)
  6. No Pressure (3:30)
  7. Fighter (3:21)
  8. Undertow (3:55)
  9. More Than I Could Be (3:14)
  10. Better Because of It (4:00)
  11. Craziest Thing (2:49)
  12. Tell Somebody (feat. Mandisa) (4:16)
  13. Haven't Seen It Yet (Asher Postman Remix) (3:08)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images