After four years, Kirk Franklin is back with his new album, Hello Fear. While I found myself to be mostly disappointed with his previous album, The Fight of My Life, I feel as though Hello Fear is a big turn around.

One minor but noticeable change right off the bat, though, is the absence of the usual intro track on this album. So the title track kicks off the record and features Franklin addressing his fear by name, insisting that it will not take over his life anymore, "Never again will I love you, my heart it refuses to be your home, no longer your prisoner." "Before I Die" follows, punching up the tempo and beat of the album. The song seems to say that you have to live your life now to the fullest before you die and go to heaven.

"I Am" is a beautiful song that declares that although we are not like Christ, we are still trying to be like Christ. "But the Blood" is a piano-based tune which features a choir backing up Franklin. The song is about how so many things seemed useless until we knew about the blood of Jesus Christ. "I Smile" is a hit song about how even though today might not be perfect, God is still working in our lives and we should take comfort in knowing that. "Give Me," a personal favorite, follows, lyrically focusing on praying to God for healing and the power to be strong through those times.

"The Altar" (featuring Marvin Sapp & Beverly Crawford) has a standout organ piece and contemplates how wonderful it is to be able to approach God's throne. "Something About The Name Jesus Pt. 2" is a sequel to a song on Kirk's 1998 album, The Nu Nation Project, while "Today" states we need to seize the day. "A God Like You" is the final song of the album, concluding the record on a worshipful note.

Hello Fear is a great installment into Kirk Franklin's impressive career of music. If anyone was a little underwhelmed by his previous release, I highly recommend checking out his newest effort. Hello Fear is a bold and encouraging album that is well worth checking out.

JFH Reader Review: written by Kenneth D. Byrd, 7/11/11, for Jesusfreakhideout.com