A musician and music lover since he was a kid, Kell Bailey has had nearly a lifetime to hone his craft. After playing with various organizations and gospel choirs, he began recording his music, dropping his first EP in 2019, followed by his first full-length in 2020. Three years later, his sophomore album, Evidence, has arrived. While Bailey is responsible for much of the singing and some instrumentation, there are also a lot of times where he almost adopts the Kirk Franklin model, acting as a hype man while a choir takes the reins and leads the song. This is mostly in the front half of the album, with more of a CCM / corporate worship sound developing as the album progresses. We also hear a variety of different guest vocalists stepping up the microphone throughout the whole album, which I think really benefits the collection, as Bailey isn't a particularly strong vocalist (though he is certainly a competent one). It's also nice to hear a couple of classics ("We Exalt Thee," "Draw Me Nearer") mixed in with the originals. While it's always great when artists write and release original material instead of fully relying on the work of others, incorporating some well-known, familiar songs can really help the listener join in and feel like a participant instead of simply a spectator. That being said, songs like "No One Like Our God" and "Faithful God" are worshipful and uplifting, while "I Am Safe" and "God Will Fight My Battles" are good reminders that the Lord is on our side and goes all out to save us and bring us victory. If you're looking for more corporate worship music the likes of Bethel and Hillsong United and don't mind a gospel-flavored twist, Kell Bailey's Evidence may be just what you need.

- Review date: 5/27/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com