Miracles [Import]

There seems to be a stigma associated with being an American Idol contestant, but let me say, these guys got where they are by being able to sing. George Huff can sing. He's great in fact and this is one great album. There are some gorgeous ballads here and some tight hip hop faster tracks. If you didn't know George had been on AI you'd love this even more. He's got talent and at this rate he can be a big big star.

Word Records is clearly making an effort to make this R&B-flavored offering a hit. Upon hearing it the first time, I have to say, George Huff has PLEASANTLY surprised me.

Huff could have done an album quickly after his 2004 post-Idol music tour, but he took time and spent a year to get it right and it shows. This is an album made with love and effort to ensure excellence.

That's evident in the A-list of producers and writers behind it, including folks who have worked with the likes of Barry Manilow, R. Kelly, and Barbra Streisand.

These are people who really know what they're doing.

What are the major strengths of this album ? For one it speaks to the hopes and fears of almost everyone.

It is also very easy to like the music. Melodic strength and great delivery take precedence over lyricism.

Also, American Idol contestants are all about showing off the quality of your vocals, and it is hardly surprising that the first thing you notice about the title track or the mid-tempo "Feels Like Heaven" is Huff's impeccable crooning.

I have to say that he has that strong, rich, low baritone that reminds you of a young Lou Rawls,

Continue listening, however, and you find out that the bulk of the album is inspirational, gospel-lite fare-the type of positive kind of music that Idol fans are likely to swoon over. If you love listening to songs like -- WIND BENEATH MY WINGS, you will soon find out that several songs in this album have a similar feel to it.

A few songs ("Fortunes," "See What God Can Do") have a more straight-forward spiritual message, particularly the ones Huff had a hand in composing ( remember, he was a music major at the University of Oklahoma ).

The rest ("Only Love," "You Know Me," "Count on You") are all about praise to God but the lyrics are not as straightforward. They in fact, could even sound like love songs if a few words here and there were modified.

Be that as it may, I have to say that it is a smooth, soulful, great debut. I don't think Simon Cowell can complain much.

I'm hoping it doesn't take a miraculous intervention to get Huff to assert his identity more fully the next time around.

But if this debut of his is a portent of things to come... George Huff can look forward to a great singing career ahead of him.

RECOMMENDED LISTENING TO THOSE WHO LOVE MODERN SOUNDING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.

What I love most about this album is that George has taken the time to write and record words that speak his heart. The overall theme of his music is LOVE.

The music is upbeat and invigorating and then can be smooth and inspiring. My heart is touched by the words of hope, joy, faith, peace and love found in every song.

Smiling and Joyful are words that describe George and they also describe how I feel after listening to "Miracles"

If you love R & B you'll love this album. If you are into soft inspiring ballads then you'll love this album. If you like a little hip hoppin bounce then this album is for you!

George has done a fabulous job of reaching out to many genre's of listeners and he never once strayed from what is true to the core and heart of himself.

I'm proud to be a fan of George Huff and I would recommend this album to anyone! It's really that good!

I can tell that God is certainly 100 percent behind him in this music ministry and journey of faith.

Thank You Word Records and of course George Huff!!!

~Meesh~

P.S. You Know Me is my favorite then again talk to me tomorrow and I may say Hold On To Love. Oh wait Fortunes has a beat and rhythm that is perfect for cranking up in the car. Oh my goodness there are to many good ones to even try and choose! Who needs to choose. . just buy the album and enjoy them all!