Kirk Franklin

By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY

Franklin's enthralling new album opens with a skit in which the gospel singer-choir leader is put on trial for blending the secular and the sacred. Unlike most skits on music albums, this one hits home: Franklin has proved himself to be a threat to musical orthodoxy. His blend of gospel, funk and hip-hop is ingenious and unique; and in pop music it's certainly harder to advocate positive religious values than it is to be Marilyn Manson. On this album Franklin has refined his sound further; his melodies are stronger, the vocal arrangements more graceful. Hard, beat-driven songs like Revolution pound. More traditional numbers like Hold Me Now soothe. This CD makes a joyful noise.

--By Christopher John Farley