Fathers Day is titled after a contemporaneous documentary following Kirk Franklin as he learns about the identity of his biological father, meets with him, and reconnects with both his estranged mother and oldest son. The album concludes with a solemn piano ballad where Franklin proclaims, with his vulnerable singing voice, "Id give up every trophy that Ive won/Just to be somebodys son." For the most part, however, Fathers Day is not atypical for Franklin, who otherwise packs his 13th album with the highly energized testimonials, resolutions, and statements of gratitude for which he is known. "Somebodys Son" is immediately preceded by "Again" and "Again & Again," a sequence of reassuring songs elevated by a group of seven guest singers that includes Jekalyn Carr, Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds, and Tori Kelly. The albums first half peaks with the choir-powered "All Things." ~ TiVo Staff
Rovi
昨年ゴスペル/CCM界で話題をさらったマヴェリック・シティ・ミュージックとのコラボ作を経て4年半ぶりに放つソロ作。53歳にして初めて実の父親と対面するまでの心情などを綴った作品で、前半はカークらしい明快なR&Bマナーの曲が並び、クワイアの鮮烈な歌声に合いの手を入れていく。デヴィン・モリソンが制作に絡んだ"Try Love"では突如としてリサ・スタンスフィールド"All Around The World"のサビを合唱。リアンドリア・ジョンソンが泥臭い声で歌い上げ、ジョナサン・マクレイノルズやトリー・ケリーらが神聖な歌声を披露して教会の雰囲気に持っていくアルバム後半部まで昂揚感が続く秀作だ。
bounce (C)林 剛
タワーレコード(vol.479(2023年10月25日発行号)掲載)