REVIEW: Donald Lawrence is back with his sophomore solo CD that ministers directly to today’s trying times. “The Law of Confession, Part I, ” is inspired by the forthcoming book “The Law of Confession” by Pastor Bill Winston (Lawrence’s pastor at Chicago’s Living Word Christian Center).

For those who enjoyed Lawrence’s work with the Tri-City Singers, the “Co.” in “Donald Lawrence & Co.” is comprised of some of the industry’s best singers that Lawrence has met since moving to Chicago in 2001, and those he’s known since his days in North Carolina. The new incarnation of The Co. features such notables as Dewayne Woods (who won the Stellar Award for Best New Artist of the Year in 2008 following his smash hit “Let Go, Let God”), the effervescent Kim McFarland-Anderson, the dynamic Jason Nelson and Latrice Pace of the Anointed Pace Sisters. The group is rounded out with Lisa Jones, Tobbi White-Darks, Tommie White, Dawn Jordan, Blanche McAllister-Dykes, Anita Wilson, Michael Smith, and Floyd Wilkinson.

“I picked lead singers based on the feel and color of the song,” he opines. “Since I’ve worked with so many singers and I believe some of the best singers on this planet – I’m extremely picky when it comes to lead vocals. They must have a lot of heart!”

In the first single from the project, Donald Lawrence says “Let’s get back to Eden, live on top of the world,” with a hook that gets your bounce on, and a Word that encourages your spirit. You can always count on Donald Lawrence to sing straight from the Word of God, and “The Law of Confession, Part I,” is no exception. Interspersed throughout the CD, Lawrence shares how several of the songs were “birthed” and the theology behind them.

Throughout this CD Lawrence speaks to those who may be hurting financially and otherwise during this economic recession. With a driving baseline, “Word of My Power,” calls for pain, fear, debt, sickness, and more to be erased.  Lawrence reprises a soulful rendition of  “The Blessing of Abraham,” made all the more stirring from the simple piano accompaniment.

The songs in “The Law of Confession, Part I” while vintage Donald Lawrence, are fresh and timely. Tracks on the project include a little something for everyone including contemporary, ballads, traditional, hand-clappin’ and neo-soul (like Lawrence’s version of “Happy Being Me,” written by Derrick Allen and made popular by Angie Stone).  Once you listen, we’re sure your only question will be, how long do we have to wait for “Part II?”