In a world of musical accolades, the most prestigious is arguably the Grammy's. Once an artist has the honor of being nominated it is as if they have arrived. Christian artists like DC Talk, Skillet, and Third Day are a few of the elite to have made this cut. Gospel artist Tye Tribbett has a Grammy nomination to his name, albeit with the group Tye Tribbett & G.A. (short for Greater Anointing). Nonetheless, a nomination is a nomination and typically these artists are one step above the rest. Now the already established Tribbett takes on another solo endeavor, simply titled Fresh.

Fresh is a 16-track American Gospel album running a little over one hour. Listening to the album, one can't help but draw comparisons to Kirk Franklin (coincidently also a multiple Grammy nominee and winner). Fresh kicks off with the title track, featuring some overbearing auto-tune. The lyrics, "Out with old in with new, every thing Fresh," clearly represent the record's theme and are repeated for a minute at the end of the track. "Fresh" is radio friendly, but for some might come off as slightly obnoxious. "Eulogy" opens with the haunting sounds of an organ much like Muse, but quickly changes when Tribbett enters with vocals reminiscent of Michael Tait.

"Take Over," a highlight of the album, sings "All we want is you. Take Over. Taker over, til' we are consume by you." Not only are the words heartfelt in "Take Over," but true sincerity is heard in Tribbett's voice. The soft feel set by the previous track is maintained for an additional five tracks, including the bluesy "Keep Me," and ending with the beautiful chorus "Hallelujah Lude." With a seamless fade, the next song "Champion" picks up the ambiance. "Champion," another highlight, features guest singer Israel Houghton whose vocals blend brilliantly with Tribbett.

The record is brought to a close with "All for You" and "Free to Worship." "All for You" is a bass-driven tune and possibly the best song offered on the album. "Free to Worship," the direct opposite, is guitar-powered and possibly the weakest. One can't help but wonder if the order of these last two tracks were reversed, would the listener be left with a better taste in his/her mouth after the album wraps.

All in all, Tye Tribett created a pretty solid album, then spoiled the whole thing with about seven songs too many. The phrase "less is more," definitely applies when it comes to Fresh. However, if you are a fan of gospel music, there are some excellent songs on the record worth listening to. In the end, Tribbett was going for something fresh and just fell short of the mark.

- Review date: 11/2/10, written by Benjamin Huffman of Jesusfreakhideout.com