Black Nativity [Music from the Motion Picture]

Audio Mixers: Justin Merrill; Gerry "The Gov" Brown.
Liner Note Author: Raphael Saadiq.
Recording information: Blakeslee Studios, North Hollywood, CA; FM Studios, Emeryville, CA; Jungle City Studio, New York City.
The Kasi Lemmons-directed screen adaptation of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity boasts a soundtrack executive produced by Raphael Saadiq -- one of the key talents in rhythm & blues since the late '80s, when he was in Tony! Toni! Toné!. The soundtrack naturally features the cast members on a set that is heavy on updates of traditional and established gospel songs, such as "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" (Tyrese), "Fix Me Jesus" (Jennifer Hudson), and Walter Hawkins' "Be Grateful" (Hudson with Luke James). Saadiq and writing partner Taura Stinson bring three new songs, the most powerful of which is the Angela Bassett showcase "He Loves Me Still," also co-written by Darien Dorsey. ~ Andy Kellman