Gospel Singer Jide Williams ‘My Expression’ Album Reviews
S Based Nigerian/Ghanaian Worship leader, songwriter and producer Jide Williams dropped his debut album on the 17th of June 2022. The album ‘My Expression’ is a multi-faceted body of work expressing the manifest love of God, His kindness and a strong desire to build an intimacy with God. The album is a total that will not just convey the Father’s love but help every listener to experience and feel the warmth of His embrace.
Jide Williams gained massive appeal with his song ‘Big God’ released in the heat of covid in 2020, the song has gone on to gain over 1 million streams on Boomplay. He continued with the release of many other amazing and spirit-filled sounds like Jesus, Already Won, Sing Praises & Child’s Worth.
On the album, Minister Jide collaborated with renowned Nigerian gospel music ministers like Elijah Oyelade, Samsong, Greatman Takit, Yvonne Esther and Israel Victoria.
The album is an expression of worship and it adores God in his entirety, with that in mind let’s dissect the album;
1. To You Alone
It’s no coincidence that this is the first song on the album, the song explicitly portrays the theme of the album. It is an expression of worship to the one true God. It paints the picture of one who desperately craves to be in the presence of God and at the same time eulogizing and honouring God for all that He is. Beyond what the song talks about the solemn nature of the song and especially the acoustics stand out in the first single. What a way to start the album.
2. Jesus
I am sure there are a thousand and one songs about the name of Jesus, so what makes this one different, This was one question I had while listening to this track!
You probably have listened to a lot of songs about the name of Jesus but this one is special, from the choice of instrumentation and lyrics, it sets a major progression for the tone of the album. Laced with simple lyrics and canvassed with simple yet melodious instrumentation, the song speaks of the goodness of Jesus and the many amazing attributes He possesses.
3. Big God
Like the first word in the title of this track, this song at the moment is the ‘BIG song in the album,’ make no mistake, every other song on the album is amazing too but none of them has garnered a million streams yet. Big God is the single that gave the album a head start.
When he dropped this single back in ,,,, he had this to say about it ‘We may be faced and challenged by a lot but none of the events happening is bigger than God. Big God is a song that will re-ignite your faith and hope as well keep you praising and dancing regardless of the current global pandemic we have victory through Christ Jesus.’
The song was a timely one at the point of release and like you know already, you cannot listen to this track and not dance.
4. It All Belongs To You ft. Yvonne Esther & Victoria Israel
It all belongs to you is the first song with a feature on the album, and it’s a double feature. Featuring Yvonne Esther and Victoria Israel, the song ascribes all glory to God for His constant gracious nature. It’s a song of worship on a 3/4 time signature, with both features adding unique vocal colours to this track. Jide Williams, Victoria Israel and Yvonne Esther get special accolades for the display of their vocal dexterity.
5. Already Won
Already Won is a song of the spirit that expresses the victory we have in Christ Jesus and beyond being an expression, it is a chant of victory that stirs an atmosphere of worship with God. When it was released back in 2021, Jide Williams had this to say about the song, ”Already Won is a declaration that we Christians have as we shout from the victory side of life.”
6. Rest ft. Samsong
Rest is an elevating praise song that speaks about the assurance of rest we have on all sides given to us by God, on this masterpiece, he collaborated with the legendary Nigerian gospel artist Samsong who delivered an amazing verse.
The Afro-caribbean melody is so soothing it adds an amazing flavour to the same but powerful lyrics of the song. The lead guitar also stood out to properly cement a well arranged praise song.
7. He is Great
The seventh song on this album exalts God for His awesome nature. It serenades the Highest authority that exists. It also speaks about the mercy of God in our lives because by His mercy we are not consumed or destroyed as His faithfulness is new every day. This song is one of Jide Williams oldest singles and it perfectly fits into the album.
8. You are Good ft. Elijah Oyelade
The longest track on the album is a worship ballad that expresses the goodness of God to mankind. It features Pastor, singer and songwriter Elijah Oyelade, the song has a well thought out instrumentation and syncopation.
9. None Like You ft. Greatman Takit
Well we have a reggae tune and it features Greatman Takit. First time I heard this track, it took me back to the days of Buchi “Imanma,” this song is a reggae tune that exalts the name of God and His distinction in every aspect as there is none like Him. The infusion of Greatman in this song was a great one as he delivered in every verse he dished out especially the rap.
10. Holy Spirit
The song ‘Holy Spirit’ is a cry to God expressing the need of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. Here are a couple of scriptures that summarise this tune;
Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Isaiah 11:2 “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD”
11. Sing Praises
First released in 2020, Sing Praises is a high praise, soul-lifting and spirit-filled song that exalts God. It is a high tempo groovy song expressing and returning all praise to the One who is kind and gracious to us. Sing Praise has hooks that resonate with everyone.
12. Yes Lord
“Yes Lord” is a sensational song that posits the mind of one who has submitted to God. It is a slow worship ballad that’s an expression of total surrender to God, praising Him for coming through for us in times of trouble and an assurance of Refuge because when we call His name He answers.
