Pastor T.L. Barrett, “Wonderful” | Music Lifts 🎶 🏋

In the 2^nd of edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋, we’re uplifted by Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir performing, “Wonderful.”

Welcome to Music Lifts 🎶 🏋, a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 2^nd edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2023), we highlight 🎵 “Wonderful” as performed by 🎙 Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir.

Three words: “HE is wonderful.” Who, 🎙 Pastor T.L. Barrett? Why, the Wonderful Counselor, of course! The lyrics of 🎵 “Wonderful” (💿 Like a Ship (Without A Sail), 1971) speak to the sheer awesomeness of G-O-D.  “The Lord is my shepherd / And the Lord is my guide,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “He told me whatever should I need / Ooh, he would provide / That’s why I’ll praise his holy, holy, holy name.” Hallelujah!

Much of the song is led by the Pentecostal pastor/musician’s commanding, dynamic, and spirit-filled vocals.  Still, this record IS attributed to 🎙 Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir.  Towards the end of the record, the choir enters into the mix, highlighting key laudatory lyrics, “Praise His holy name.” Prior to either Pastor Barrett or the choir singing, the audience is blessed with an anointed rhythm section.  The incredible extended intro (about 50 seconds in duration) is dominated by the piano 🎹. With piano carrying the weight, there is also a solid groove from the drums, a robust bass line 💪, and the rich, warm support of the organ.  Praising the pianist even more, what about those consistent incredibly bluesy licks and riffs, as well as the incredible harmonic touches? That alone provides a surefire lift 🏋🏾!

🎙 Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir • 💿 Like a Ship (Without A Sail) • 🏷 Numero Group • 📅 1971

Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir, “Wonderful”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 2 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Numero Group; cottonbro studio, Itzel Sandoval, Neeraj Nagdeve via Pexels; Pixabay]