The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir, He’s Working It Out | Music Lifts

In the 14th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir, featuring James Cleveland, performing, “He’s Working It Out.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding 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 14^th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “He’s Working It Out” as performed by The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir featuring James Cleveland.

“Right now, God is / Working it Out  (Working it out), working it out (Working it out).” Amen! Hallelujah! That is good news! Who inspires us on “He’s Working It Out”? The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir (Chicago, IL), directed by pastor and founder Rev. Isaac Whittmon. Joining forces with this anointed choir and director is the legendary ‘king of gospel music,’ James Cleveland (1931 – 1990).  The result is a stirring, titular opening track from the choir’s 1975 album. Whittmon also penned it.

“He’s Working It Out” is old-school, traditional black gospel at its best.  The rhythm section – piano, organ, bass, and drums – provides a solid anchor.  Cleveland shines (one of two lead vocalists) with his signature gravelly tone. There is a brilliant call-and-response between duetting, harmonized lead vocals, and The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir.  Whereas Mr. Cleveland’s voice is more of a gravelly, gritty timbre, the other lead has a more soaring instrument that elevates the spirit higher and higher. The choir has two notable vamped moments.  The first is on “He’s working it out,” where the vocals are harmonized.  During this repeated section, the two leads riff off one another, which is glorious.  The second vamp that catches the ears is on the timely “Right Now.” God is not only working it out, but He is doing so right now.  When you examine the James Cleveland catalog, there are many more well-known songs than “He’s Working It Out”.  That said, this six-and-a-quarter-minute gem deserves far more love.  The message and the music are uplifting to the nth degree!

The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir // He’s Working It Out // Malaco // 1975

The Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ Choir, He’s Working It Out:  Music Lifts No. 14 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Malaco; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]