*During a time when uncertainty, mistrust, fear and conflict is mounting all around us, the inspiring Houston-based gospel artist, Brian Courtney Wilson, exhorts us from opening to ending in his newly released sophomore album, So Proud.

No one can deny that a universal message of faith pervades Wilson’s music.  It’s probably even safe to say that the message comes first, then the music.

His delivery is earnest and heartfelt, and it’s apparent that Wilson has combined the experiences from his personal journey as a witness and a testimony for the inspirational lyrics that usher us into genuine praise and worship.

Since his debut album, Just Love, was released in 2010, Wilson has garnered significant recognition and success being nominated as “Best New Artist of The Year” by the GMA Dove Awards, and the Just Love album ranking #2 on Billboard’s Gospel Album Chart.

On So Proud, Wilson’s vocals are more refined and smoother than his distinctively raspier vocals on Just Love.  Much of Wilson’s improvisation and ad lib that felt more sermon-esque on his debut album is fairly minimal on the new album.

His Baptist roots resonate in tracks like “Grab and Hold” and “Unspeakable Joy,” an uplifting duet with gospel legend, Vanessa Bell Armstrong that gives us our coveted dose of an “old school” gospel sound.  But Wilson keeps it contemporary with the more R&B or soulful songs like, “Obey Anyway.”

So Proud is a CD that believers can and will appreciate for its ability to move, encourage and minister to us.

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