Kirk Franklin and the Family

1	Why We Sing 5:55
2	He's Able / Kirk Franklin 4:05
3	Silver & Gold 4:52
4	Call on the Lord 3:32
5	Real Love 5:22
6	He Can Handle It 5:09
7	A Letter from My Friend 5:41
8	The Family Worship Medley 7:55
9	Speak to Me 4:19
10	Till We Meet Again 7:14

Barnes & Noble

A landmark album, Kirk Franklin & the Family's self-titled debut was a major factor in the explosive growth of gospel in the '90s. Powered by the anthemic smash hit "Why We Sing," it launched Franklin onto the music scene and ushered gospel to mainstream heights and platinum success. The stirring gospel love songs served notice of Franklin's strength as songwriter, while the emotionally charged live setting gave the set breadth -- from the foot-stompin', up-tempo choir sounds of "He Can Handle It" to the Latin-infused samba beats of "Speak to Me" to Franklin's signature smooth, melodic ballads "Silver & Gold" and "Letter to My Friend." Hailed as the gospel anthem of the '90s, the contagious lyrics of "Why We Sing" gave the nation's church community a self-defining song of purpose; the flawless, soaring performance seems to capture angels in vocal flight. Lisa Collins

All Music Guide

Kirk Franklin & the Family's eponymous debut album is a stunningly assured blend of old-fashioned gospel, contemporary soul, and hip-hop. Franklin remains, in his words, a "church boy," but he doesn't hesitate to embrace the conventions and styles of contemporary R&B, which results in some inspired, unexpected fusions. It is truly a record that updates, recontextualizes, and redefines what contemporary gospel can mean in the '90s. Rodney Batdorf