Zero Church

1	Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray 2:00
2	Jeremiah 3:30
3	Anyway 2:47
4	Each of Us Has a Name 2:19
5	Why Am I Praying 2:56
6	Teach Me O Lord 3:36
7	Hallelujah 4:01
8	A Prayer 4:19
9	Praise Song for a New Day 1:55
10	Sounds / Suzzy Roche 3:31
11	Allende 3:46
12	This Gospel How Precious 0:55
13	New York City 3:21
14	Aveenu Malcainu 1:54
15	Together With You 2:24
16	God Bless the Artists 2:33
17	Musical Prayer 0:52
18	Musical Prayer 3:09

Barnes & Noble

With angelic voices and harmonies that yank at your heartstrings, Zero Church sounds much like any other superb album recorded by the acclaimed Roche sisters, but there's actually a big difference here: Only one song is a full Roche composition. What Suzzy and Maggie (sister Terre appears only as a guest vocalist) have done is collect stories and prayers from around the world and set them to music. Their choices are inclusive in nature; Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and African traditions are all drawn upon, as well as secular texts that give meditative comfort. Although the album was conceived and recorded before the World Trade Center tragedy, the songs all have resonance in the wake of jarring events and uncertain times. The album opens with a bracing tribute to the power of faith, the traditional spiritual "Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray," sung a cappella with an assist from Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Other songs relate tales of oppression and struggle (the harrowing "Musical Prayer by Francis Bok," a first-hand account of slavery in Sudan), as well as survival and victory ("God Bless the Artists," a celebration of the creative spirit). Suzzy's "New York City," written for a September 11th benefit and specially added to the project, is, as Roche sings, "a song for the heroes" and their families, who are grieving "but not alone." Zero Church is an inspiring album, and if it's true, as stated on one of the tracks, that "the sounds we make will travel through space forever," then the Roche sisters have once again improved eternity. -- Nicky Roe

All Music Guide

This collection of hymns and gospel numbers was originally scheduled for release on September 11, 2001, but global events pushed back the album and additional tracks were added. And it appears as if the wait was worthwhile. The lush vocals of the Roche sisters, along with some lovely backing vocals by a large supporting cast, give each song a dreamy pop feeling despite the religious and socially conscious overtones. "Why Am I Praying" is a perfect example of this idea, with the addition of some flügelhorns and trumpets for a breezy feeling. "New York City," despite the content, has some of the prettiest harmonies recorded in years. "Anyway," supposedly written by Mother Teresa (but such reports were unfounded), resembles Juliana Hatfield or Jane Siberry in her happiest moments. "Teach Me O Lord" has an outstanding a cappella vocal by DuPree, who adds a Southern gospel effect to the proceedings. Songs touch on a variety of topics, from a dying AIDS patient to a former Vietnam veteran in "A Prayer," which is well performed but relies too much on the harmonies throughout. "Praise Song for a New Day" heads into an attractive folk-gospel domain, perhaps the high point of this uplifting bunch. "Allende," with another guest vocalist, is another strong pop-oriented number. Far from a traditional gospel album, the upbeat nature of Zero Church is refreshingly new. ~ Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide