Dylan converted to Christianity in the late '70s and released a series of albums that literally shook the foundation of popular music. The irony of his conversion was not lost, as the world's most popular Jewish folksinger and spokesman of the left wing now sang of faith and hope. Fast-forward 20 years to Gotta Serve Somebody, where some of the greatest black gospel artists in the business perform the songs, giving them a whole new personality. The 11 tracks, including an unusual duet with Dylan and Mavis Staples, feature such giants as Shirley Caesar's amazing version of "Gotta Serve Somebody," the Fairfield Four's admonishing "Are You Ready?" and Aaron Neville's gorgeous touch on "Saving Grace." With heavy-duty, choir-like backup vocals on almost every track, Gotta Serve Somebody takes Dylan's work to a new level.
More predictable, but also worth a listen, is the double CD The Gospel Collection from country legend George Jones. While Jones' voice sounds as good as ever, even the legendary Billy Sherrill's production doesn't add much, as Jones delivers straight-ahead readings of 24 traditional Southern and classic-country gospel tunes. Guest stints by Vestal Goodman and the legendary Patti Page add a bit of variety, but overall the album never really rises above Jones' previous work. Maybe it's time for him to get back to the drinkin' and cheatin' songs.
