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Our Review

The first thing you notice about Lynda Randle is "the voice." Her wonderful contralto is remarkably rich and rewarding, and she uses it to full advantage in Christmas, a dynamic gospel/pop treasure that will have you singing along in no time! A woman of deep faith, Randle's singing spreads "the good word" far beyond the stationery pulpit.

The album opens extremely well with a vibrant rendition of "Go Tell It on the Mountain"; Randle's infectious enthusiasm sets the tone for the entire disc. Her "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" smokes with a delicious blues undertone and driving rhythm. These ten tracks are much more than just gospel--Randle delivers on contemporary holiday favorites like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland," too, displaying a smooth and emotive pop groove.

Christmas is a fine holiday offering through and through. Randle's "Silent Night" is especially magnificent; her deep delivery really resonates. The album closes appropriately with the heartfelt "Amen." Unfortunately, this terrific album ends all too soon; at under 35 minutes, Lynda Randle's fans will be praying for more. Thank you, Lynda, for adding a new dimension to the holidays through your music.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Lynda Randle & Michael Tait

Vocals: Lynda Randle (tracks 1,2,4,5,7-10) & Michael Tait (Lynda's brother)(tracks 3,4,6,7)
BGVs by Angela Primm, Gale West, Kim Fleming, Ira Rankin, Joey Richey, Ladye Love Smith, Grisanthia Stancil, Reggie Smith
BGVs for "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" by The Isaacs Strings: Gordon Mote

From the Web site:

Lynda Randle was born and raised in Washington, D.C. Growing up a part of the D.C. inner-city culture, Lynda experienced a pain and anguish that can rarely be imagined by the majority of Christian-America Since giving her life to the Lord Jesus Christ, He has used the scars of her youth to bring a distinct depth and richness to her ministry. Her Life is the fulfillment of the promise of Isaiah; "...Bestow on them the crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
- Isaiah 61:3, NIV

Anyone who knows Lynda now will some time or another find themselves marveling at her bottomless supply of enthusiasm. Whether she is ministering to a large congregation, or one-on-one to a runaway teen, her joyful dedication to the Lord is always a source of encouragement and an infectious catalyst of growth. In November of 1989, Lynda married Mike Randle of Kansas City, Missouri. Mike's background growing up on the streets of Kansas City's inner-city and his dramatic conversion experience have given him a powerful voice to youth who find themselves in the same desperation that he knew on the street. The Randles enjoy the various occasions where they are able to minister together, Mike speaking and Lynda singing. Lynda and Mike have been blessed with 2 precious daughters, Patience and Joy. One of the remarkable things about Lynda's ministry is her ability to quickly build rapport with her audience and "draw them out" regardless of the type of group she is addressing. In fact, her message and music have proven to be truly cross-cultural.

Lynda Randle

Christmas (NON-SEASONAL)

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Track List