Azusa, The Next Generation 2: Better

Personnel: Ilani Patterson (background vocals).Audio Mixer: Craig Bauer.Liner Note Author: Greg Peterca.Photographer: Marselle Washington.Around the time the sequel to Hezekiah Walker's 2013 studio release reached the public, its reassuring title song topped Billboard's gospel chart. Merely the warm-up, "Better" effectively sets the tone for another highly highly energized and spirited batch of testimonials from Walker and his choir. The majority of the cuts showcase a lead vocalist -- contributions from Carl Thomas and Antonique Smith are especially potent -- but one of the album's funkiest moments, "Living to Live Again," is all choir. A more traditional stomper, "No Time to Waste," closes the album in urgent style.