Israel & New Breed Essentials

Plying his trade since the late '90s, Israel Houghton is a spirited singer, songwriter and worship leader who punches through the wall dividing contemporary worship and urban gospel. Whether he and backup band the New Breed are firing up their vocal gymnastics and drum-corps-style funk (“Not Forgotten”) or sliding into one of their hope-bursting ballads, as in “It's Not Over (When God Is In It)”, they ooze a passion for the Lord that quakes with intensity. Houghton also possesses a savvy ear for pop hooks, with the '70s soul groove slipped into “Sunday Kinda Love” sure to entrance even nonbelievers.