"Blessed" by Charles McPhatter is a very inspirational contemporary gospel CD. When I popped this into my player I was very shocked as to what came out. This Temple Hills native has hit the mark with this latest project. If you are a little down, listen to this CD and you will feel uplifted.

I am not what you would call a religious person, but listening to this made me feel good about myself. It somehow makes you forget the problems of the day and gives you a very positive outlook on life.

Mr. McPhatter also had some very good musicians helping him out on this project. The piano by Daryl Dudley on "Expression of Love" was a nice touch, as was the soprano sax by Joseph Conliffe on "Always There". Conliffe comes back on "No More Tears" with a nice flute exchange.

Charles McPhatter wrote and produced all the songs on this CD. For this to be his first project, he really his this one out of the park. If you are a fan of contemporary gospel, you will truly enjoy what this CD has to offer. Even if you’re not a fan of gospel music, but want something uplifting, this project is definitely worth checking out. I hope to hear more from this artist as I think he is someone we need to keep an eye on. I would also like to congratulate Jeff Gruber on the mix he did on this CD. Being a recording engineer myself, I have to give props to this man; he had a very nice blend throughout the CD.

Check "Blessed" out—you might be pleasantly surprised.

— Shiv Boy, Music Monthly Magazine

While his name may not be familiar to most outside of the Washington D.C. area, Charles McPhatter has been using his songwriting, production and vocal talents for a while, working with notables that include Lionel Green, Grammy Award winner Delious Kennedy of All for One, producer Dave "Davey Boy" Lindsay of Seven Sons of Soul, and even Minister Isaiah D. Thomas.

It's therefore no surprise McPhatter has now debuted with his own musical rendition of his story of the gospel, entitled Life Songs.

He starts off this eleven track project with the rhythm and praise song "Can't Live (Without You)". On the encouraging, mid-tempo "How Could I Ask For More", McPhatter brings in Tiffany Scotton to duet, backed up by beautiful background vocals.

"Trouble Don't Last" is an up-beat gem where McPhatter and vocalist Kristen Mitchell shine together. "Never Gave Up On Me" and "There I Find You" are arguably two of the best songs on the album. McPhatter's tenor vocals shimmer over the piano play of Daryl Dudley in the ballad "Never Give Up On Me". "There I Find You" is an awesome song that truly sets the atmosphere of praise and worship.

On the more laid back tip, "He Will Draw Nigh" satisfies with it old school soul, reminiscent of the vibe that Brent Jones and the TP Mobb brought back in the day.

In "Remember Me", McPhatter refers to scripture Luke 23 where he, just like the thief on the cross who believed, asks Jesus to remember him despite his faults and past struggles. "Why Do You Run" is an encouraging song that challenges people to humble themselves and come back to Jesus, who will never leave them. "Morning Light" is a ministry song that encourages people to hold on the Jesus because His unspeakable joy will come in the morning.

The last song on the album, "Thank You", is a simple ballad that sums up the project as a whole with humbled, thanksgiving-filled lyrics.

Charles McPhatter's debut album is smooth and is sure to capture you with great vocals and up-lifting lyrics.