Well it’s been brewing for a while now and Darrell Kelley wants you to know that it’s coming and will be here before you can ask, “What the heck was that and what just happened?” Storm Is Coming is the title to his multi-track EP and its more fun than worrisome. While the title track does warn the listeners that the final days may be nigh Mr. Kelley advises, “If you believe that God is the shelter, then you can come in and get saved from the storm. Let God be your shelter, let Him protect you from the hard times that’s headed our way. All you have to do is repent and ask him for forgiveness and to save you from the storm that is coming.” It’s as simple as that. In other words, there really are no problems – only solutions. Hey, I’m not an eschatology student, but I like that!
It’s often said that you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows and on that I can concur. The four tunes on Storm Is Coming is a testament of this artist’s belief that the foundation of great wisdom is to be wise enough to be thankful for all the blessings bestowed upon you. In the song Man of God he shares, “When I woke up early this morning I knew I was alive, Lord, because of you. And while I’m still yawning, I can see the sun shining I want to thank you Lord for making me a man of God, a man of God.” Of all the prayers uttered to heaven from earth perhaps the best benediction one may invoke is simply “Thank you.” No need to really get all fancy-shmancy about it, is there?
Sit Your Rump Down and Oh Lord I Need a Favor Shut Her Up round out the set list on the Storm Is Coming EP. Sit Your Rump Down takes on the sacred cows of religion and the mega church multimillionaire evangelist who are always asking their congregation members to dig a little deeper to find another dollar for Jesus as they themselves arise to the heavens in their private jets. Less critical and more good humored is Oh Lord I Need a Favor Shut Her Up. Be it man or woman we’ve all been in that position at one time or another where someone has launched into an endless tirade that makes you ask yourself why has this person confused me with someone who really cares what they would have to say.
Stylistically Storm Is Coming ranges from Gospel inflected R&B to the Christian adult contemporary format that’s programmed on many of the K-LOVE and Praise Network radio stations across the country. Its message is not founded as much on the Old Testament threat of fire and brimstone as it is on it’s best to rejoice, embrace, employ patience and tolerance, and just be truly thankful for all the good we’ve got. When it comes to that kind of message, and when it comes to me personally, well brother Kelley, you’re really preaching to the choir.
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