McClain sings soul with incredible power -- he knows when to pull the punches and when to cool it down. "Give It Up to Love," the title track, acknowledges his gospel roots; he performs it as a vocal prayer to God asking for wisdom, love, and strength.
Bruce Katz's contributions on B-3 Hammond organ expands
McClain's sound, particularly on the "Green Onions"-influenced "What You Want Me to Do." The sparsely effective arrangement on "Here I Go Falling in Love Again" brings
McClain up front as he cries of being a soul stripped to the bare bones.
Kevin Barry's funky bass blows while
McClain declares himself as a child of God in "Child of the Mighty Mighty." ~ Char Ham