# Rev. R.L. White – Breathe On Me (Faith Records, 1989)
Rev. R.L. White's "Breathe On Me," released in 1989 on Faith Records, represents a significant entry in the gospel funk canon of the late eighties. As a reverend and musical artist, White brought authentic spiritual conviction to his work, channeling his ministerial background into compositions that merged sacred themes with contemporary funk and soul sensibilities. This LP captures a pivotal moment when traditional gospel was increasingly embracing the rhythmic sophistication and instrumental grooves of secular funk music.
The album opens with "I Thank You Lord," establishing an uplifting tone that carries through the entire record. The title track, "Breathe On Me," emerges as the standout piece, showcasing White's ability to balance devotional lyrics with infectious funk grooves and soulful horn arrangements. The first side maintains this energy through "Lift Him Up" and "Lord I Want To Go," while "Reprise" provides a moment of reflection before transitioning to side B.
The second side deepens the spiritual journey with the warmth of "What A Friend" and "Coming Home," both displaying White's soul-influenced vocal delivery. "Walk With Me Lord" and the closing track "If We Ever Needed The Lord Before" round out the collection with urgent, contemporary funk arrangements that underscore the timeless message of spiritual need and divine companionship. Throughout "Breathe On Me," White demonstrates how gospel music could authentically embrace funk's instrumental vocabulary without compromising its sacred purpose, making this LP an essential artifact for collectors interested in the intersection of spiritual music and funk innovation.
