Israel Houghton Reveals Why He Had Reservations Recording His New Album

Israel Houghton had to look deep inside himself to create his new album, Road To Demaskus, but he went there and it's all for fans to revel in on the project, which is currently available for download. As one of the most prominent faces in the Gospel scene, the 47-year-old found the courage to reflect on his identity for the follow-up to 2015's Covered: Alive in Asia, and it includes 11 tracks and two duets with his wife, Adrienne Bailon. 

In honor of the album's release, iHeartRadio spoke with the six-time Grammy winner about the process behind Road To Demaskus, which also features collaborations with The Walls Group, Travis Greene and Chevelle Franklyn.  Scroll on below for our Q&A with the famed Gospel titan!

Road To Demaskus focuses on becoming your most authentic and whole self. What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during this recording process?

I learned that once you are courageous enough to be willing to pull at the first strings in the material, it unravels in a way that you refuse to let up, and you keep pulling. What comes from that is so cathartic and necessary to personal freedom and healing. It's at that point you realize that it’s not just for your catharsis and freedom but absolutely for others as well. 

Your wife, Adrienne Bailon, said that she worked with her "favorite voice" on the album. What can you tell us about that sentiment? 

Well, that is very kind of her to say. Truth is I absolutely love singing with her, so much so that we are making plans to record full projects together in the near future. I sometimes think she’s just being kind in saying I'm her favorite voice, but I’ll take it. 

With such an extensive catalog under your belt, how does this LP compare to previous efforts?

I feel like the older I get the better work I do. I'm sure I've said this about every consequent project I’ve done before. However, I took my time crafting these songs from how they were written to how they were recorded. I feel like they will stack up to anything I’ve done in the past.

What kind of reservations did you have about creating a tell-all album?

I think anytime someone like me who has enjoyed a level of privacy and mystique throughout my career, decides to undergo a mask removal, it is a daunting proposal. I had all kinds of reservations. But I’m already seeing how impacting and helpful it’s been to find my true voice and encourage others to do the same. I'm grateful to iHeart for allowing me to do just that. Thank you. 

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