By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

As Black Music Month comes to a close, I would be remiss if I didn't make special note of a few new albums that are worthy of an honorable mention.

While the titles may not be as much on the radar as recent discs by Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, T-Pain, Chrisette Michele and Fabolous, they are definitely ones that you should get your hands on.

In a sense, they are my top picks of the season.

And while I do admit that most of my day is spent listening to my i-tunes playlist of music consisting of treasured gems by Chaka Khan, Nina Simone, Millie Jackson, Ashford & Simpson, Pink, Patti LaBelle, Sade, Jill Scott and Ledisi, the following represent hope that there is some great new music being made -- even if it's not shoved down the music buying masses' throats.

Tramaine Hawkins -- 'I Never Lost My Praise' (GospoCentric/Verity/Zomba)

I gotta tell you, listening to Tramaine has always been a moving experience but this album (primarily produced by under-rated gospel music maestro Kurt Carr) is an out of body experience. Real old school gospel and soul artists use the term "peeing" -- referring to someone who is singing so hard you can see the urine stains in their outfit. In Hawkins' case -- particularly with this masterful album of praise and worship -- her bladder must've burst on the stage during the live recording session at the Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland. She is force of nature! Hawkins (famous for gospel classics 'Changed,' and 'Going Up to Yonder') hasn't recorded music for half a decade because of a bout with cancer. (Her last release was 2001's 'Still.') Regardless, she hasn't missed a step. The title track is an engaging tour-de-force that offers a testimonial that is bound to bring tears to your eyes. The retro-styled 'You Get the Glory' is a rousing and intoxicating throwback that harkens the days of big southern churches on a hot summer afternoon (think: the 'God is Trynna Tell You Something' scene from movie, 'The Color Purple'). Hawkins commentary about fighting the air-conditioning with her vocal chords, and the memories of the glory days of 'Oh Happy Day' are an added bonus. The final track 'Don't Count Me Out' is Christian Contemporary music at its very best.

Maysa -- 'Feel the Fire' (Shanchie Entertainment)

I think the Icognito vocalist has finally found her calling with her delightful brew of R&B covers. While I was always familiar with her sound, her last album -- '2006's Sweet Soul Music,' featuring her smoldering renditions of Barry White's classic 'Playing Your Games Baby' and the Stevie Wonder favorite 'All I Do' -- made me really take notice to her talents. The new opus follows suit -- but this time the Maryland native (and former member of Wonder's Wonderlove) seems to have found the perfect fit, putting her own stamp on R&B staples by The Emotions ('I Don't Want to Lose Your Love'), Evelyn Champagne King ('I'm in Love') and Michael Jackson ('I Can't Help It'). Though she emotes effectively on the mid and uptempo tracks, Maysa really shines on unforgettable ballads popularized by The Commodores ('Zoom'), Maze featuring Frankie Beverly ('Happy Feelings') and Atlantic Starr ('Send for Me').

Elliott Yamin -- 'Elliot Yamin' (Hickory/Sony)

To hell with 'American Idol' winner Taylor Hicks, the real "soul patrol" is being led by Yamin, who released his long awaited debut opus this spring. From the opening track 'Movin' On,' the aural engagement begins -- and envelopment continues throughout the soul infused pop ballad 'Wait for You' and the empowering, gospel-inflected track 'Free.' His turn on the doo-wop inspired 'Take My Breath Away' exemplifies pure soul. 'Train Wreck' channels a bit of late R&B legend Sam Cooke while staying current with an R. Kelly tone. The up-tempo 'Alright' has a hip-pop groove on par with Justin Timberlake -- but with much more soul. The Los Angeles native may not be (and act) black, but he exudes soul -- better than any of the current day crop of blue-eyed soul balladeers, including Robin Thicke.

John Cook -- 'Heaven's Pen' (CCC Music Group/Alliant)

From the way it's promoted and publicized, one would never know how remarkable this holy hip-hop debut project -- from the strapping Brooklyn-bred lyricist -- really is. Musically, the 12-track opus -- from the esteemed member of Brooklyn mega-church Christian Cultural Center -- comes off as a hybrid of hip-hop superstars 50 Cent meets gospel music icon Kirk Franklin. Cook's message about loving God, instilling good values, bettering himself and being moved by the Spirit is clear, positive and succinct. It's just what the doctor ordered. His lyrical flow is infectious, especially on the ballad-like track 'Please Don't Cry' -- an ode to women in abusive relationships. It's clearly 'Pen's' best. The album's production, an appetizing blend of R&B ('No Greater Love'), reggae ('Church Rock') and old school rap ('Fresh Spirit') is masterful.

BV Extras:

-- Celebrate Black Music Month with Black Voices.

-- -- AOL Black Voices' very own celebrity gossip guru Jawn Murray speaks the truth and shames the devil by telling "The Gospel Truth."

-- Jawn Murray does it again with a holy rolling ready list of Ones to Watch.

-- Check out John Cook's 'Dreamin/Testify' video below ...