As a member of Fred Hammond’s acclaimed gospel troupe Radical for Christ, Joann Rosario learned how to combine traditional gospel sounds with contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul stylings, and her third release Joyous Salvation (2007) hews close to this winning formula. Rosario straddles a number of genres as an artist: she can muster the melismas of a soul diva, glide along with a pop groove, or kindle some Latin fire as she chooses. At times, she can launch into stirring testimony, as shown in “Restore to Me” and “Holy God.” More often, though, she adopts a more understated stance, riding upon billowy, atmospheric rhythms in “Traces,” “More Than Anything” and “Come on Everybody (Vamos Todos Juntos).” The singer’s gratitude to God is a reoccurring theme, lending intimacy and warmth to songs like “Glory to You” and “Beyond.” Worthy of special mention is “Beautiful Son,” a mother’s prayer to Christ draped in shimmering strings. Though perhaps a little too laid-back in some spots, Joyous Salvation works well as an elegant, heartfelt contemporary gospel expression.