Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

Following her 2005 debut, 2008's 'So Amazing' sees this Michigan-based diva continue her development across various gospel musical styles (almost on a track by track basis). And if the style hopping from urban to jazz-tinged to traditional isn't enough there are also three 'bonus cuts' for the Christmas season ("Go Tell It", "Oh Holy Night", "Love at Christmas"). Cherry's musical and spiritual heritage is undeniably impressive; one of 18 children of the late Bishop Tom Johnson (the Johnson Singers), Cherry is the wife of Superintendent Jerry L Givens, pastor at Prayer Garden Church Of God In Christ, Flint, Michigan, and also (when not pursuing her calling as a musical evangelist through albums like this one) found the time to establish The Given Tree Daycare child development centre. This is a sincere and worshipful album, and tracks like "Who Shall Separate Me?" and "Judgment Day" bring an 'end times' theme to some of the lyrics. Guest stars (Tone Trezure, Jeff Byrd) add extra flourish to a competent if not outstanding release; sadly most of the songs here fail to be anything more than ordinary. A shame as with better material Givens' impressive, powerful vocals could really shine.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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