Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Cynthia, originally from San Francisco but now based in Texas, appears to have more than one string to her bow. According to her web site, she is a motivational speaker and an inspirational songwriter as well as a gospel diva. Sadly, when I visited said web site, I saw an events diary nearly two years out of date, and several irritating spelling mistakes - not a good thing if you're trying to make an impression. To explain the title of this CD, S.U.G.A. is an acronym for Saved Under God's Anointing, and Cynthia wrote or co-wrote all the songs. Also featured on this album is Cynthia's other half, Lester Sneed Jr, who's featured on lead guitar, and has a solo instrumental track all to himself at the end. Those expecting some solid testifyin' and church wreckin' from Cynthia will be disappointed; the pace throughout is a slow to medium plod, and Cynthia's vocal style, despite her best efforts to add a few pyrotechnics, is pretty flat, with wobbles and duff pitching in abundance. Also the songs themselves are decidedly ordinary. Her web site proclaims that "her melodious voice inspires tears in the eyes of some; rejoicing in the hearts of others." It's the former for me, but for all the wrong reasons.

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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