Reviewed by Stephen Adams

I-66 Entertainment vocalist Jennelle makes her debut, after years of experience working with gospel legends such as Yolanda Adams, John P Kee and Edwin Hawkins. This is an experience that shows quite clearly with a real pure sound to Jenelle's phrasing and lyrics as she sings lyrics of praise and worship to God. Sounds like "Lift The Saviour Up" surround Jenelle's voice in a mixture of live instrumentation and sequencer programming, but keeping the passion of the singer, while "You Alone" and "You're The One" marry her sound with more urban-influenced production, and rap verses from members of the I-66 roster. As the label is predominantly a Christian hip-hop label, this is understandable, but Jenelle's own sound is never lost in this. However, this album at times feels like all the edges and grit have been polished off. The use of dated drum machine and passé synthesizer sounds mean a fair few songs just drift past you without making an impact. For her next release, Jenelle's producers need to encourage her to let loose vocally as she does with the more traditional gospel of "My Trials (Keep Me On My Knees)". With vocal chops as good as these Jenelle clearly has the potential to make a stunning album. This isn't quite it.

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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