Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

California-based Kebra is a classically trained opera singer who has previously spent time performing in choirs as well as jazz clubs, and now takes the unusual step to switch to urban gospel. Kebra is also a writer and has written all 12 songs, reflecting on how she "has gained 'Kingdom Understanding' through life's trials and victories due to her steadfast relationship with God." In summary I have three overall observations on this CD. Firstly Kebra has a good voice, sounding mature and soulful most of the time, although she occasionally has a little harsh edge when at full power. Secondly the songs are well written and sit very comfortably within the urban gospel genre, and her lyrics are very personal and at times profound. Thirdly the production values make this sound like a collection of demos! The opening track "Understanding" is a particularly weak track. Elsewhere there are plink plonk sounds, default synth patches, inconsistent vocal harmony tuning ("Rain Drops" and "Given You Lord", which actually gradually slides down a quarter tone or so as it goes along!), while the vocals on the last track are distorted. Based on the songwriting and voice this could have been a cracking album and I hope we'll hear from Kebra again in the future.

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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