Kierra Sheard - Graceland

Published Sunday 3rd August 2014
Kierra Sheard - Graceland
Kierra Sheard - Graceland

STYLE: R&B
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 151552-22217
LABEL: Capitol 5099941653623
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2014-08-18
RRP: £1.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

With some well publicised emotional problems and a distinctly underwhelming previous album, 2011's 'Free', Kierra had quite a lot to prove with this release. From my perspective, though she hasn't yet returned to the heights which made 'I Owe You' such a stunning debut she has at least made a pretty strong album. Her brother J Drew Sheard II handles production here with the siblings writing the bulk of the songs. I'm not quite sure why they included a song from non-Christian Diane Warren, particularly as "Flaws" isn't particularly memorable but I'll let that pass. The best track by some way here is "2nd Win" which with its bass-driven groove and clipped girl chorus has the same kind of infectious quality which made "You Don't Know" so invigorating all those years back. Another cut which will get attention from modern R&B followers is "Repin' My God" which features Canton Jones and plenty of space monster effects on the vocals though it seems a tad slow and disjointed. Elsewhere there's "Moving Forward", a militant declaration of spiritual intent while the interludes "You Don't Like What You See" and "Balm" reference her proud gospel heritage by sampling fragments of the Clark Sisters' "He Will Turn Your Scars Into Stars" and "Balm In Gilead". I'd have preferred a couple of faster tracks on this set but there's no doubting that Kierra is still a formidable vocalist.

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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Product Description
Kierra Sheard is one of the leading female vocalists in the Gospel music genre. As the granddaughter of the legendary Mattie Moss Clark and daughter of the renowned Karen Clark Sheard her roots are steeped in the culture and she was destined for greatness.

Sheard's fans have watched her blossom into a woman whose live-out-loud experiences are changing lives and helping generations.

As she embarks on the release of a new project Kierra delivers a sound that will fuse generations of all ages. Produced by brother J Drew Sheard II, Aaron Lindsey, Tony Dixon, Harmony Samuels and others. Kierra invites her listeners to embark upon an empowering, joyful and redemptive journey into Graceland.

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