Published Wednesday 18th June 2008

STYLE: R&B
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 43876-13508
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album

This product is currently not available from Cross Rhythms Direct

Reviewed by Allan Clare

Melody Barnes is a gospel singer from Largo, Maryland and this is her album debut. The opening "Christ Reigns" is a bit of a mish mash of gospel and salsa piano. It sounds rather chaotic with jagged beats and Melody's full-on vocals. That's followed by the more traditional gospel "Holy Ghost Filled". Melody does have an excellent voice for trad gospel, but then the style suddenly changes with catchy Destiny's Child-tinged pop R&B grooves on "Complete Me" and "They Don't Know" which perfectly suit the often strident vocals. Finally, on "I Lift My Hands" things calm down a bit and it's on this praise ballad that Melody really shows what a fine vocalist she is. I'm unsure whether the mix of traditional and contemporary songs works as well as it should. However, 'The Reason' is a well produced, solid and varied set.

Reader Comments

Posted by Sharon Buyck in Oak Park, MI @ 20:44 on Jun 28 2008

I view Allan Clare's review, as being a tad bit miss placed. Also, personally; When reviewing Gospel, the listener generally is looking for the spiritual connections in the words, in which of course the tracks become very secondary if at all. Yes I too consider myself an expert. I think this CD is a sleeper for sure! Meaning: What you heard as mish mash, most heard as fresh, daring and honest, and as original as "STOMP" was when we first heard it. Christ Reigns as been hailed internationally, and has made top 10 on a few radio stations. However, we do both agree on "You Are the Word, excellent. Over all my point is the variety/versatility of the artist/psalmists’ ministry has something for young and old, from Gospel Rap to old southern spirituals, with R&B/Soul twist to it. "The Reasons has a song for what ever ails you; there for once it get aired and heard, this artist and CD is destined to be the sleeping giant yarning to awaken and arrive for the Gospel arena.
PS You're quite welcome

[reply]

Melody - The Reason

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