Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

On this album, Canada's Kelita occasionally demonstrates an ability to let go with a voice that reminded me of a slightly countrified Ashley Cleveland (just check out the acappella opening of the excellent "River Of Jordan" to get the full effect!). The fact that this only happens occasionally means that this release is only good rather than great! On the sax enhanced soulful groove of "I'm Ready", this really pops alive but elsewhere the ballads are on the sugary side ("Don't You Think It's Time" and the really cloying "Unusual Child") and the arrangements just a little ordinary which is a shame because Kelita deserves more than this. On the opening cut "The Strong One". I began to wonder whether I had come across someone to occupy the same territory as Cher or Belinda Carlisle but then the album becomes sadly sanitised and although the production is polished, the performances good, there is little that makes this stand out from the crowd. A shame, because I really wanted to rave about this!! I bet this works in North America but to British ears, not a lot stands out!

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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