Reviewed by Chris Berry

If you were to choose your archetypal gospel singer, you know, rousing voice, hard edge with tearful interior, gutsy, power-packed, emotional in the extreme yet solid and dependable too, you wouldn't have to look further afield than this wonderful lady. Shirley is the manifestation of all that is good about American Gospel. When she belts it out, as with the opener and title track, you know it's the right thing to do; when she talks it out, as with "Go Your Way (Sin No More)" she gives fresh meaning to confession and renewal. There are countless Christian (and plenty of non-Christian) performers trying to do what this lady manages - but there are few who can match Shirley. If you have no other black gospel/soul music albums in your collection, remedy it with one from the top drawer. You've heard of 'King of Kings', well here you have a singer who is 'Caesar of Caesars'. Watch out also for songs of the power of "You're Everything We Need" and "It's Been Worth Having The Lord In My Life".

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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