Karen Clark Sheard: ebullient with praise

KAREN CLARK SHEARD kicks off her new recording, It's Not Over (Word Records/Warner Brothers), with a bang, and she keeps you in the clouds on through the last note. Her "Rejoice and Be Glad" is exceptionally ebullient, followed by "I Never Will" and "The Lord's Prayer," which are also electrifying.

On the passionate "Authority," which Sheard co-wrote, the veteran gospel diva is backed by a great choir and great vocal arrangements. She begins the powerful "Favor" with whispering vocals but builds to a crescendo of praise. Most of the songs were recorded live at Sheard's home church, Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit, and produced by the multitalented Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey. On each song, Karen Clark Sheard, the youngest of the legendary Clark Sisters, pours out her heart and soul in praise for the Lord.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning