Music Review: Crystal Aikin
Sunday’s Best, a reality gospel competition on BET, chose Crystal Aikin as the winner of the contest in season one. Awarded with a Zomba recording contract, Aikin re-releases her self-titled debut album on Verity Records and develops her call to ministry.
“Crystal Aikin” can take you on a personal journey with God. Although the album starts off slowly, a fairly strong middle and more potent ending make this album worth a listen. Aikin plays with some jazzy and neo-soul sounds mixed with traditional gospel and contemporary Christian music. Although standout songs such as “A Song about Jesus” and “Love Him” sound airy and playful, they remind you of the importance of spreading the gospel through music and about who God really is. The closing song, “Breathe on Me”, is with award-winning Christian singer - Natalie Grant and a powerful choir calling down the glory of the Lord.
This project consists of deep content and spiritual concepts. It is cohesive in its reflective message and intensity but efforts to pin down Crystal Aikin’s artistic identity are lost. Aikin’s talent is often displayed towards the end of songs, almost as if that is when she no longer holds back. Her debut effort gives us a couple good hits as this star tries to make her mark in the industry and glorify God.
Music Review: Shari Addison
Shari Addison had a magnificent start to 2009. In January, her self-titled debut album was released a week before she performed at a presidential inaugural ball. Some may remember this new artist from BET’s “Sunday Best”, a gospel show in the vein of “American Idol”.
Shari Addison has produced a vibrant, authentic, and encouraging Zomba/Verity Records album, which embodies a variety of gospel styles. Songs like “Whateva” start the album out strong with upbeat tempos that leave a positive imprint on your soul. Addison’s cover of “Please Make Me Better” is a celebration of crying out to God. This song highlights a desire to “fight with tear-stained eyes”. Another anchor of the project is found in “You Can Rise” where she reinforces a positive message for many.
Overall, this lively album, tempered with a couple of slower songs, is well produced and has strong musical composition. Shari Addison’s debut is a solid record that can be played throughout the everyday moments of life. We look forward to adding some of her tracks to our playlists as well as following her career. Addison’s striking voice has an authority that should not be ignored. This songstress with confidence gives us an album with a heart of ministry.
Music reviews by Casey Elle. Casey Elle is a writer pursuing her master’s degree in media studies. She finds joy in brilliant writing and is electrified by smart television and film. Casey Elle falls more in love with her husband every day and is in awe of the magnificence of God.
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