Reviewed by Howard McCalla

16 tracks pulled from the early '80s albums the one-time R&B star recorded for her own Beracah Records. From the opening melodic "Sin Doesn't Live Here Anymore" Candi is putting her stake in the ground with a sound that at times is reminiscent of Gladys Knight. All 16 tracks are penned by Candi, showing her equal gifting in writing. She certainly has a big testimony of where God has brought her from which comes out in each song. The sound in places is certainly one that makes you want to bob your head or tap your feet from the retro sound of "God Can Make Something Out Of Nothing" or "God Specialises"; you can just picture her in the studio recording the tracks. The album also has a mix of the more traditional feel in "Blessed Assurance" and the country savoured "He Cares For You". Either way considering the age of these tracks this re-issue still feels fresh and if you want an encouraging album then I would recommend 'Classic Candi Vol 1'. Maybe more appealing to a more mature listener but also very enjoyable to a younger reviewer like myself.

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