Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Michigan-based gospel diva LaNette Hester's second full length album is an assured piece of work that showcases the singer/songwriter's substantial vocal skills, forthright proclamation of God's truth and a keen ability to turn out a fine line in funk-infused gospel. Independently released, Hester and her husband Randall have co-produced a piece of work that could easily compete with its big label counterparts and, despite considerably less funds at Hester's disposal, is as slick as anything else you might find on the marketplace. Proceedings kick off with the gentle funk of "Duty Driven" which not only sets the scene for an album of bold proclamations about God's love but also similarly-styled tracks such as the upbeat "If God's People" and the negativity-busting "Nay 2 The Naysayers" - the latter featuring a cameo by rapper Shonda 'Fearless' Weatherspoon. Elsewhere, Hester slips into more familiar slow soul ballad territory with the likes of "Beauty For Ashes" and the challenging "Where Are My Worshippers?" whilst the slow-burning title track helps to highlight the lady's place as an experienced gospel vocalist of note. Whilst things tail off at the end with "Reprise Medley" - a surplus recap of some of the songs that have just been played - and the plodding schmaltz of "Leading Lady Of Virtue", this is an otherwise enjoyable and accomplished release from one of gospel music's best kept secrets.

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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