Reviewed by Philip Laing

Considering the vast number of talented singers there are in the African American Church, gospel's long established Tyscot Records can be very picky about who they sign. So this debut from a North Carolina-based singer shows Ruth to be a top rate vocalist, though, on the evidence here, not a particularly distinctive one and I suspect a stronger album than 'So Good' will be needed to put her up there with the Tamela Manns and Yolanda Adamses. "Thank You" features an unexpected rock style intro before Ms La'Ontra powers in with "Come on if I tell you've got a reason to thank him/Open up your mouths and say thank you." The title track features a more standard gospel style arrangement with organ, piano, horns and guitar while "I'm In Love With This Guy" features a choir-led chorus as the singer adds some impressive flourishes. All in all, an album let down by lack of production focus and some pretty heard-it-all-before lyrics.

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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