Famed and legendary gospel vocalist Karen Clark Sheard returns to the marketplace with her newest solo project, All In One, tomorrow, April 6th.
I want to start out and by being verrrry clear– the album is NOT in the same style, musically, as her heralded solo debut, Finally Karen. So, don’t expect that type of project.
Fortunately, you won’t be disappointed– the project absolutely stands strongly on its own. In fact, I may go so far as to say that it is one of my favorite solo albums from Karen Clark Sheard to date… it’s just a lil’ different.
With production from her son, J Drew Sheard II, and her cousin, J Moss, the album definitely offers a more contemporary/urban vibe, as a whole, than her previous projects. But it works well, as Karen Clark Sheard, one of the greatest vocal influences across genres of the music biz, commands in-the-pocket performances on each of the album’s 11 tracks.
All In One opens with the single “Prayed Up,” which continues to gain airplay at radio across the nation. I loved it from the moment I heard it, though I must admit that it is not the strongest track on the album. The single is followed by the energetic “Hold On,” before landing at the quartet-reminiscent “Blessings.” Karen soars on its vamp as the background vocals just repeat a heart-resounding “thank ya.”
The project then moves to what may be my favorite song on the album, “I Made A Choice.” The track is urban in all of the right ways– a soulful melody laid over a great beat with straightforward instrumentation… and another killer vamp. It’s got such a mellow vibe to it that you’d almost think it was her daughter, Kierra Sheard, laying the smooth vocals. Up next is “Take Me,” a catchy song that does, in fact, feature her daughter, Kierra, along with niece Angel Chisholm, daughter of Jacky Clark Chisholm.
From there, the album continues– great tune after great tune– with solid performances on “Good,” “Because Of You,” “Crazy Praise,” and the musical ear candy offered on the PAJAM-produced “What He Did.” The album slows again with Karen’s duet with sister Dorinda Clark Cole on “He Knows” before the album wraps up with “Have Your Way.”
I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that, in listening, I had a couple of moments where I hoped the next track would be a good ol’ churchy tune like “I Couldn’t Tell It If I Tried” or “Heaven.” But, I’m rather glad there weren’t any to be found. The project is a cohesive unit on its own… an awesome urban addition to her solo library, replete with great songs, great production and staggering vocal performances, “all in one.”
Again, the project drops tomorrow, but you can click here to click here to pre-order
Thank you. I've been hearing many good things. I will check it out.
*high fives in agreement* I Made a Choice is just ughhhh! I LOVE that track!
GOOOO KAREN CLARK SHEARD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE BEST EVER!!!
Yeah I pre ordered my cd. I wish I could hear it tonight. I know the background vocals are gonna be crazy. If they are compared to Kierra's then they are hot. Go Karen.... Cant wait.
I love it. I love I Made A Choice , Good and Have Your Way. It is her best to date. You can preview the entire project here....http://www.bet.com/music/newreleases/961185/Karen%20Clark-Sheard?cid=itunesB I will be picking it tomorrow.
I bought the album last week and I can't seem to stop playing it.It's one of those albums where I like every song on it.My absolute favorite song on the project would have to be He Knows with Dorinda,It's a hit. I give the album 5 stars.
Okay I just got my copy. I kinda feel like some of the songs are too short. Instead of fading the beat out I think they could have let them continue on some of them, I mean some of her live songs are even longer. Im just saying but I love Karen.
I have been listening to the whole album..... ma fav. tracks are HE KNOWS, GOOD and I HAVE MADE A CHOICE, simply bananas!!, PAJAM's at it again. Go Karen! much love from Sheffield, England.
Long overdue! Karen puts her foot down in her highly anticipated album, All In One. I love it from beginning to end. I was lookin forward to her signature "echo's" but I assume by this being a studio album, she wanted to keep it smooth because her echo's are fierce! Nevertheless, the girl is singing her heart out and you NEED to get it ASAP!
God bless you, Karen! I'm LOVING the new album!!!
Truly enjoying Karen's project. Its fresh and crisp!! 2 thumbs up!!
I'm loving this project and her message is just speaking directly to me!! This really blessed me!! GO KCS!!!
COME ON KAREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSS KAREN CLARK SHEARD IS SHOWING OUT ON THIS ALBUM!! EVERYONE SHOULD GO GET!!! THIS ALBUM HAS A GREAT MESSAGE!!! LETS SUPPORT KCS!!!
Karen is my favorite singer, so I know I going to get it regardless, judging by the samples I rate it a 3/5. I love her contemporary style but I love her traditional side too,that is when she is really killing it. I am anxious to have this cd in my hands, I know she is going to kill every song. If this cd is anything like 2nd chance, than I know it is going to be banging because that is my second favorite next to Finally Karen! Thanks for the recap, I would be coping that cd!
I do love, admire, and respect 1st lady Karen Clark Sheard her anointed gifts and talent as well. I do wish I'd read this review first however before purchasing this particular project. Wait!!! ... Before anyone becomes offended or questions my musical taste .... After listening to the project I'm aware that her demographic target projectile for this product is a more "youthful" audience. I now understand that. In the "business" of music one has to make every effort for a profitable produced product. It's "my" opinion that an artist the caliber of Karen Clark Sheard with the scope of such an established ministry has room to do both ( make music that continues to reach "ALL" demogrphics) and that her sales will always remain steady and successful. I appreciate contemporary gospel music it ministers as well. I will however remain loyal to the core traditional origins of gospel music where the cadences, melodies, harmonies, and musical arrangements and NOT just ONLY the lyrics feed & minister to the whole spirit of man as food for the soul. I've been a part of the church all my life for well over four decades, seemingly since the industry of gospel music has become "big business" there seems to be a breaking and drifiting away from our core value of what pure, raw, gospel music really is. It's almost as if those in the gospel industry now shy away from it, no longer relate to what got them started & gave them their first love. What catapulted them in the success of their ministry. If i've heard it once? I've heard it a thousand or so times now from those whom aren't saved or attend church on a regular basis. They always say .... "man gospel music now sounds so secular, or I thought that was a club song, or a "feel good" jam, or ( I went to church and thought I was still at the club!" Laughing when they say it! ) That annoys me sometimes. They say "man when I come to church it's usually because i need help. hurting, depressed, confused, seeking answers and most of the music is gospel jams?" "We be wanting and needing to hear something old school (even with a slight mod twist to it is ok) as long as it ministers to me, inspires me, and encourages me. NOT all the same beats that I heard at the club last night, cause when I get in trouble I NEED JESUS, not him, you, it they can't help me partner!" That's what they say! GOD makes room for all HIS gifts true. Yet I do realistically realize that everyone is not called to be a Kirk Franklin, A Winans, or a Clark Sisters! Remember? Jesus the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. HE never changes only we do. I hope for a more diverse product from Sister Karen Clark Sheard in the future with more producers like Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Shep Crawford, Norman Hutchinson, Twinkie Clark etc. With a mixture of old Dr. watts standard classics "Karenized style" backed with a Hammond B3, some drums, and tambourines put the U back in CHuRCH saints! Peace, Love, Respect.
I purchased a copy from Best Buy during my lunch break. I noticed that our very own EJ of Gospelpundit got a shout-out in the "Thank You" liner notes. ;) Thumbs up!
Got this cd today and I am totally loving this release. EJ you are right to strongly advise any and everyone to purchase this release. I have been playing All In One all day. I love how Karen continues to evolve as an artist. I love how she incorprates some traditional touches here and there and I love the fragrance of worship she places here and there. This cd is definitely a must have. I pray God continues to increase Karen and her ministry in unlimited ways. Her message of Jesus Christ always remains at the forefront in everyone of her releases. It doesn't matter if it's a traditional sound or more urban one....reach the masses KCS...KEEP LIFTING JESUS UP!!!
Oh yeah I agree that this is defintely one of Karen's best releases to date!!!!
I got my copy last night at the Karen Clark Sheard experience and KCS autographed it for me! ***smiling from ear to ear***Yeah!
Very great production! Definitely cohesive. Thanks EJ for the review. It was very on point. I'm impressed with this one b/c after 2nd Chance the production was a little inconsistent with the overall message of the albums. I'm loving this one!
I agree with you Ken, it's definitely a cohesive work. Karen and her husband Rev J.Drew Sheard have really raised up some talented children. Between this release and his featured work on James Fortune album, I suspect we'll be hearing more of J.Drew II in the future. Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood both gave their praise yesterday on their Twitter pages. When you get a co-signing between TWO GIANTS of their caliber, what do you do with yourself? L.O.L.
2nd Chance is my fave Karen album.. love the urban feel of that record along with the more traditional second half but it still remains contemporary. And Karen's first album was more urban than I always thought of it. But anyway, I think this is going to be my second favorite album from KCS.. We love you Karen!!!
This album shows that Karen's ministry can certainly attract the young and the old. I bought this on iTunes a week ago and cannot stop listening to it or talking about it to everyone I see. Thanks so much EJ for your review - I read it after I bought the album, and I dittoed everything that you said. Thanks be to God for not only giving this woman of God so much talent, but showering His anointing all over it!