This coming Tuesday, August 30th, the incomparable Dorinda Clark Cole returns to the marketplace with her fourth solo album, I Survived (Light Records).  Dorinda’s powerhouse vocals meet expert production (Asaph Ward and Warryn Campbell) and skillful songwriting, to make I Survived a winner.

The album opens with the high-energy praise & worship “Holy One.” The band hits are absolutely infectious, punctuated by Dorinda scatting and soaring like only she can.  The momentum continues with excellent production and performance on “God Will Take Care of You,” which showcases Dorinda’s unique ability to drive a song.

The next cut, “He Brought Me” is (in my opinion) THE standout of this album. It’s the type of song that Dorinda does, and does well. It’s where she shines brightest, and her performance on it is evidence of that. It also appears to be poised as her next single– good choice!

Other great tunes on the project include ”We Believe” and “For My Good,” as well as ”Welcome,” which serves as a nice departure from the high energy and excitement of much of the other tracks on the album.  It’s a sweet and simple congregation-ready invitation for God to be among His people.

No solo album from one of gospel’s famed Clark Sisters would be complete without at least one track featuring one or more of her siblings.  And I Survived comes through on “Thank You,” written by (and featuring) Twinkie Clark. It sounds a bit more “Twinkie” than “Dorinda,” but I don’t think most Clark Sisters fans will mind.

If I had any contention about the project, it would be that its last two tracks– “This Is Why” and “Don’t Give Up”– don’t seem to be the strongest songs. They’re a bit less high-energy than the other tunes (they’re studio tracks amidst a bunch of live/”live”-styled ones), so I Survived doesn’t have the strongest finish.  I might have placed the hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ “For My Good” here instead. Regardless, Dorinda’s vocal performance on each is undeniable, so they’re worth a listen for that reason alone.

All in all, I’m more than pleased with this project. Again, it’s one of my faves to date because of how well it showcases Dorinda Clark Cole at her best, in her element. It’s worth adding to your collection, and I’ll probably bump it up to high “Dorinda rotation,” just under her debut album.