In stores today is Kierra Sheard’s Free, an urban and pop-themed praise and worship album featuring tons of energy, inimitable vocal acrobatics and Kierra’s BRL Choir. With it, she stands firmly in a space of gospel music that may not have even existed previously, and she sets the bar for others to follow, if they can.
Kierra’s first release on her parents’ label, Karew Records, Free is intricately produced by her brother, J Drew Sheard II, and was recorded live in Chicago earlier this year.
Fans will appreciate her cover of Chris Tomlin’s ”Indescribable,” the playfully melodic “People,” and the whimsical choir cut “Victory,” which features James Fortune (it’s my personal fave on the project).
Other standout tracks include the hard-driving single “You Are,” the pop-flavored “War,” with a chorus that reminds me a bit of something the Black Eyed Peas might do, “Since I Found Christ” with Mali Music, and the title track, “Free.”
Kierra Sheard has said that this album is her best to date, implying that it represents her better than any other. Consumers may be surprised to hear that, as many considered her 2006 sophomore album, This Is Me, to be sonically definitive of her artistry. Or, at least we want it to be.
But it’s clear– on Free, Kierra is probably most “herself.” She is vulnerable and transparent, at times absolutely overcome with emotion and tears as she worships God or challenges the crowd to a lifestyle of holiness.
Undoubtedly, Free is a musical wonderland with plenty to take in. I had to listen repeatedly to even get a sense of all that was happening. Still, I can’t help but wonder if a segment of her earlier audience will feel a bit lost among the complicated melodies and arrangements.
For those expecting an urban album, this isn’t it. For those expecting a churchy project, it isn’t that, either. Free is the recorded result of a live worship experience featuring Kierra and the BRL Choir singing songs as imaginative as they could dream, reaching out to a God as mighty, but as personal, as He is.
Free is in stores NOW. Listen to snippets and/or buy it right here–
EJ, hmmm. It's not urban, not churchy, yet dreamy. That's a new genre within the genre itself. This is the one cd that was most anticipated for some great music. Let me take a listen and I will get back to you about a month later after I finish digesting it among LeAndria and Jessica Reedy's.
I can't say that I was always a fan of Kierra Sheard, but this new project has captured me. I'm a fan now. The gospel music industry needed a project like this; good looks, Kierra!
very well written as usual. i had the pleasure of attending the session. i said as i sat there that Kierra has created a new lane, refused to be boxed in and she seemed super happy. I love the project myself.
FREE is my favorite ! been a fan of Kierra since the begining..and this latest project is incredible ! loving it ! S/O to Ki Ki , J Drew, BRL
This is a great Cd! I love every single song and I can't decide which one is my favorite. I love how this CD leads you into pure worship. Then you can get your preaise on with the funky tunes at the end. I love alllll of Kierra's cd's....literally but I think this is the best one yet.
The anointing makes the difference! Well done Kierra! http://holychick.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/kierra-...
LUVVV IT KEEEEE!!!!!!
LOVE EVERY BIT OF THIS CD! WISH I WAS THERE SO I COULD JUST LAY ON THE FLOOR IN WORSHIP! DEFTNLY THE BEST YET! I FEEL MUCH BETTER IS TO COME! KEEP IT MOVIN HIGHER KIERRA! I GOT WHAT I NEEDED FROM THIS PROJECT!