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by R.J. Carter Published: August 19, 2005
Purified is the latest in a long string of inspirational R&B/Worship style albums from a woman after God's own heart, CeCe Winans. That said, this album doesn't fit neatly into either category, but is something that stands uniquely on its own as a blending of both. You'll hear some of the songs on secular stations, and you'll hear some of them on CCM stations -- and you might even hear a couple play on both. The music is tropically themed, the lyrics mature and artful, and the content is spiritually uplifting even when the song isn't directly gospel.The album opens with "Mama's Kitchen," a hearkening back to better times, and a plea: The spiritual theme really takes off with the already-released single "Pray" (featuring nephew Mario Winans). Purified continues its focus on prayer with the soft jazz melodies of "Just Like That" and on praise with the rapid beat of "Let Everything" which echoes Psalms 150:6, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD." (Although one expects the psalmist would be quite out of breath had he performed the lyrics in just this way.) "You Will" is a soft, soulful tune that drives home the promise of God's unchanging love, and is complemented by the similarly styled and themed "All That I Need." "I Promise" further reinforces the Caribbean feel of the music of the album, which begins with the introductory strums of "Mama's Kitchen" and builds to a hip-hop siesta with "A Place Like This." The crown jewel of this set, however, is "Colorful World," a hauntingly lilting and inspiring piece that tackles the weighty problem of prejudicial discrimination, reminding us to celebrate our differences, not let them divide us... ...emphasizing that what's in the heart matters most of all. That Winans accomplishes the delivery of message without treading into preachy condemnation territory is a wondrous thing, and will thus hopefully instill itself in the hearts and minds of those who need to hear and understand. The album is unrelentingly upbeat, and I mean that in mood, not rhythm. Although there are the few bits (too few) that make you want to get up and dance, Purified is, by and large, a collection of body-swaying, uplifting songs of faith, family, and fellowship make you want to close your eyes and recline for maximum enjoyment. A beach and a sunset wouldn't be out of place, and if you're planning a sandy-shore wedding, you couldn't go wrong with the written-to-be-a-wedding-song "I Promise." Highly recommended. Grade: B+ Additional Links: Official CeCe Winans Site |
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