The ten-song album, which features the hit lead single and title track "Bigger Than Me," not only showcases Le'Andria's vocal prowess, but her versatility as an artist. On Bigger Than Me, Le'Andria introduces fans to a new sound with a diverse array of songs such as "All I Got," "Holy Ghost" and "Change Is Now" which range from ballads to up-tempo. She says, "I was encouraged to try new things vocally to bring out new sounds and textures... I was able to be more expressive with this album."
"All I Got" is the album's second single and holds a particularly special place in Le'Andria's heart. Written and produced by Harmony and Kelly, the song was inspired by her brother, Gregory Allen Johnson, Jr., who passed away a short time before she began recording Bigger Than Me. Le'Andria recently released the video for "All I Got," (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvmt3n1Lg-Y), directed by Derek Blanks, which she dedicated to her brother's memory.
Le'Andria hopes that Bigger Than Me will uplift and encourage and help people understand that the things we experience, for better or worse, are much bigger than us. She says, "I want my listeners to never give up! To always know there is a sunny day and you can spread your wings beyond the box -- beyond religion, beyond the music. You can live your life in a different way - with unity, loving more and developing your own relationship with God."
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Le'Andria Johnson is known for her powerhouse voice and overcoming some crazy odds to get to where she is now. If someone is needed to "bring down the house" and really work a song, she's the one to call. Her new album Bigger Than Me showcases a different side of Le'Andria, taking us on a new musical journey. She worked with producers Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, who are known for their work in R&B and pop. Additional production comes from Stanley Brown.
There are times on the album where Le'Andria's voice channels Tina Turner. This is pretty evident on the 80s pop tinged "Love Anymore." This song basically calls on simply love, especially in a time where people are unfortunately expecting Christians to be unloving. She has (in sometimes very unconventional and controversial ways) reached out to those who seem unlovable to the masses. So "Love Anymore" is a challenge that the singer clearly takes to heart.
Although some may want to pigeonhole Le'Andria to the songs where she can squall throughout, adding more to her musical repertoire makes her even more special. She owns every minute of this album. She petitions God to basically renew and change her on "Come Through," a feel good R&B song that you could play at a get together. Sit back, relax and totally relate to "Wait on You," which is followed by the encouraging church solo "Change is Now" (co-written by Le'Andria). I have to admit, "Change is Now" ends too early, and I cannot wait to hear her sing this live.
"Holy Ghost" nicely marries some retro 60s soul with some signature Le'Andria Johnson adlibs. Stanley Brown makes sure that she does not stray too far from the Gospel sound as Le'Andria sings that she has been "Gone Too Long" from the presence of God.
The Bottom Line: Bigger Than Me is a very well put together album that shows the amazing chemistry that Le'Andria has with producers Claude Kelly, Church Harmony and Stanley Brown. It also proves that she can sing a variety of styles, and she will not be boxed up. Not that awards are the ultimate goal for a Gospel artist, but I can definitely see this album being nominated for some Stellar and Dove Awards.
Song to Download Now:
"Come Through" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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