What You Need To Know: 
Gospel singer Kierra Shears has had quite a year. She starred as her mother, Karen Clark Sheard, in the Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel biopic that did extremely well on Lifetime. She hit some notes that made many of us shake our heads in sheer amazement. She has a clothing line dedicated to plus-size and curvy women. She has over a million followers on Instagram. And she continues to be a major inspiration to youth and young adults. One major downside to this success is the tragic loss of her grandmother, the very elegant, Willie Mae Sheard. The two were very close and the family is mourning. Despite the loss, Kierra has moved forward and dropped her new self-titled album. Already, the album has reached number one on the Gospel charts.

What it Sounds Like: 
Kierra is a mixture of live and studio tracks, similar to what the artist has offered in her older music. A formula that started on her mom’s first album, Finally Karen. Kierra’s voice can go from smooth runs to melodic pop to a good squall. The early 80s R&B uptempo style of “So Into You” has such a groove and a vibe. Her nephew, Jacob Sheard, steps in to sing with Kierra, just like she did on her mom’s first album. The legacy continues. 

“It Keeps Happening” has a pop feel, as Kierra celebrates the doors opening in her life. I love the driving nature of the triumphant “Always Win.” Kierra’s versatility is on display in “Human,” over a trap beat with well-produced vocals. She's vulnerable dealing with people who have a vision of how they think she should live. Missy Elliott, a friend of Kierra and the Clark Sisters, spits a few bars on the fun and high energy, “Please Don’t Judge Me.” Mainstream needs to pick this up,

Best Song on the Record: 
At first listen, "Better" was song that stood out to me. It's a great song to add to your workout playlist. Gospel musician Le'Andria Johnson teams with Kierra to remake the Clark Sisters’ “My Redeemer Liveth.” Both ladies gave stellar performances, honoring the legends. Kierra and fellow gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard have great musical chemistry. The two artists have collaborated on several songs prior to the new song, “Something Has to Break.” This song speaks of how God is in control, fighting for his children and breaking things that are hindering us. Insert, “I’ll Follow You” and listen to Kierra and gospel artist Todd Dulaney take us to church with the tag, “Yes I’ll go/I’ll Follow You.”  They sing of blindly, obeying God’s will and just following him. 

For Fans Of:
Karen Clark Sheard, Twinkie Clark, Keyondra Lockett, Mary Mary

Final Thoughts:
I'm so happy for Kierra Sheard. She is a great influence on so many fans and artists. I'm in awe of the amazing things happening in her life. Kierra is an album that has major crossover appeal, while not alienating her followers from the church. There is something for everyone. And, it deserves the awards that I believe she will receive for it. 

Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music