After her first solo CD release four years ago, Miss Kierra Sheard’s artistry has grown into the innovative sound of new-age gospel music. Bold Right Life, Kierra’s third album, complies with the idea that music with an underlining message of Christ can be both worship centered and relevant. The new project raises the bar for Sunday morning worship and gives a voice to young believers who skip the traditional idea of church. “Praise Him Now,” the exalted lead single from the project was produced by Paul Allen & J Moss. Other A-list producers on the album include, Warryn Campbell, Alex (Asaph) Ward, Double Dutch, and newcomer J Drew. The singers debut album I Owe You broke the mold with her chart topping single “You Don’t Know.” Fans have long awaited Kierra’s third CD, in hopes of joining the movement to cross the divisional lines of your grandfathers favorite gospel tunes to the progression of now. Bold Right Life is certain to catapult Kierra’s solo career to the next level.
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ALL GROWN UP AND INCREASINGLY EXCEPTIONAL| Posted November 24, 2008
Audiences have literally watched Kierra Sheard grow up in the spotlight, though now that the singer’s out of her teens and approaching womanhood, she’s making noticeable strides at more mature sounding music. Of course, even as a burgeoning performer, there was no ignoring the singer’s bountiful range and fresh urban gospel arrangements, though these days she’s stepping up all of those characteristics another notch, even dropping her “Kiki” nickname to signify the progression.
On album opener “Won’t Hold Back,” the performer demonstrates her soulful prowess across a lyrical desire to embrace each of life’s curveballs and boldly apply them to God’s plan with praise. The piano-based power ballad “Invisible” again showcases her stunning range, but the thematic direction finds the up-and-coming star shifting the focus away from personal fame, instead asking the Lord to work through her with complete transparency. The mood is entirely vertical come “Praise Him Now,” an elegant string-enhanced selection that’s sure to find favor in Sunday morning services.
However, Sheard still keeps the purified party in her repertoire come the unavoidably vibrant “Wave Your Banner,” which falls somewhere in between Rihanna and Beyonce. But by the time the disc simmers with the easygoing gospel pop piece “Jesus,” it’s evident her focus is on the eternal (as opposed to being the next diva of the day), which can only impress her increasingly loyal audience. –Andy Argyrakis
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from Christian Music Planet. Click here to visit ChristianMusicPlanet.com today!