For fans of Gospel music artist Trent Cory, his wife Keisha Cory is far from unfamiliar. The musical couple has been traveling the world together with their three children for the past five years, leading worship in churches all over the nation, and even appearing on television programs such as TBN's Praise The Lord.

 

A songwriter who has had a heartbeat for music ministry all her own ever since she was young, it was only natural that Keisha would step out on her own at some point and record a solo album. Reflecting the personal journey God has taken her on over the last several years, Cory's first release, Still Standing, delivers 10 worshipful tracks full of wisdom and praise. 

 

"Still Standing is my testimony of my journey till now," she says. "No matter how high the waters rise, we have a promise that they cannot overtake us. No matter how far the ocean is to cross, we have One with us that is walking on water, holding our hand."

 

Free-spirited and upbeat, "Sing Over Me" starts the project with a magnetic hook, offering a heaping dose of biblical truth interwoven into the praise filled lyrics. The title-track "Still Standing" comes grinding out of the gate with a rush and marvelously displays Keisha's soaring vocals. 

 

"Light Of The World" beautifully correlates the voice of God speaking light into the darkness by both creating light and sending light (Jesus) into the world. 

 

"Overwhelmed" opens with a moving piano piece that draws you into a private time of deep worship, while "I See Heaven" follows along the same soft tones, and features booming vocal cameo by her husband, Trent Cory. 

 

Showcasing another creative layer, "I Know You're There" brings to mind the likes of female vocalist Natalie Grant in Keisha's stellar vocals and an honest outpouring of harsh reality, mixed with unshaken faith: "Even when it feels like I'm falling apart, when the night falls and the fear calls, I will praise / You are holding it all, I will be strong, I will hold on."

 

Both "Pour Out Praise" and "Love Came Down (I Found A Love)" sound like they would fit right in during congregational worship, yet offer little to be excited about from a musical standpoint. 

 

Opening with a something of a magical harp interlude, "Hallelujah You Are My King" continues the low key worship melodies on the album, and offers a hymn-like tribute to the Creator in it's simple yet soul rousing lyrics: "When my life is sometimes shaken, You sustain me with Your love / Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, You're my King."

 

"I Will Sing" closes the album with a major shift in musical style, in which Keisha goes country on us! Surprisingly, the genre suits her commanding pipes well. Though it's a departure from the rest of the project, it still manages to fit right in. Filled with more inhibited praise, it brings a beautifully poignant album of worship to rest on a high note. 

 

With her soulful style of worship and powerful, resonating vocals, Keisha Cory reminds me a lot of Gospel artist Martha Munizzi, only with a distinct pop flair. The harmonious versatility she possesses has the potential to carry her far, and although the latter portion of this album falls a tad flat, somehow, Keisha's passionate praises keep you locked in and ready to listen to whatever comes next. Still Standing is still a great effort by a female vocalist that is certainly worth a mention. 

 

"I Know You‘re There" (Get it on iTunes here.)