Chanel Mixes Up Sonic Stew on Debut
Posted June 24, 2014
By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Trin-i-tee 5:7 made a huge splash into the Gospel music scene in 1998 with their urban ballad "God's Grace" (produced by R. Kelly). They achieved two gold albums and numerous awards and nominations. Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans are just a few of the artists whom they have toured with. They went through some personnel changes before things settled down with Angel Taylor and Chanelle Haynes.
Chanel (notice the difference in spelling) drops her solo album, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 According to Chanel, which is an album that she produced with Darion Dorsey and PJ Morton (keyboardist for Maroon 5). Chanel has always been very eclectic and eccentric in her style of dress and her demeanor. It shines through on the album. She incorporates old soul music with down home Gospel music, retro 80's New Wave, EDM and a hint of alternative.
"Yeah" has that retro soul feel that acts as a call and response between God and believers. The girl can sing, and her range is very wide and even deceptive. She can go from a baritone to a first alto in one song.
Imagine coming into a church where the women are wearing various hats and the deacons are up in the front of the church in their seats. Then a sister gets up to sing one of those songs sure to touch the soul. That is what comes to mind when I hear "He." She just takes you to church as she sings of how Jesus changed her life.
Step into a time machine and pick up the likes of Madonna (Think "Vogue"), Ruth Pointer (tenor for the Pointer Singers) and mesh their styles with the song "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Add those together and the musical result will be "Go." Lyrically, Chanel lets what could be a boyfriend or good friend know that she will no longer tolerate the way she has been treated.
"You" is an ode to God and how Chanel knows her life is best with Him. This one sounds like the 80's new wave music that Thomas Dolby and Devo would kill for. Chanel's voice meshes very well with the music.
Chanel takes her own personal experience and her knowledge of others to encourage those who have aspirations of doing great things in life. She does so in the funky "SuperStar" and the ballad "Larry." Chanel sings to Jesus and refers to him as "Love" on the song of the same name. The keyboard is melded so nicely throughout, and Chanel lets her lower register flow for the song's entirety.
Closing Thoughts:
At first listen, I was thinking "OK Chanel, what are you doing?" Then I sat and listened to it from start to finish and I was left thoroughly impressed. I have always been a fan of her voice, and I know she has always been a risk taker. I believe she pulled this off very well. Although some of the songs may be a bit much for some staunch church folks, I believe she will gain some new fans.
Song to Download Now:
"Yeah" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By DwayneLacy_NRT | View DwayneLacy_NRT's Profile
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