A New Musical Journey
Posted August 09, 2017
By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
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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