Search - Karen Clark-Sheard :: The Heavens Are Telling

Karen Clark Sheard's Done It Again

Kevin Entzminger | Hampton, Virginia, USA | 01/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karen Clark-Sheard arguably has one of the best voices in the music industry. I've been a fan of hers since 1997, and her voice, words, and power continues to amaze me. Being the son of a gospel singer myself, and also singing gospel music myself, she's definetly someone to look up to, because she has an awe-inspiring voice. "The Heavens Are Telling," CD is GREAT to me. It was good for her to do some live songs, because she sings and sounds so much better live than compared to the studio tracks she had on her last album, "2nd Chance." (WHICH WAS ALSO ANOTHER GREAT ALBUM TOO!)
My favorite song on the CD is probably, "I Owe." Though, it does remind me A LOT of Kirk Franklin's, "Hosanna," I think it was good for her to take an already great melody, and flip it to her style - and she tears it up flawlessly, as usual. I love the duet she does with Kierra Sheard on, "You Loved Me." First, Karen does that echo effect, which I think NO singer can top. Then at the end, Kierra comes in (and her voice reminded me of Beyonce a lil' bit) and she sucessfully fulfills what I call "The Clark Growl" - a singing trait I've only heard Karen and Twinkie Clark conquer. Another great song to me is, "Praise Up." It's an awesome song to bump while you driving to work, or to school.
But, no matter what song it is on the CD, they're all great. From the slow and deep, "God Is Here," to the Youthy sound of, "Go Ahead," feat. Missy Elloitt. This CD soothes me when I feel bad, and I think she has something for everyone to hear. So being a big fan of Karen, I believe that everyone should grab this CD and see what "The Heavens Are Telling.""

Karen at her best

C. Pompey | Charlotte, NC United States | 11/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those of you who were a little disappointed with Karen's last project, you won't have too many complaints about this one. This is a great CD! Karen uses the formula of her first solo project in that she recorded half of the album live and the rest in the studio. Karen hooks up again with Donald Lawrence(produced Finally Karen), who is one of the best in the business. This worship experience begins with "We Acknowledge You" a rousing praise tune that steals a page from "Best of My Love". Mary Mary joins Karen on a remake of the Andrae Crouch classic "We Are Not Ashamed". They did a wonderful job! "Glorious" was penned by Israel Houghton and is a latin flavored jam fest. Great song! "The Heavens Are Telling" lets you know that whatever the Lord does "He does it well". This is sure to strengthen your faith in God and what he can do for you. "God Is Here" was also penned by Israel Houghton, which leads me to wonder why he didn't put these two songs on his less than stellar sophomore project. "God Is Here" wil lead you write into the presence of God. It's awesome! "You Loved Me" was penned by Jill Scott and is basically a song where you get to hear Karen riffing it up. Musicians will appreciate this jazzy tune as well. Now Karen does this song with Kierra "Kiki"....whoa!! Kiki is growing up people. She is beginning to come into her own. Now the other songs she did on the previous projects were ok, but they didn't impress me all that much. This time, I found myself rewinding the song over and over. She's great! J. Moss produces the rest of the album in the particular J. Moss style(Men of Standard, Ramiyah, Dorinda Clark-Cole, etc.): Heavy beats, tight vocal arrangements, etc. I like the songs that he did, except for "Go Ahead" where Missy Elliott is rapping, which I thought was pointless. No offense, but the other songs Missy did for Karen on the last album were tight. This one isn't. The only other songs I didn't like were "Sometimes" and "Don't Change". "Don't Change" is Kierra and Karen singing about the relationship between mother and daughter and the issue with being the daughter of a star. The track is off da hook! "Sometimes" is a song that chooses to deal with how we sometimes feel as Christians and encourages us to keep going. It's actually a nice song, it just might not get repeat listens from everybody. "I Owe" is a great song and reminds you of "Hosanna" on Kirk Franklin's "Rebirth" project. This album will not disappoint any Karen fan. "Praise Up" is classic turn the volume and jam til your ears start ringing. This track is smokin! The studio songs by J. Moss are not as strong as the ones he's produced for the last two albums, but they're still good enough to make this project a strong one. The live joints are all good. You never can go wrong with Donald producing (Tri-City, Rodney Bryant, Ricky Dillard, Taralyn Ramsey, etc.). Donald knows the Clark sister flavor and knows how to augment it in the best way. Buy and enjoy. For those of you who were turned off by the last project.....buy and enjoy."

The Heavens Are Sho Nuff Telling!

C. Pompey | 11/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karen Clark Sheard definitely is being a vessel for God to use! Her 3rd project is awesome. Once again she has production by one of the best producers, James Moss (her cousin), and Donald Lawrence also produces some of the first live tracks. I enjoy "Go Ahead" feat. Missy Elliott (who is going to have the Clark Sisters on her project, too). I also like "Praise Up" which is a great dance song. "I Owe" reminds me of Kirk Franklin's "Hosanna," but is a great song, too. This project showcases Karen's daughter, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, who is representing the next generation of singers. This album needs to be in any gospel music lover's home! Like I said before, the production from J. Moss (PAJAM) is off da hook! He previously produced gospel artists such as Ramiyah (who sings background on some of Karen Clark Sheard's new CD), Hezekiah Walker, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Virtue, Men of Standard, Dawkins & Dawkins, and the list goes on! Also, watch out for Karen's son, J. Drew II, for producing on her future project. Overall, I recommend this album to anyone who loves praising Jesus! -May God Bless You-"