As the Gospel music explosion of the 1990s has resounded well into a new millennium, Karen Clark Sheard stands as a bridge between hallowed tradition and bold innovation. And her fourth solo album, and Word Records debut, It's Not Over, is proof positive that both the profound message and musical excitement that have always been the cornerstones of Gospel music still hold as strong and sturdy as ever. In the care of Karen, a whole generation of musical visionaries has followed in her wake.
The heart of It's Not Over was recorded live at Karen's home church, Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ, in her native Detroit, produced by the hot, hit-making team of Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey. Three studio cuts, overseen by the cutting-edge crew, PAJAM, round out the project. Showing herself in complete stylistic command of everything from bedrock, traditional Gospel to up-to-the-minute contemporary, Karen wraps her singular, signature voice around a soul-stirring set of praise & worship music that is nothing short of electrifying.
It's Not Over captures all the passion of the Gospel tradition, filtering it through ultra-modern musical sensibilities, bringing together the best of both old and new into something fresh, exciting and totally original. In what is already one of the most notable careers in Gospel music, It's Not Over is Karen Clark Sheard like you've never heard her before.
"Authority," co-written by Karen, is driving Gospel/R&B, propelled by tour-de-force vocals from Karen and her backing ensemble. Echoing the song's call to believers to use their God-given authority to make a stand against evil, the ensemble does a slow build on the one line, "Taking it back," while Karen undauntedly asserts the many good things of life she is determinedly reclaiming.
The first radio single, "Favor," starts with a whisper of gentle balladry before making its way to a crescendo of rousing praise to the Lord. "Hallelujah" is a truly transcendent take on a praise & worship classic, segueing from celestial reverence into high-octane, Sunday morning rocking.
