FamilyFans Music

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THRONE ROOM

CeCe Winans / Epic Records/Wellspring Gospel

Fan Appeal: Adults

The highly anticipated THRONE ROOM from CeCe Winans is destined to be one of my all time favorites, I’m sure. The six-time Grammy Award winner has done it again with this soulful project, on which she wrote or co-wrote nearly every song.  Her smooth, hearty tones captured my heart as her passion poured forth from the first note. Plus, this project comes with a bonus - a free DVD including an interview, videos and never seen before performance footage with the first 100,000 copies purchased.

The CD is split into “Songs of Worship & Reflection” (tracks 1- 8) and “Songs of Praise and Adoration” (tracks 9-16).  With so many tracks, there’s a little something for everyone, although much of the project is a bit more reflective, aiming this project a bit more at the older teens or adult audience.  For a worship experience, however, even the younger ones will appreciate the spirit of this project.

“Jesus, You’re Beautiful” is the first cut, and this one really won me over from the start.  The beautiful acoustic and orchestrated intro leads into CeCe’s powerful interpretation.  As a songwriter, I found myself mumbling something about how I wish I could have written this beautiful offering of praise.  It says it so well.

CeCe’s arrangement of the familiar “How Great Thou Art” is definitely worth a listen.  It’s very strong and majestic.  Another favorite, “Thirst for You,” is a great vertical worship song that was a bit too distracting in the car the first time I heard it. 

“Mercy Said No” is such a powerful song with a powerful message, that only CeCe could have done it like this.  I was so moved and relieved to hear it because it really sums up the cry of a Christian’s heart.  “Life and death stood face to face, darkness tried to steal my heart away…Mercy Said No.”

What a great experience.  If you’re new to CeCe, you’re in for a real treat.  If you like Shirley Caesar or Yolanda Adams, CeCe will fast become a new favorite. I highly recommend it for those times you just want to sit and worship.  Great vocals, gospel choirs, even some fun gospel funk to liven things up a bit. 

FAMILYFANS RATING: B+

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--Eric Jaqu.