For the Rest of My Life - BeBe Winans, McKnight, Brian [1]
Jesus Children of America - BeBe Winans, Wonder, Stevie
Stand - BeBe Winans, McClurkin, Donnie
The USA may be founded on the principle of separation of church and state, but when Christian music artists attempt to cross over to the mainstream, it's hard to keep the lines from blurring. Chances are pretty good tha... more »t when BeBe Winans--one half of the duet BeBe and CeCe and a member of the acclaimed Winans family--sings of everlasting love and devotion, he is giving a shout out to the Big Fella upstairs. But this CD works on a secular level as well. The devotion here is muted--certainly far from the raise-the-roof testifying associated with gospel music. Even a cover of "Jesus Children of America" (with its author, Stevie Wonder, on board) lacks the original's grit, fire, and spirit. Most of this pleasant but less-than-compelling CD sounds like Luther Vandross-lite, which isn't suprising since Vandross did many of the vocal arrangements. But unlike Luther, who could infuse even the most maudlin sentiment with some flair, BeBe, though a gifted singer, is not a unique one. Much of this well-intentioned and well-crafted CD fades into the background, making it suitable make-out music perhaps, but not the sort of joyful noise the Lord had in mind. --Amy Linden« less
The USA may be founded on the principle of separation of church and state, but when Christian music artists attempt to cross over to the mainstream, it's hard to keep the lines from blurring. Chances are pretty good that when BeBe Winans--one half of the duet BeBe and CeCe and a member of the acclaimed Winans family--sings of everlasting love and devotion, he is giving a shout out to the Big Fella upstairs. But this CD works on a secular level as well. The devotion here is muted--certainly far from the raise-the-roof testifying associated with gospel music. Even a cover of "Jesus Children of America" (with its author, Stevie Wonder, on board) lacks the original's grit, fire, and spirit. Most of this pleasant but less-than-compelling CD sounds like Luther Vandross-lite, which isn't suprising since Vandross did many of the vocal arrangements. But unlike Luther, who could infuse even the most maudlin sentiment with some flair, BeBe, though a gifted singer, is not a unique one. Much of this well-intentioned and well-crafted CD fades into the background, making it suitable make-out music perhaps, but not the sort of joyful noise the Lord had in mind. --Amy Linden
brsilk | Groveport, Ohio United States | 09/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is too hot,you have Brian McKnight, Joe, The Great Stephanie Mills, CeCe & Marvin Winans, and Mr Music himself Stevie Wonder, all mixing with BeBe to put out one of the best CD's of the year. They do a classic Stevie Wonder song that will just (puff) blow you away. BeBe Winans sings songs the way the soul like to hear them sung. Thanks BeBe, job well done!"
A spiritual treasure
brsilk | 09/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a Winans Family fan since the early 80's. This is Bebe's greatest accomplishment. This is not a formula project, but a beautiful mix of sensitive music to speak to any occasion. I recently played it for my parents 50th anniversary celebration, it was amazing how it was enjoyed by 4 generations at the party."
Can I give it 50?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brsilk | 09/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If u like JOE & BRIAN McKNIGHT u WILL LOVE the song "COMING BACK HOME"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
BeBe At His Best...
A. Benjamin Irby | ContempoGospel Headquarters - [Brooklyn, NY] | 03/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Through many dangers, toils and snares he has already come, and it's been a long time coming but BeBe Winans is back and better than ever. His first released single "Coming Back Home", which features secular crooners Brian McKnight and Joe has raised up the Christian public's age old question about BeBe Winans... Is BeBe too secular? Personally I think that this is a silly and meaningless argument and that BeBe's relationship with God is between him and God, but I can't say I don't see where they're coming from. But, leaving that issue aside this album is BeBe's best! The album starts off with the title track "Love And Freedom", a smooth yet rousing track that'll take you from sadness into bliss. The song is also highlighted by BeBe's out-of-this-world vocals. The album then continues into it's first single "Coming Back Home", which features secular crooners Brian McKnight and Joe and is about coming back to God, even though they don't say his name. Then there's the bumpin' "What About It" and the smooth velvety "I'm In Love With You", which features background from the Gospel boy band, The Katinas. Then there's the thought provoking "How Do We" the hot "Everything To Me", another one that shows off those phenomenal vocals. After that is "Everyday" a collaboration with Stephanie Mills, who's straddling the Gospel secular fence once again for the millionth time, "My Heart", produced by Warryn 'Babi Dubb' Campbell, a hot track, with hot background from Winans and Joi Campbell, but seems a little tame for Campbell's producing style. Then there's what we've all really been waiting for, the BeBe & CeCe Winans reunion on "Tonight Tonight", which is one of their best songs ever, together or apart. Then that 'Thank You', dance hall vibe is exhibited on track 10, "Brand New Dance", produced by Louie Vega and Kenny 'Dope'. After that is 'the' BeBe ballad of the album "For The Rest Of My Life", which can be about God or whoever you want 'you' to be. To end is the highly publicized collaboration with Stevie Wonder, redoing Stevie Wonder's "Jesus, Children Of America", which won instant acclaim after they performed it on The Oprah Winfrey Show. To end the album is a remake of Donnie McClurkin's "Stand", a song that we are all tired of, but still was good. This album is hot! And shows all male contemporary Gospel soloists, what they should all aim to sound like."