Search - Da'Quela :: Blue Sky

Payne Outlives Pain to See "Blue Sky"

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 03/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Incredible, Psalm 23, Blue Sky



Da'Quela Payne would not let pain get her down. After being booted out for not having what it takes by "American Idol", Payne was not about to throw in the towel. Beating the odds of 16,000 contestants, she came out first on "Gifted," a faith-based "American Idol." Subsequently, she was signed to prestigious EMI Gospel imprint and "Blue Sky" is the result. Helmed by Doubledutch and Antonio Neal, "Blue Sky" as the title suggests is a breezy urban-lite contemporary effort unconfined just by the R&B genre. There is enough pop and adult contemporary to fill the quotient of likeability often expected from the constituents of such singing contests. Vocally, though Payne does not resolve to melisma or acrobats to garner our attention, she has a smothering emotionally packed voice that invites comparison to Yolanda Adams and a more demurred Mary J. Blige.



Easily the cynosure of this disc is "Incredible." A career-defining hit in the making, this piano-led ballad is a quiet worshipful reflection of the omniscience of God detailed with inspirational lines such as "with one word from you I could write a song." Worship has never been more intimately enhanced than just listening to Payne sing this Spirit-infused ballad. Though nothing towers "Incredible," another affable ballad is "Never Too Far," a more standard fare of Payne trading lines with Darwin Hobbs that could work as a love song or a worship offering to God. "Psalm 23," a newly written ballad, starts off with Payne's breathy understated vocals before she belts out at the song's crescendo.



The title cut and single "Blue Sky" has a breezy melody and incessant bass line is perfect company for a sunny day cruising in the car. The Stevie Wonder-esque piano of "So Happy" slowly introits into a multi-harmony laden mid tempo with Payne singing about not taking God's blessings for granted. However, this does not mean that the CD is perfect, there are no major flaws. Just that there were times in an attempt to abridge to the younger audience Payne tries too hard to be hip. The Kelis-like "I've Got You" has a too busy arrangement - with its mult-layered vocals, trumpets and persistent drums--drowns out Payne out vocally. "All I Need" finds Payne veering into Janet Jackson's territory without her savior fair.



As far as debut albums go, "Blue Sky" shows promise. It's a well crafted album with songs that reaches a variegated style and tempo that makes the listening experience enjoyable. Payne certainly has gone a long way to have this product out. And thank God for "Blue Sky," Payne certainly has something to say and it needs to be heard.

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