Search - Karen Clark-Sheard :: Finally Karen Live

Music to the Ears, Music for the Soul

melleni | Durham, NC | 01/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Karen Clark-Sheard's solo debut was first released in 1997, I saw a big advertisement for it at my local record store, and felt the Spirit urging me to go ahead and purchase it. I ended up postponing it, however, and it wasn't until a year later, when I heard my brother playing the CD in the house (I had no idea who he was playing...), that I realized for the first time how in postponing that purchase a year ago, I had postponed my own blessing! "Who in the world is THAT? ", I asked my brother, when I heard the music coming from his bedroom. "That singing is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!" It's another year-and-a-half later, and my sentiments about 'Finally, Karen' are exactly the same. I could listen to Clark-Sheard's album all day long, every day of the week (and some days, I actully do!). It simply is THAT anointed, THAT uplifting, THAT good to the soul. Beautiful lyrics, beautiful production, beautiful singing, all the way through. There are few albums in my extensive music collection that I actually give the honorable title of 'A Favorite'; Clark-Sheard's album is not only 'A Favorite', it is THE Favorite, hands-down! For me, there is no greater soudntrack to the theme of my life--not in R&B, not in Hip-Hop, and nowhere else in gospel. There's just something about a song, about an album--about anything--when the Holy Ghost gets in it! When the Spirit intercedes, the great becomes excellent, the exceptional, extraordinary. Ms. Clark-Sheard, if you happen to be "listening" to this review, let me just say that I know the Spirit HAD to have visited you, over and over again, during the making of your album. How do I know? Because every time I put on 'Finally, Karen', I feel the witness in my soul. God bless you for blessing those of us who've been priveleged enough to hear the voice of the Lord through you."

YOU'D BE ABSOLUTELY MENTAL NOT TO BUY THIS....LOL

E | Fort Valley, GA | 09/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alright...Im going to say this only once....BUY THIS BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY...for those of you who read my reviewS know that I rarely give 5's...but this was just beyond logic..... the producers, the BGV's, the guest appearances, need I go on. If you've never been introduced to any of the Clarks..., this is the CD to purchase.

From beginning to the end the CD is brilliantly produced. Your yoke will dissipate, and your joy will increase... and you shall have strength like never before. Just for Me (written by Kelly Price).., is a great personal song more of a "in the closet prayer song". "Nothing without you" which feature Faith Evans...is great...........I realize that I am nothing without you...which is great to hear come from someone who doesn't sing gospel music..I give Evans her props for acknowledgment. Praise Festival is also another contempo melody...here I believe J Moss pushes the rap...but there is a version with Karen pushing the rap....it's nice....."I can't take it"....is a GREAT song for someone who is good at concealing their pains....I know it ministered to me. The remaining of the CD is the live portion of the CD...which is produced by none other than the musical genius D.Lawrence.....Which also features Tri-City Singers at the best.....the Clark sisters back in our eyes with old school jams....and the introduction of KiKi to the rest of the world..(cause she was already doing big things in COGIC before this)...D.Lawrence must have been a great student in school...and then to be a fan of the Clark sister really help him to pull these songs off...Jesus is a Love Song, is a Clark classic...written by Twinkie Clark in the 80's (from the Conqueror Album)...GREAT REMAKE...it really makes a difference to the present generation that the remakes are close to the originals ...because we can't find these recordings.....I really appreciate D.Lawrence not putting a big spin on the remakes...Balm in Gilead (which is another T.Clark composition that appeared on the Heart and Soul album) was just STUPID..I mean what better song to pick for the single.....POWERFUL...and INTERPETTED BETTER THAN THE ORGINAL (YEA I SAID IT)...however. ...they are not that much different. Holy thou art Holy reminds me of something Mattie Moss-Clark might have done.....really nice arrangement. and Tri-City sings under the annoiting ...Heaven is nice...sounds like something that might have been on a Tri-City Album....Couldn't Tell it If I Tried..(OMG)...Karen just told the truth...even if I tried....It would take a llllllong time....A Praying Spirit....(yet another T.Clark composition that first appeared on the Count it all Joy Album)...beautiful interpretation of this prayer.....The Will of God is another oldie that appeared on an old Mattie Moss Clark recording back in the day...but this introduces KiKi Sheard.....someone else who will carry the torch onward.....Also if you can...get the video...the Clark sisters also touch Pure Gold..which is another GREAT song....These songs have meaning that reaches the very pit of the soul....and can cause a great change....only because they are scripture-based......BUY IT....THIS IS A MUST HAVE....

"

A Balm in Gilead

Deborah | Mississippi | 04/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karen's CD has provided healing for ten years to date. I was junior and/or senior in college when I first heard her CD. Ten years later, it is one of two CDs that I listen to on my way to work. For Healing, Intimacy with God, thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty, this CD is a must."