Karen Clark-Sheard Albums (6)
'It's Not Over'
Release Date 1/24/2006
Tracks 12
Label Word Entertainment
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Karen Clark-Sheard was the second gospel powerhouse who found herself without a label home after the implosion of Elektra Records in the mid-2000s (the first one was Yolanda Adams). The singer's free agency ignited a bidding war of sorts in the gospel market; she had, after all, the most prominent solo career of all the Clark Sisters. As if coming full circle, the songstress finally settled with Word Records, the same record label she and her siblings left in the early '90s for greener pastures, just as the group's star was diminishing following Twinkie Clark's decision to launch a ministry of her own. Admittedly, the new Word was no longer experienced in contemporary gospel, but it still had all the intentions of making It's Not Over, Clark-Sheard's fourth solo recording, a smash success in the genre. Recorded at the singer's home church and handled by producers-of-the-moment Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey, It's Not Over, on paper at least, had all the makings of a blockbuster. More often than not, it actually sounds like one, especially when it appears as if Clark-Sheard were suddenly fronting Israel & New Breed: the Latinized "Authority" has the supergroup's fingerprints all over it, as does rousing opener "Rejoice and Be Glad," a knockout call to worship like only the Houghton/Lindsey tandem can write. The concert can be motivating, exciting even, yet at the same time so grand and ambitious that, in due time, the cracks begin to show, and the album's colossal arrangements, vocalizations, layers, movements, and whatever else gets piled on top make it sag under its own weight. Even as Clark-Sheard pays homage to her family heritage during a half-reverent, half-churchified medley of worship oldies ("The Lord's Prayer," "Oh the Glory of His Presence"), things are overdone to the point of tiresomeness. Interestingly, the only time the grandiosity works is during the fiery, COGIC (Church of God in Christ)-styled floor stomper "Hallelujah," a handclapper so strong it could grab even the staunchest non-charismatic by the lapels. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
'The Heavens Are Telling'
Release Date 1/1/2003
Tracks 11
Label Elektra
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Powerful, inspirational, and just downright gifted, Karen Clark-Sheard was already a successful artist as part of the Gospel Hall of Fame group the Clark Sisters when her 1997 solo debut Finally Karen launched her into a whole new stratosphere of popularity. The combination of her energetic voice with R&B/hip-hop-infused gospel songs pushed that album and its follow-up, 2nd Chance, to levels of crossover success rarely experienced by a gospel artist. Clark-Sheard's third disc, The Heavens Are Telling, incorporates the best elements of her previous outings by showcasing six new live performances alongside five new studio tracks. Rarely does this formula coalesce into a solid listen, as one set of tracks tends to overshadow the other; but in Clark-Sheard's case it works well as the enormity of her voice and depth of her message remain consistent throughout. Recorded in Detroit at the church where her husband serves as senior pastor, the live tracks (which successfully blend in studio overdubs) bristle with energy right from the start, as Clark-Sheard's commanding voice thrillingly demands attention in the jubilant R&B workout "We Acknowledge You." She maintains that joyous intensity on each successive live track, diversely moving through songs like the upbeat Stevie Wonder-ish "Glorious (Make the Praise)" and the gorgeous pop/R&B gospel ballad "God Is Here." The studio tracks, although more urban in tone, comfortably follow as the invigorating hip-hop of "Go Ahead" leads the way with guest Missy Elliott reshaping her songs "Work It" and "Slide" into praising raps. Once again working with her 2nd Chance writers/producers, Clark-Sheard effortlessly sings a set of songs that any R&B diva would be ecstatic to record -- especially when many of them are settling for mediocre retreads. Whether in the studio or on the stage, Karen Clark-Sheard sounds completely in her element and in command and totally committed to her music, her audience, and her message. Although her talent was already apparent as part of the Clark Sisters, it seems that going solo further enhanced her gifts and The Heavens Are Telling lets her rising star shine brilliantly. ~ Aaron Latham, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The name Karen Clark-Sheard has been synonymous with music fans for more than two decades, basically due to her association with her sisters Dorinda, Jacky, and Twinkie, collectively known as the Clark Sisters. Sheard's 1997 debut solo effort, the critically acclaimed Finally Karen, increased her already large fan base, with the assistance of special guest Donald Lawrence, urban music chanteuse Faith Evans, the Clark Sisters, and her daughter Kierra Sheard. The project garnered Sheard a Grammy nomination, a Lady of Soul award, and four Stellar awards. Her Elektra Records debut, the 2002 release 2nd Chance, pairs Sheard with some of the top production talent within the music industry, including Walter Milsap, Lawrence, the PAJAM Production team of J. Moss and Paul D. Allen, Tim & Bob, Mike City, Richard Smallwood, and Missy Elliott. Elliott shows that she can do more than produce hot hip-hop beats through the tracks "Only Call on Jesus" and "Higher Ground." Sheard gives masterful performances on both tracks, joined on the latter by fellow gospel divas Kim Burrell, Mary Mary, and Yolanda Adams. Sheard pours her heart and soul into the beautiful "If I Can't Say a Word," written and produced by Lawrence. Sheard even displays her own production and songwriting talents on the captivating "It's Not Over." The project's remaining tracks features a mixture of urban-flavored and traditional gospel-laced material. ~ Tim A. Smith, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After spending most of her life singing with her siblings in the Clark Sisters, Karen Clark-Sheard released her debut solo album, Finally Karen, in 1997. Listeners already knew from the Clark Sisters that Karen possessed a wonderful, powerful voice, but Finally Karen confirms the depth and range of her talent. From the outset, it's clear that she has decided to broaden her appeal by bringing in urban R&B influences. Clark-Sheard works with producer/songwriter Donald Lawrence, Stanley Brown, James Moss, the Tri-City Singers, and Faith Evans, and the result is a joyous, inspirational album, largely recorded live at Detroit's Bailey Cathedral. It's alternately celebratory and reflective, and it confirms that Karen Clark-Sheard is a talent in her own right. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
