Shirley Caesar Albums (34)
What The Critics Say
I Know the Truth is the first release on Pastor Shirley Caesar's label Shu-Bel, in association with Artemis Gospel. On her 41st album, Caesar incorporates elements of hip-hop, old-school R&B, tender ballads, and, most importantly, her compelling vocals and spiritually themed lyrics. Among the 12 diverse tracks are the warm, yet gritty, organ/choir combo "Every Day Is Like Mother's Day," (in memory of Caesar's mother), the country-flavored weeper "Jail Bird," and the title cut featuring singer/songwriter Tonéx, who has been referred to as Contemporary Christian Music's version of Prince. With the release of I Know the Truth, it's obviously that Shirley Caesar shows no signs of slowing down. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
'Live: Taking It Back to Gospel'
Release Date 1/4/2005
Tracks 12
Label Liquid 8
See Album Tracklist and Review
'The Passion of Jesus'
Release Date 6/22/2004
Tracks 10
Label Liquid 8
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The title and cover art of this album -- both more than a little similar to that of 2004's blockbuster film The Passion of the Christ -- prove that there's room for bandwagon-jumping in gospel just as there is in less spiritual forms of pop music. That said, The Passion of Jesus is yet another of Shirley Caesar's effortless-sounding updates of traditional gospel sounds. Though the album remains rooted in the black gospel tradition, synthesizers, drum machines, and other of-the-moment touches are subtly mixed into the arrangements, so that songs like "He's Got a Love That Will Last Forever" sound almost like quiet storm-format R&B love songs, and the funky, hip-hop-influenced "Heavenly Father" swings with an updated version of the '70s soul grooves that Al Green and Willie Mitchell perfected. None of it sounds like a cynical crossover attempt, however, because the focus of the songs is always on Caesar's phenomenal voice and her impassioned delivery of the testifying lyrics. Despite the cash-in suggested by the title and cover, The Passion of Jesus sounds 100 percent sincere. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
'Every Day Is Mothers Day'
Release Date 5/11/2004
Tracks 11
Label Liquid 8
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Be Careful of the Stones You Throw'
Release Date 3/30/2004
Tracks 12
Label Liquid 8
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Like all the great gospel singers, Shirley Caesar is a survivor; she began with The Caravans, and she's still a star. Sheer vocal talent aside, and as this fine pop-gospel hit album from a couple of years ago confirms, she has always managed to steer a course between conservatism and selling out, in the enduring gospel tradition of drawing on the secular music of its time. ~ John Storm Roberts, Original Music, All Music Guide
