Vanessa Bell Armstrong Albums (10)
What The Critics Say
Vanessa Bell Armstrong's Walking Miracle is a comeback in every sense of the term. After a series of career setbacks and health issues that nearly silenced her for good, the singer got back up, dusted herself off, and signed with EMI Gospel to revitalize her career. But don't let the label association misguide you: Walking Miracle is best described as an urban AC disc with strong contemporary R&B elements, not unlike the material the songstress recorded during her much-maligned Jive years, except unabashedly spiritual in content. For proof, look no further than the sultry, Rodney Jerkins-produced title track to realize this: it has "slow jam" written all over it. Gospel's own Smokie Norful and Cedric Thompson oversee the two churchier cuts ("So Good to Me," "Wait"), but these are by no means representative of Walking Miracle, as the disc has more in common with Bell Armstrong's would-be crossover past than her schooling at the feet of COGIC matriarch Mattie Moss Clark. Regardless, the late Clark Sisters' mother would still be proud, particularly when Bell Armstrong channels her pedigree in songs like "Seasons," "Watch Me," and "Fall in Love Again," all of which bear a strong resemblance to the slicker side of Karen Clark-Sheard and even Kierra "KiKi" Sheard. For a songbird in her fifties, she really nails the style -- a stylish, stylized urban blend that she owns with the confidence and aplomb of Aretha and Patti LaBelle. Bell Armstrong sounds so good and soulful at it, in fact, that had she done away with the gospel stuff -- whose only purpose, really, is to have something to pitch to gospel radio -- the disc would be the comeback of the year. As it stands, Walking Miracle is just a comeback -- a very good one, at that, but one that still needs a little extra to really push it over the top. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Contemporary gospel music veteran Vanessa Bell Armstrong sports a new musical attitude on her debut project for the Tommy Boy Gospel label, entitled A Brand New Day. Under the production guidance of brother duo Deitrick and Gerald Haddon, the project finds Armstrong involving herself in an area she has always shunned, songwriting, having shared the writing credits on four songs. The Haddon brothers give Armstrong a vibrant, more youthful feel through their production, which can be readily noticed through the rock-flavored, guitar-dominated, Tina Turner-sounding track "He's Real" and the hip-hop-juiced "Make a Way." The calypso-dominated "There's No Failure in God" features Armstrong performing a duet with her daughter, Melody Armstrong. Overall, this recording ushers in a brand new day for a reborn Vanessa Bell Armstrong. ~ Tim A. Smith, All Music Guide
'Desire of My Heart: Live in Detroit'
Release Date 4/28/1998
Tracks 11
Label Verity
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What The Critics Say
Recorded live in Detroit, Desire of My Heart: Live is an excellent record that captures the passion and soul at the heart of Armstrong's music. Supported by Pastor Marvin Winans and the Perfecting Praise Choir, as well as several family members, she runs through many of her best-known and popular songs. Often these versions eclipse the studio versions in terms of passion, making the record a must for Armstrong fans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On The Secret Is Out, Vanessa Bell Armstrong turns in one of her most straightforward gospel recordings, with all of the material being written and produced by John P. Kee, whose choir provides musical support. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This contemporary urban gospel has a traditional shouting style and vague lyrics for its gospel content. ~ Bil Carpenter, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Traditional hymns that are given "Holiness" treatment. ~ Bil Carpenter, All Music Guide
'The Truth About Christmas'
Release Date 8/15/1990
Tracks 10
Label Jive
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What The Critics Say
While the songs range from spectacular to disapponting, Vanessa Bell Armstrong's singing is uniformly excellent on this '90 collection of crossover gospel and light, urban contemporary pop and R&B. Armstrong's declarative, assertive delivery and triumphant manner make the good songs great and the one or two great ones unforgettable. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
