All in One

Audio Mixers: Marcello Pennell; Paul "PDA" Allen.
Recording information: JDS Studios, Detroit, MI; Llerol Studios, Detroit, MI; PA Systems, Detroit, MI.
Photographers: Jeffery Cross; Mark Delong.
On All in One, her first new solo album in four years, and the first on her own label, Karew Records, Karen Clark-Sheard moves further away from the churchy sound of her earlier outings and embraces a more contemporary gospel sound, tackling neo-soul ballads and 21st century pop with inventive zeal, although this is still very much a praise & worship release, just one with some very modern trimmings. Among the clear highlights are the album's first single, "Prayed Up," and the wonderful ballad "He Knows," which features a duet with sister Dorinda Clark-Cole. Church choir directors aren't going to find much here to feature at services, but these tracks are tailor-made for contemporary urban radio, which undoubtedly was the point of this recording project. ~ Steve Leggett