As the Gospel music explosion of the 1990s has resounded well into a new millennium, Karen Clark Sheard stands as a bridge between hallowed tradition and bold innovation. And her fourth solo album, and Word Records debut, It's Not Over, is proof positive that both the profound message and musical excitement that have always been the cornerstones of Gospel music still hold as strong and sturdy as ever. In the care of Karen, a whole generation of musical visionaries has followed in her wake.
The heart of It's Not Over was recorded live at Karen's home church, Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ, in her native Detroit, produced by the hot, hit-making team of Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey. Four studio cuts, overseen by the cutting-edge crew, PAJAM, round out the project. Showing herself in complete stylistic command of everything from bedrock, traditional Gospel to up-to-the-minute contemporary, Karen wraps her singular, signature voice around a soul-stirring set of praise & worship music that is nothing short of electrifying.
It's Not Over captures all the passion of the Gospel tradition, filtering it through ultra-modern musical sensibilities, bringing together the best of both old and new into something fresh, exciting and totally original. In what is already one of the most notable careers in Gospel music, It's Not Over is Karen Clark Sheard like you've never heard her before.
"Authority," co-written by Karen, is driving Gospel/R&B, propelled by tour-de-force vocals from Karen and her backing ensemble. Echoing the song's call to believers to use their God-given authority to make a stand against evil, the ensemble does a slow build on the one line, "Taking it back," while Karen undauntedly asserts the many good things of life she is determinedly reclaiming.
The first radio single, "Favor," starts with a whisper of gentle balladry before making its way to a crescendo of rousing praise to the Lord. "Hallelujah" is a truly transcendent take on a praise & worship classic, segueing from celestial reverence into high-octane, Sunday morning rocking.
The PAJAM-produced "Blessed" pulsates with a choral/urban vibe that shows Karen to be firmly in command of the contemporary Gospel genre in which she herself has had a large hand in creating and innovating throughout her career. "You Showed Me" is a tender, heart-rending ballad of thanks to God for his untold blessings that soars to celestial heights, while "A Living Testimony" is Gospel with a daring, driving urban edge.
As the youngest member of the legendary Clark Sisters, and daughter of Gospel pioneer Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Karen was part of one of the most popular and defining Gospel music families of the '80s and '90s. Recording their first album in 1980, Karen and her sisters helped alter the course of modern Gospel music with their classic hit, "You Brought The Sunshine."
Karen began singing with the group at the age of seven and stayed with them until in 1997, when, with her sisters' blessings, she embarked on a solo career, releasing Finally Karen in the fall of that year. The album was an out-of-the gate smash, selling over 300,000 units, and garnering four Stellar Awards and a Grammy nomination.
Karen's powerful soprano and multi-textured vocal runs and riffs have become signatures of her singular vocal style, and her talents have given inspiration to legions of followers, including mainstream R&B and pop stars like Mariah Carey, Kelly Price, Missy Elliott and Faith Evans, who, crediting Karen and the Clark Sisters as one of the great musical inspirations of her life, dueted with Karen on a cut from Finally Karen.
Karen expresses gratitude for the praises of other such gifted artists, and also sees an opportunity to have an impact that is more than musical. "I talked with Missy Elliott," she recalls, "and we began just chatting about music; but it wasn't long before she told me how a number of the Clark Sisters' songs had really helped her get through difficult situations in her life. That really enlightened me to the influence Gospel music can have on lots of people who we may not have any idea we are impacting for the Lord. Faith Evans and I had a similar conversation that began with music and singing as our common denominator; but she grew up in the church too, and she's no stranger to the Word. And beyond the very gracious compliments she paid me, and of even far greater significance to me, was her telling me my songs had touched her life in important ways. Ministry is what I'm all about, and when I hear testimonies like that, it's very, very encouraging to me."
Karen balances a life of music and ministry with her home life in Detroit as the wife of Greater Emmanuel's pastor, Reverend J. Drew Sheard, and the mother of two musically gifted children, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard - now a major-label recording artist in her own right - and John Jr. (J. Drew,) an aspiring producer who in fact already has two big-league credits on his résumé, having produced a pair of songs on his sister's hit debut project.
Even with more achievements, acknowledgement and success to her credit than many people achieve in an entire lifetime, Karen speaks of the future like a woman whose mission and ministry has only just begun.
"I looked at the world and I feel like there is a whole side of it that hasn't even been reached," she concludes. "There are so many millions of people who've never heard the Gospel message. And as long as there's even one soul that hasn't heard that message, my work here has not yet been accomplished. And it is work, but it's a calling, and it's a blessing, and it's a job that is never finished."
Waddup, Karen Clark Sheard Im just stopppin by to let you know about the joint I produced for TONEX and it is rediculous!! You should check it out on my page.
Hey Ms. Karen. I love ur music so much. I love ur new albulm. I said there is no way she can top her last albulm, but of course u did. Thanks for being a blessing in my life.
your Cd has really been a blessing in my life. listening to your Cd has gotten me through some trials and tribulations keep singing so that you can bless others like have blessed me. God bless you
Lawd Ha'Mercy...............you be sangin!!!!!! I mean, I'on unduhstand!!! I was listnin to your cd, and I was like, "Mane, how she do that wit huh voice?!?!?!?!?!? Dawg, dat's cold!!!!"
But all Ebonics aside, you have an excellent voice and it is so beautiful!!! I love it and I love you!!!! Keep doin wuchu do!!! Please!!!
HEY KAREN,
JUST STOP BY TO SHOW SOME LUV, AND TO SAY THANX FOR THE ADD ON, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO RICHLY BLESSED YOU AS YOU BLESSED THE WORLD WITH THAT MEDICINE THE BIBLE CALLS MUSIC.
( MUSIC IS MEDICINE TO THE SOUL)
THANX AGAIN AND GOD BLESS
PEACE & LUV
CAROL.
hello most talented and anointed singer, I can't wait till you come to wichita kansas in May, I am suppose to open for you when you come, we are going to have an awsome time in the lord, May God continue to bless and keep you!
Hey Karen how are you women of God just wanted to tell you that your new CD is the bomb I love it I love the song you showed me and i was just here sending you some love from me to you bless you and your family.
I know He loves me...and thanks for expressing that Karen...so, my 12 grade went on Kairos and I was one of 4 speakers...I used your song "right there" from 2nd chance...I told you in the email, that album saved my life-well, the God in the album. Thanks a lot and mom says hi~~
Thank you so much for the add. I remember when I first became a christian I was definitely a Clark Sister fan. I know you go way back. I love your style. I hope that you continue to stick around like Shirley Caesar! God Bless
